|
|
 |
The Tampa Tribune, published 17 November 2003
A streak that began with Brett Favre ended with him as well. A week after setting the NFL record for consecutive games with a sack, the Bucs had that streak end at 69, against a quarterback they sacked three times in last year's meeting. Favre proved to be too elusive. Though Favre was pressured often, the Bucs failed to bring him down. It also didn't help the pass rush that the Packers ran the ball 38 times, compared to Favre's 28 passing attempts.
Sunday's game was the first without a sack for the Bucs since Oct. 3, 1999, against Minnesota, a 21-14 Tampa Bay loss. The streak began the following week against Green Bay, when the Bucs sacked Favre six times, including two by DT Warren Sapp.
Ironically, a reporter asked Favre earlier in the week whether he would ``give up a sack,'' for the Bucs, suggesting he did so when New York Giants DE Michael Strahan broke the single-season sack record two years ago against Green Bay. Favre muttered he might ``arrange something.'' ``I didn't realize [the streak ended],'' Favre said after the game. ``It doesn't make it any sweeter. The win itself is big. They're a great defense. I don't care what people say right now; they're a great defense.''
Packing on the penalties
It began with three consecutive penalties in the first quarter, including two false starts. By the end of the game, the Bucs racked up eight penalties - all by the offense.
Every starter on the offensive line, with the exception of RG Cosey Coleman, was called for at least one penalty. WR Keyshawn Johnson was penalized twice for false starts.
``Obviously we had numerous penalties on the offensive line,'' Jon Gruden said. ``Some were just a lack of concentration.''
Kenyatta Walker, who struggled against Carolina in Week 10 with three personal foul penalties, was again called for a 15-yard face-mask infraction. The third-quarter penalty turned a second-and-20 into a second- and-35, and the Bucs ended up punting to end the series. Walker disagreed with the call and feels targeted. It's a situation Walker admitted he helped create and said the penalty ruined what was his ``best day'' at left tackle. ``I have to go out there and play my game,'' Walker said. ``Whatever side they put me on, I can't worry about penalties. I might get a penalty every game from here on out because of hand placement. I don't go out there intentionally and try to grab a face mask.''
More playing time for Jones?
For the first time since their last victory, a 16-0 win against Dallas on Oct. 26, the Bucs offense produced more than 100 rushing yards. Backup RB Thomas Jones had a breakout game with 134 yards. Jones also became the first Tampa Bay running back with two runs of 50 or more yards in one game. He broke off runs of 61, a career best, and 51 yards. Jones' performance should lead to more playing time and could bring back the running back-by- committee approach. ``He's going to be involved,'' Gruden said. ``We're trying to utilize two halfbacks, sometimes three. Certainly, we're learning a lot about Thomas Jones. He was certainly a plus today.''
Injury report
John Lynch went to the locker room to receive fluids in the third quarter. He returned after missing a few plays. S Travaris Robinson replaced Lynch and had his first career interception. The pick extended the Bucs' streak of consecutive games with a takeaway to 51 games, the longest current run in the NFL. Philadelphia holds the league record with 71 games, from 1985-90. CB Tim Wansley limped off the field in the third quarter after straining a hamstring. Wansley was able to stay in the game. RB Aaron Stecker suffered a bruised left hand.
|
|
|
| |
| |
|