Pittman Finally Finds The End Zone The Tampa Tribune, published 16 December 2002 It had been nearly a year since Michael Pittman found the end zone, and he missed it. After Pittman ran 4 yards into the end zone at the beginning of the fourth quarter Sunday, pretty much the entire team gathered around him to celebrate. It wasn't just because Pittman's score put the Bucs up 20-13. Pittman's teammates have felt his anguish this season and were genuinely happy for him. It was Pittman's first touchdown since a 1-yard score as an Arizona Cardinal against Dallas on Dec. 23, 2001. ``I needed that touchdown,'' Pittman said. ``I wanted it bad. Coach called my number and the offensive line opened up a big hole for me and I just ran through it. I was all smiles when I scored. I needed that. The whole team congratulated me and made me feel good. They knew how bad I needed it.'' This season has not gone according to plan for Pittman, who was signed as a free agent in the off-season. He has struggled with consistency and hasn't had the breakout game everyone has expected. He's been booed and his talent questioned. But through it all, Pittman has persevered with a never-quit attitude. ``He works hard and he's a team player,'' running back Aaron Stecker said. ``He takes a lot of stuff outside from the public and the media about his running style. But he went down there and broke a couple of tackles and got in the end zone.'' The running-back-by-committee approach, which employs Pittman, Stecker and Mike Alstott, combined for 123 rushing yards and two scores. Alstott scored first on a 1-yard run at the beginning of the second quarter. It was the first rushing touchdown since Alstott scored two in Week 6 against Cleveland. There was another milestone for Pittman in Sunday's game. He passed the 1,000 all- purpose yards mark in the second quarter with a 5-yard run that picked up a first down. He finished with 11 carries for 46 yards and one touchdown, and was second on the team with five receptions for 47 yards. Pittman has 1,053 total yards through 14 games with 608 rushing and 445 receiving. ``I think that's a good accomplishment, but I always want to do better,'' said Pittman, who said he will get his touchdown ball painted with the Bucs' red and pewter colors and display it on a shelf with the rest of his collectibles. I set higher goals coming into this year. I went over 1,000 all-purpose and that's great, but I still want to be one of the lead backs in this league, so I'm going to still push to get better.''