Monday Morning QB - 12/5

The Bucs win a sloppy away game in the division, beating the Saints in the near-empty Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. The end score was 10-3 but it could have easily have been 20-3, with a blocked field goal and a dropped pass by Galloway in the end zone. Ronde Barber had a tremendous game getting 3 of the 4 interceptions thrown by Saints QB Aaron Brooks. I've always felt Barber is one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history and with games like yesterday, he continues to live up to that billing.

My prediction: Bucs 23, Saints 19

Score: Bucs 10, Saints 03

Offense: B. The offense was more effective than the score showed. Simms played solid, Williams ran for 96 yards and Pittman came in an ran for almost 40 yards on two plays. No turnovers, moved the ball well.

Defense: C+. This is going to sound odd, but the Bucs defense worries me because, unless they get a turnover, they don't seem to be able to stop offenses. Granted, they've been getting the turnovers lately, but when they face the Panthers or Patriots in the next two weeks, I doubt those QBs will be making the same errors as the irradict Brooks of the Saints.

Special Teams: C. Todd France, in for the injured Matt Bryant, had his 44 yard attempt blocked, due to a low trajectory on this kick. Bidwell kicked a punt 25 yards.

Coaching: B. Gruden and Kiffin seem to be doing enough to win. With Simms in there, Gruden is keeping things safe and its been working.

Outstanding Players: Barber, Barber and Barber... oh, and Williams.

Things That Drove Me Nuts: Anthony Becht. He's not living up to his billing. Right now he's not a great catcher OR a great blocker. That makes him kinda... well... average.

Bucs Record: 8-4.

Next Opponent: The Bucs hit the second of three straight road games by heading to division leader Carolina Panthers. If the Bucs win, they'll share the lead of the NFC South. If they lose, the Panthers take a commanding lead the division and the Falcons and Bucs will be slugging it out for a wild card berth.

The Bucs ended the 3rd quarter of the season 8-4, winning three of their last four games. We now enter the final stetch with two road games against the Panthers and Patriots and two home games against division opponents Falcons and Saints. It's not going to be easy. The Bucs need to win at least two of these last four games to have a chance at the playoffs.