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Difficult start gets worse for 0-5 Bucs

Staff photo by CLIFF McBRIDE

Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims show the frustration of the Bucs' winless start to 2009.

By IRA KAUFMAN

ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: October 12, 2009

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PHILADELPHIA - It's been quite a fall for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In 2003, the defending NFL champions celebrated the opening of Lincoln Financial Field with a 17-0 triumph that silenced a Monday night crowd poised for revenge.

Sunday, the Bucs found themselves trailing the Eagles 21-7 at the half, despite eight Philadelphia penalties for 75 yards.

"Thank God we're playing Tampa today," said appreciative ex-Eagles linebacker Ike Reese, now a sports talk radio host in Philadelphia.

When the Bucs, who lost Sunday 33-14, entertain the 1-3 Panthers on Sunday, attempting to avoid the first NFL blackout in Raymond James Stadium history, they will also be trying to avert the franchise's first 10-game losing streak since 1977.

"I still believe in the guys in this room, but these are tough times to go through," said guard Davin Joseph, part of an offensive line that was overmatched at times Sunday. "This is a test for everyone in this locker room. Are you going to be the guy who will turn the other way - or will you take it on the chin and stand your ground? I'm proud to be a Buccaneer and I'm not afraid to say it."

The Bucs converted nine of 18 on third down against the league's stingiest third-down defense, but the running game continues to stumble after a superb effort in Week 1.

Tampa Bay's total of 85 yards on the ground was deceptive. Without a 29-yard scramble by quarterback Josh Johnson and a 28-yard dash by Derrick Ward, Tampa Bay would have finished with 28 yards in 20 carries.

"We've got to fight our way through this thing," said second-year guard Jeremy Zuttah. "As an offensive line, we feel like we're the strength of this team. We sure haven't been playing like it."

Center Jeff Faine, sidelined for a month by a triceps strain, said Sunday he definitely will suit up against Carolina.

Despite the return of free safety Tanard Jackson from a league-mandated four-game suspension, Tampa Bay's defense yielded 6.8 yards per snap as Donovan McNabb compiled a 157.2 passer rating.

"I felt anxious before the game, even a little emotional," said Jackson, who immediately reclaimed his starting job and posted three tackles. "It felt good to be back out there with the guys. I know we're 0-5, but we've got a good group that will remain unwavering."

It's been an especially difficult start for veterans like cornerback Ronde Barber and defensive tackle Chris Hovan, links to better days for Bucs fans.

Hovan politely declined to analyze the club's ninth consecutive loss dating to the December collapse that cost Jon Gruden his job and triggered a massive rebuilding plan.

Barber, who had few opportunities to haunt McNabb once again, dressed slowly at his locker before putting a nightmare season in perspective.

"You are what you show yourself to be," Barber said. "The film doesn't lie ... ever."

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