Playing keepaway key against potent Saints

While it's tempting to try to match New Orleans blow for blow, Tampa Bay players know better heading into Sunday's matchup against the unbeaten Saints.

The Saints (9-0) average 37 points per game and appear destined to lead the NFL in total offense for the third time in four seasons under Coach Sean Payton. Since joining New Orleans in 2006, Drew Brees leads the league in passing yards and completions while posting 28 games with at least 300 passing yards. He is blessed with solid targets in rangy WR Marques Colston and TE Jeremy Shockey, who has regained his Pro Bowl form.

And don't forget versatile back Reggie Bush, who has scored six touchdowns.

"The key is to keep the ball in your hands and don't give a team like New Orleans too many opportunities," Bucs RT Jeremy Trueblood said. "You just can't keep giving a guy like Brees the ball time after time. We have to maintain ball control. And turnovers will be critical because the Saints are a team that can make you pay quickly for being sloppy."

Bucs WR Michael Clayton agreed with Trueblood, suggesting time of possession will be a critical component of Sunday's game plan.

"We've got to be able to run the ball in this game - that's going to be key," Clayton said. "We have to prepare ourselves and fight for next year. Right now, we're going to try and make it seem like we're going on a playoff run. That's our mentality. To be able to beat a team that is undefeated would definitely create some positives in this room and set the tone for the future around here."

A revived running game led by Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell has lightened the load for an appreciative Brees.

"When you're able to have a balanced offense, it opens up opportunities everywhere," Brees said. "It's complementary football."

Pay it forward

That expletive-filled tirade Raheem Morris aimed at an official late in the second quarter of Sunday's loss at Miami cost Tampa Bay's first-year head coach more than a touchdown.

Morris said he was fined $20,000 by the league for expressing his disagreement with the official's judgment on a play that at first appeared to be a catch by Clayton but was reviewed and ruled an interception by Jason Taylor.

"I'm fortunate enough to be in a society where I can be fined that much money and give it to a charity and move on and not hold a grudge," Morris said. "I learned my lesson. It was my fault ... I made a mistake."

Injury update

Bucs WR Antonio Bryant, who has missed the past two games with a sore knee, returned to the practice field Wednesday in a limited capacity and is expected to play against New Orleans.

Also limited were CB Aqib Talib (hamstring), RB Cadillac Williams (knee), TE Kellen Winslow (knee) and reserve QB Byron Leftwich (elbow).

Instant impact

Veteran S Darren Sharper, signed as a free agent from Minnesota, has sparked a Saints defensive revival under new coordinator Gregg Williams.

The NFL's active leader with 61 career interceptions, Sharper tops the NFC with seven picks, returning three for TDs.

"He's made a huge impact," Brees said. "Getting to go up against Darren in practice every day has made me a better player because I know I'm not going to face many players that are as instinctive."

Extra points

Although tickets remain available, the Bucs have declared Sunday's game will not be blacked out ... The Saints own a 98-24 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter ... Bucs DB Ronde Barber has picked off three passes in a game twice in his career, both against New Orleans.

Ira Kaufman, Roy Cummings