Some thoughts and observations Rick Stroud, The St.Petersburg Times, published 24 October 2011 Perspective be darned: The Bucs were down to their third-string center and third-string tailback. They were missing a middle linebacker, a defensive tackle, a safety and a fullback. So it's kind of impressive that they got themselves in a position to win. And kind of ridiculous that they kissed it all away. No more excuses: He is still young and is not surrounded by superior talent, but this many poor throws and decisions can not be tolerated from Josh Freeman. He had as many INTs on Sunday as he did last October. And November. And December. Combined. Coming home to roost: Um, yeah, how is that Aqib-is-just-Aqib strategy working out? Next generation: Julius Peppers was one of the most attractive free agents in the NFL in 2010. And given his age (he turns 32 in January) and contract, I'd rather have Adrian Clayborn. Pride matters: Ronde Barber is going to get beat once or twice a game. It's probably inevitable for a 36-year-old corner. What is also inevitable is that Barber is going to bust his rump all day. That's more than I can say for some players on that defense who seem to disappear for entire drives. Getting down to one healthy RB does cramp your running game. On the other hand, your backup QB excels in the wildcat formation. Yet we never saw Josh Johnson. And Freeman was second among NFL QBs in rushing yards in 2010. Yet this was the first start of his career that he did not have a rushing attempt. Strange. Preston Parker inexplicably did not get out of bounds with the clock running at the end of the first half, and it may have been the difference between a field goal and a touchdown. If the preseason is so entertaining that the NFL can charge full prices for exhibition games, why not move one of those thrillers to London and leave the regular season alone? Where was Arrelious Benn? Freeman attempted 51 passes, and only one was in Benn's direction. What's going on in the weight room? Because Chicago's receivers come in around 195 pounds, and they looked like offensive tackles blocking Tampa Bay's LBs and DBs.