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Williams has first 100-yard game
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Anwar Richardson, The Tampa Tribune, published 1 November 2010
Mike Williams' goal prior to this season was to become the NFL's rookie of the year. He took another step toward that recognition Sunday.
Williams had four receptions for 105 yards and one touchdown during Tampa Bay's 38-35 victory against Arizona. It was his first 100-yard receiving game and Williams has 470 receiving yards and four touchdowns through seven games.
"We finally got the big play in," Williams said. "We've been looking the last seven or eight weeks for the big play. We finally got a chance to hit that on a couple of touchdown routes."
Williams' most spectacular play occurred in the second quarter. Tampa Bay faced second-and-8 on Arizona's 47-yard line when Bucs QB Josh Freeman dropped back and threw a long pass to Williams, who caught it for a touchdown, tying the game at 14.
Williams' touchdown reception was his fourth this season, which ties him for the third-most receiving TDs by a rookie in team history. Former Bucs WR Michael Clayton set the record with seven in 2004, while Kevin House had five in 1980.
Williams is tied with Reidel Anthony (1997) and Horace Copeland (1993) with four. In addition, Williams became first Bucs receiver to have more than 100 yards since Antonio Bryant had 116 against Carolina on Dec 6, 2009.
"During the game, I went to Mike Williams, he dropped a big-time third down, Sammie (Stroughter) fumbled a punt, and I grabbed all those young guys," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "I said, 'Hey, you guys are the heartbeat of this football team. At some point you guys are going to make a play in this game and go out there and win it.' Mike Williams stepped up. Sammie stepped up. Regis (Arrelious Benn) stepped up."
Race to 200 complete
Ronde Barber achieved a milestone by playing in his 200th career game Sunday. Barber is in his 14th NFL season and his 200 games played are second in team history to LB Derrick Brooks, who had 224 appearances from 1995-2008.
In addition, Barber has started more consecutive games (174) than any NFL cornerback. "It's a heck of an accomplishment," Barber said. "I'm glad it was associated with a win. It's great to have longevity in the league."
No starters, no excuses
Tampa Bay's offensive line looked dramatically different against Arizona than it did in the season opener. Backup James Lee started in place of Jeremy Trueblood, who missed Sunday's game with a knee injury. Jeremy Zuttah started again for C Jeff Faine, who missed the game with a quad injury. Ted Larsen started at left guard, a position Zuttah will take over when Faine returns.
Despite the changes, Freeman completed 18 of 25 passes for 278 yards and was sacked twice, while Tampa Bay gained 154 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
"One thing nobody wants to hear is who you didn't have out there or who is making their first career start," Zuttah said. "Nobody wants to hear that. They just want you to win. We just had the mentality that there's not going to be an excuse and we're going to do what we had to do not to make any excuses."
Take the scenic route
Tampa Bay's field goal drive before halftime was its longest in team history. The Bucs drove 94 yards to set up Conner Barth's 21-yarder, which gave Tampa Bay a 24-14 halftime lead. Tampa Bay's previous longest field goal drive was 93 yards against Chicago on Oct. 24, 2004.
Extra points
The Tampa Bay Lightning players and staff took in Sunday's game. The Lightning defeated Phoenix, 3-0, on Saturday and the team is staying in Arizona until Tuesday. The Lightning's next game is against Anaheim on Wednesday.
Lee made his first career start, while Larsen, a sixth-round draft pick by New England in 2010, made his second start with the Bucs.
Tampa Bay's 24 points before halftime were the most Morris' team has scored during his two-year tenure.
Arizona QB Max Hall ended his streak of futility against Tampa Bay. Arizona entered Sunday's game without a touchdown on 25 straight possessions with Hall at quarterback. On Arizona's 27th possession, Hall threw a 3-yard TD pass to Larry Fitzgerald. He was later benched in favor of Derek Anderson.
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