Word's out: Bucs are competitive Jack Sheppard, The St.Petersburg Times, published 1988 There's a new word being used to describe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this morning, one that doesn't have four letters and can be printed in a family newspaper. For the first time since their 1982 playoff team, the Bucs have become competitive. Not champs. Not winners. But competitive. And for now, that should be enough. In the master plan of rebuilding an NFL franchise - which, after Sunday's 13-9 loss to the Saints, coach Ray Perkins finally admitted he was faced with - becoming competitive is the most important step, and typically the most difficult to achieve. But in Tampa Bay's last game and a half, we've seen the Bucs take major strides in that direction. After being outscored 71-33 in their first 10 quarters of the season, the Bucs have reversed that trend in the last six quarters to outscore Phoenix and New Orleans 30-23. Granted, Tampa Bay eventually lost both games. And, as Perkins emphatically states, there's no such thing as a moral victory in the NFL. But one month after he refused to even label the Bucs a team, Perkins now believes they deserve that distinction and he's starting to be pleased with their performance. “I like our guys,” admitted Perkins, not known for his post-loss compliments. “I like our team. Each week they are giving us a little more. They played hard the whole ballgame and I'm proud of them for that. I feel we did improve over last week's game,” he added. “The important thing is to keep our senses in the right perspective so we can continue to improve.” What had Perkins pleased after a defeat? How about a defense that held the NFL's No.3-ranked offense to just 13 points. Or a secondary that held the NFC's top-ranked passer (Bobby Hebert) to 16 completions for 151 yards. Or a quarterback (Vinny Testaverde) who, after throwing seven interceptions the first three games, threw only one against the NFC's third-ranked pass defense - on a play that, based on replays, appeared to be a clear case of defensive interference. Of course, the Bucs still made more than their share of mistakes. They blew a number of scoring opportunities, most notably two in the second quarter that proved to be the final difference. The first was a 5-yard touchdown run nullified by an illegal-motion penalty. Then, on the following play, running back Kerry Goode misplayed a touchdown pass from Testaverde. The Bucs also continued to be dominated in the opening quarter. For the fourth consecutive week they failed to score in the opening period, while, defensively, they allowed the opposition to score on its opening drive. Sunday, the Saints' only touchdown came the first time they had the ball, marching 70 yards (with the help of a questionable 15-yard roughing-the-passer call) to put Tampa Bay behind in a hurry - a cardinal sin against a good team on the road. But all in all, the Buccaneers agreed afterward that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. “The offense and defense are beginning to depend on each other, and that's important,” said linebacker Winston Moss. “Of course, winning some of these games would help a lot. But I think we're going to be all right.” “I think this team has gotten better every day from the beginning,” echoed Testaverde, whose game smarts are improving weekly. “We have a lot of talent on this team. If we can learn how to overcome some of our immaturity we'll win some games. I get more comfortable each week, and I think the team gets more comfortable each week.” Although he'd never admit it, Perkins is getting more comfortable as well. Four weeks ago, he truly didn't know where this group was headed. But after the last six quarters, he knows his master plan is beginning to work. Of course, being called “competitive” never will be - and never should be - enough for Perkins. “If I ever go into a game that I really don't believe we have a chance to win I hope I quit,” he said. But being called competitive is a whole lot better than some of the other names associated with the Bucs in recent years. It makes players work harder, and fans buy tickets. So forget that Tampa Bay didn't beat New Orleans and circle this date on your calendar. Because when the Bucs start winning games - and rest assured they will - we may look back on Sunday's loss and label it the turning point. It's a label the Bucs have been looking for since 1982.