Monday Morning QB - 9/26

The Bucs went into Lambeau Field and won for the first time since 1989. Any win is a good win, but I feel we came out of that game fortunate. Even though our running game excelled, we were merely killing grass, as we did not score in the second half of the game. And Brian Griese's late interception should have cost us the game... first, if the defender didn't fall over his own player, he would have scored a touchdown and we lose the game. Secondly, if the defense didn't shut the Pack down, we lose the game.

A win is a win is a win, so I'll take it, no matter how ugly, but there is still room for improvement.

My prediction: Bucs 24, Packers 13

Score: Bucs 17, Packers 16

Griese needs to understand when to throw the frickin' ball away! The Bucs have the momentum and potentially the game in hand when he throws late to Pittman for an interception that, as I mentioned above, should have cost us the win. Last year, the Bucs were the team that missed an extra point and a field goal, that tripped over their own players on the way to the end zone, that couldn't run effectively and that lost at home... this game it was the Pack. It just goes to show you how these games are won and loss in the details, in the little plays that can change the eventual outcome of the game.

Offense: B. Cadillac runs into the record books, running for over 450 yards in his first three games. He's the first rookie to start his career with three consecutive 100 yard games. If he can stay healthy and bear the weight of running so much throughout the season, the Bucs will be in great shape. If Griese makes another late game boneheaded interception, he should be shot (not literally).

Defense: B. Another multi-turnover game for the Buc D. They were getting tired, as the Bucs O was unable to sustain drives in the second half, but made enough critical plays to win. They didn't seem to swarm to the ball, as in past games, but that may be more due to the Packers offense that to the Bucs D.

Special Teams: A. We hit all of our PATs and field goals, the Pack didn't, and therein lies the victory.

Coaching: B+. Running game was excellent. The passing game included almost every receiver. The defense shut down when necessary and Kiffin blitzed at the right times to cause disruption and sack Favre when needed.

Outstanding Players: Cadillac Williams for three weeks in a row. Will Allen subbing for an injured Jackson, intercepting two. The Offensive Line. Shelton Quarles.

Things That Drove Me Nuts: Griese's late game interception, of course. Its times like those that make me wish Brad Johnson would enter his body just for that one play, so he'd just throw the ball away!

Bucs Record: 3-0. I told my brother Stephen that I thought the Bucs would go 2-2 in the first four games Now they're 3-0? Sweet.

Next Opponent: The Detroit Lions come in after a bye week to Raymond James stadium. The Bucs defense should feed on a Lion passing game that has struggled behind Joey Harrington. Could the Bucs go 4-0? We'll see.