Bucs Notebook: Hardman rough on himself

By TBO.COM | Staff
Published: December 13, 2010

TAMPA --

Bucs RG Derek Hardman might be a rookie, but he criticized his performance like a veteran.

Hardman replaced Davin Joseph, who recently went on injured reserve, and made his first career start Sunday. While he played well at times, Hardman caused Bucs QB Josh Freeman to fumble on Washington's 1-yard line in the fourth quarter. Hardman accidentally knocked the ball out of Freeman's hands, and although Tampa Bay won the game, he was hard on himself.

"I wouldn't say I played my best game ever, but I got better as the game went along," Hardman said. "(Jeremy) Zuttah and Ted (Larsen) stepped up and played well to where we were able to win the game. That is a credit to how hard they work."

As for causing the fumble, Hardman said, "I was trying to get off fast and we've never had that problem. It just helps that we were able to come back and score.

"That was a big deal at the time and would have been a big deal if we weren't able to come out with a win."

Strength of schedule

The biggest knock against Tampa Bay this season has been its schedule.

The Bucs are 8-5, but skeptics point out Tampa Bay has played several teams under .500. However, Tampa Bay is one of the few teams to have success against losing squads.

Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and the New York Jets are the only NFL teams not to have a loss against a squad below .500.

Anwar S. Richardson, Roy Cummings