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Roy Cummings, The Tampa Tribune, published 28 November 2011
Donald Penn was one among many still wondering well after the game was over why officials didn't automatically measure for a first down after Tampa Bay gained 9 yards on a third-and-10 play in the final minute.
"I hope (NFL Commissioner Roger) Goodell sends us a letter explaining why we didn't get that measurement down there at the end,'' Penn said. "At least let us get a measurement and get things going. I swear, for any other team like that, it would have been a measurement.
"It's just crazy how it's that close and you don't get a measurement. But it's just another question mark we're going to have in our head. Why didn't we get a measurement? The bad thing is we'll never get an answer.''
Dynamic debut
The Bucs were generally pleased with the play of rookie DE Da'Quan Bowers, who made his first career start for LDE Michael Bennett, who missed the game with a groin strain. Bowers finished with one tackle and one quarterback hit, but he had several quarterback pressures that forced Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck into incomplete passes.
"I thought he did OK,'' Morris said. "He had some good plays in there, got (into the backfield) a few times. I haven't seen the tape yet, but just looking it from the field it looked like he did pretty well.''
Milestones
Ronde Barber played in his 219th consecutive game, passing DE Clyde Simmons for the fourth-most consecutive games by a defensive player since 1970. Barber has also started 194 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the league and the most consecutive starts by a cornerback in NFL history.
Aqib Talib recorded the 17th interception of his career and second of the season, returning it 27 yards for a touchdown. Both of Talib's interceptions this season have been returned for touchdowns, the first coming in a Week 1 loss to Detroit. Talib 17 interceptions are tied for eighth in Buccaneers history.
Kellen Winslow had five catches for 52 yards, extending his pass-catching streak to 87 consecutive games. Winslow has the third-longest active streak among tight ends and has seventh-longest streak overall.
Injury report
Brian Price left the game in the first half with an ankle injury and did not return. He was on crutches after the game, but not in a walking boot. He expects to play Sunday against Carolina.
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