Bucs Lose… But does it really matter? With Seattle winning, we were pretty much guaranteed to be out of the 3rd seed spot, so why not take a break and see what the ‘future’ holds. What does it hold – bearing in mind all players with a second string cast? Luke McCown: Uncertainty still abounds with our QB spot. Luke hasn’t shown enough talent consistently to have the reins handed to him when Jeff does disappear; that said, he is the unquestioned #2, and appears to be a respectable backup. Michael Clayton: 5-71. Good stats, and it was nice to see him seeing a lot more of the ball too. For all the criticism #80 has had, if you look at how many receptions he’s had this year (17) and the fact his average catch is 14.2 yards (0.7 yards behind his rookie year) he is still hidden under the dinosaurs – I’ve said it for two straight years now, but Touchdown Michael Clayton will be back next year – five TDs barring injury. You heard it here first! Defensively, not much came about – Quincy Black, Adam Hayward and the previously missing Jeremiah Trotter came out to play, and did a decent job – three solo tackles, and six split between the three of them in mop up duty. Also, BK is back, right in time for the playoffs. Interestingly, these last few weeks, we’ve played increasingly more in twin TE sets – a move which this last week saw Messrs Smith and Stevens gain 10 catches and two TDs between them. This, in my humble opinion, is a fantastic sign for the future, and that the West Coast offense is finally settling down in Tampa. This week, our backups play the Twits – guys, please win – you cost me my 11-5 prediction that I made a few weeks ago, so you may as well prove me wrong based on my start of the season prediction (9-7 – And who said I was crazy??) and have a double digit in the W column. What are the keys to the game? Keeping everyone healthy, seeing what the 2nd string can truly do, and banning Jeff Garcia from running the ball. Jeff, this week, pretend you’re Drew Bledsoe – there’s a guy. NFL Watch The Patriots will probably have beaten the New York Football Giants by the time you read this, going 16-0. Seriously, whoever stops them winning the Super Bowl will have one more jersey bought – anyone! Tennessee or Cleveland as the AFC Wild-Card? Personally, I’d rather Cleveland as I have Tennessee down as cannon-fodder. Washington or Minnesota in the NFC? After reviewing things, I’d rather the Vikings over the Skins – with the Tampa 2 in full effect, shut down AP and we’d be there. Congratulations to Phil Jones on winning the Bucpower FFL! It’s about time too… Backups playing – good or bad? Personally, it’s a good thing so long as your starters do get at least a quarter of play in. It keeps them fresh, and gives you more time to see what talent you do have should you need it. And it’s FAR better than pre-season. Apologies for the shortened column this week, but with backups playing everywhere, and it being Christmas, there really is not that much else to analyse – bumper New Year column next weekend instead! I hope you all had a very merry Christmas, and here’s to a happy new year!I