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The Tampa Tribune, published 14 October 2002
It's hard to keep Mike Alstott down. Just ask the Cleveland Browns defense. On Sunday, it took two or three defenders - and sometimes the entire unit - to tackle the Bucs' full- bodied running back. Adversity wasn't going to keep Alstott down either. Relegated to the sideline for most of the season, Alstott found his way back onto the field, and took advantage of it.
For the seventh time in his seven-year career, Alstott surpassed the 100-yard mark when he rushed for a game- high 126 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns. It's the fewest carries in a 100-yard game since he gained 128 yards on 19 carries against Minnesota on Nov. 1, 1998. Since 1997, the Bucs are 26-5 when Alstott scores a touchdown. This season, Alstott had grown accustomed to standing on the sideline, barley breaking a sweat. In his five previous games, Alstott posted only 82 yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns. Michael Pittman had been getting the bulk of the carries.
On Sunday, there were times when Alstott was doubled over trying to catch his breath. ``I loved it,'' Alstott said. ``I loved sucking wind out there. I haven't felt like that in a long time. Let's do it every week.''
He'll have to wait to see if it becomes an every-week thing. Alstott met with Coach Jon Gruden earlier this week, not to beg for the ball, but to get a clear understanding of his job with the team. ``I just talked with him to see how he felt I was doing, what he saw my role as,'' Alstott said. ``We just had a normal conversation. ... I just asked him, `What do you see me as?' and `How do you see me in your offense?' We just talked. I didn't expect to get the ball like this today. I just wanted to be on the field with my teammates and be a part of something and make some plays.''
Alstott was quick to defuse any running back controversy. Pittman, who had been the featured back the first five games, had 16 carries for 53 yards and led the team with five receptions for 95 yards. ``If my number's called, my number's called,'' Alstott said. ``If his number's called, his number's called. We're going to come together as two running backs. I'm not going to say, `Hey, I should get the ball every time.' It's not going to be like that. I had a good day today, that's all.''
The Raymond James Stadium crowd showed their respect for the fan favorite by chanting Alstott's name late in the game. ``That is the `Train,' man,'' Bucs offensive tackle Lomas Brown said. ``You can't bring that dude down. He's impressive. He's very impressive. It was taking two or three guys to bring him down. His effort was just awesome. I think the A-Train is officially back on track.''
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