The Bucs gained 39 yards on their second, third and fourth plays from scrimmage, but an incomplete pass and a sack of Jeff Garcia forced them to punt from their 44 at the end of their first drive. The Bucs didn't succeed in getting the ball away. Corey Smith cut through the middle and easily blocked the kick. When Casey FitzSimmons fell on it at the Bucs' 39, the stage was set for the Lions' first score, a 34-yard Jason Hanson field goal that came six plays later. ...more

October 21, 2007

Jeff Garcia's patience and refusal to panic under pressure proved to be decisive in Sunday's 13-10 victory against the Tennessee Titans. ...more

October 15, 2007

After a couple of relatively non-productive first-quarter series, the Titans finally started moving the ball early in the second quarter. A couple of sizeable runs by Chris Brown and a 15-yard reception by Justin Gage got them in scoring range and Tennessee seemed to be on its way to taking a lead when it lined up for a first-and-10 play at the Bucs' 32. The Titans opted to go back to Brown on the next play, but Brown mishandled quarterback Vince Young's handoff and dropped the ball. When Bucs defensive end Patrick Chukwurah pounced on the loose ball, the Titans' offensive threat was squelched. ...more

October 15, 2007

The Bucs continued to tweak their roster and their corps of running backs Saturday when they promoted fullback Lionel Gates from the practice squad and released halfback Kenneth Darby. ...more

October 14, 2007

Imagine Michael Vick, but only bigger. That's pretty much what the Titans have in QB Vince Young. He's got Daunte Culpepper-like size and a big-time arm, but he's not a real accurate thrower. He's dangerous, though, because he can get outside the pocket and turn up field. That's what the Bucs have to be concerned with. Young doesn't have a game-breaking receiver or anyone who truly stands out above the rest of his targets, so he makes defenses pay by breaking their containment and running for critical yards. Because he's so big, he's very tough to bring down. The best way to keep him from hurting you is to keep him trapped inside the pocket. The Bucs have faced this type of quarterback before and they usually do a pretty good job against them. The reason is they tend to be very disciplined in their rush. They cut off the escape routes to the side and up the middle and force the quarterback to throw. If they can remain disciplined today, they can neutralize Young's effectiveness and keep him from hurting them with his feet. ...more

October 13, 2007

Versatility is almost always a plus. There are times, however, when it can be a curse. Just ask Bucs FB B.J. Askew. ...more

October 13, 2007

The Bucs had moved the ball on their first series of the game, gaining 47 yards on their first eight plays. Facing a third-and-9 play from the Panthers' 24, Jeff Garcia hit Ike Hilliard for a 9-yard gain that gave the Bucs new life at the Carolina 15. Tampa Bay scored three plays later and the rout was on. ...more

October 1, 2007

TAMPA - It doesn't matter whether it's through the air or on the ground; moving the ball is still a problem for the Bucs. ...more

September 11, 2007