Once again, Bucs trumpet 3-4 defense Martin Fennelly, The Tampa Tribune , published 5 November 2001 It's reunion week. The Bucs and 3-4. Together again. Some of the names have changed. Not that it matters. And there are the Detroit Lions, this week's opponent. The last two seasons, the Lions were the team that made the Bucs 3-4. This year, they're the team the Bucs are playing at 3-4. You see how it's different? It's hard to make distinctions when it comes to the same old Bucs. And it says something when you're playing an 0-7 Detroit team and you're the underachievers. But let's not waste time. We have things to do. The Bucs definitely have things to do. No need to say anything else. Why not just use the old stuff? Heck, the Bucs do it on offense. Does This Sound Familiar? "We know what's wrong, but fixing it is the hardest thing." (Dungy, 3-4, 2000)."We're all frustrated right now and there's a lot of things you can worry about. You really have to stay focused on what you're doing, on coaching the players and getting them in the best positions. Because they're going to look to us." (Bucs offensive co-ordinator Mike Shula, 3-4, 1999) "I probably gave up on the run a little too soon. But the bottom line is we're just not executing the way we're capable of." (Les Steckel, 3-4, 2000). "Those who wanted Dilfer benched got their wish, and a heck of a lot of good it did. And, as our story goes, Trent will lead another team deep into the playoffs or to the Super Bowl while we struggle with a rookie at the helm. So goes the tale of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers." (letter from fan, 3-4, 1999). "It has to start with one game and with one play and with making a good play on that first play. It'll come down to whoever executes and makes plays at critical times, but I think also that you do have to look back at that game." (John Lynch, 3-4, 1999). "But overall, I think we've played the run really well. It's just that some big breakout runs make it look like we haven't." (Monte Kiffin, 3-4, 2000) "That used to be a hallmark - winning those close games." (Dungy, 3-4, 2000). Repeat When Necessary ... "We're still a little off on some things. With the new offense there's still some things we're not sharp on. It's going to take some time. Time will cure this." (Shaun King, 3-4, 2000). "It goes beyond plays. It's people performing, and that includes the coaches. Offensively, as a unit, we're functioning at about 80 percent right now. It's that other 20 percent we've got to get out of everybody." (Bucs quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen, 3-4, 2000). "We're 3-4 and that's how well we've played as a line. For me to come out and say we've played better than our record is ridiculous." (OL coach Chris Foerster, 3-4, 2000). "The Bucs simply are the biggest group of underachievers I have ever witnessed!" (e-mail from fan, 3-4, 1999). "We've dug ourselves a hole and we don't have much margin for error." (Dungy, 3-4, 2000) The Bucs went from 3-4 to 9-4 two seasons ago and made the NFC title game. And they went from 3-4 to 6-4 last season, another playoff year. It doesn't feel like that after Green Bay. "Everything that could possibly go wrong at the wrong time happened." (Dungy, 3-4, Monday). They've got a million of them. We'll save the rest for 3-4 next year.