New Bucs seek new end at Vet

Players and management say this is a different team than the ones that lost playoff games in Philadelphia the past two seasons.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 17, 2002

[Times file photo] Troy Vincent dances during the second half of the Eagles' 21-3 victory, the first of two straight postseason losses for the Bucs at the Vet.

TAMPA -- They lost a wild-card game there. The next season, they lost again, both times failing to score a touchdown.

An offensive coordinator melted down there. A head coach had the ax fall on his head there.

The crowd is loud and lewd. The playing surface is described as the worst in football.

There's not much for the Bucs to love about their recent history against Philadelphia at Veterans Stadium, except they have a chance to change it.

"Obviously, there are a lot of memories that are still fresh, and they aren't good ones," Bucs safety John Lynch said. "Those are two games where we ended our season, and that's where we sat in that locker room afterward. We had to dwell on it for a long time.

"I will say, though, this year, better than ever before, we're doing a great job of just living in the moment or taking each week as they come. Our history is part of us, but I also think there's a new energy around here, a new team. And we'll have that in mind going up there."

In the 2000 season, the Bucs entered the playoffs stunned from a missed Martin Gramatica field goal against Green Bay during the regular-season finale, which cost them a division title and home playoff game.

The Eagles eliminated the Bucs 21-3, scoring all of the points they needed on two drives just before halftime.

After Shaun King's fumble at the Tampa Bay 15, Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb ran 5 yards for a touchdown with 3:21 left.

With 12 seconds left, McNabb threw a 5-yard touchdown to Na Brown.

It was the final game for Bucs offensive coordinator Les Steckel, who was caught on camera looking perplexed.

Last season, with buzzards circling Tony Dungy's head and Bill Parcells on the owner's speed dial, the Bucs did not put up a fight. Four turnovers resulted in a 31-9 loss as Tampa Bay remained winless on the road in the postseason.

Dungy was fired soon afterward.

Bucs general manager Rich McKay said the memories could flood back when the team enters the locker room at the Vet.

"I would think (the players) at least think about it," he said. "I wouldn't think it would be something that would carry a great stigma.

"I thought last year when we went up there, the similarity to the circumstance from the year before might carry over. But when I got there, I didn't sense that when we were getting ready. Plus, I think every year in the NFL, teams are new. I don't care if it's the same coaching staff or a different coaching staff. There's 15-20 new players every year, and you make a new identity."

The Bucs' new identity is coach Jon Gruden. At 5-1, they have matched the best start in team history.

Not only has Gruden installed a new offense, but receiver Keyshawn Johnson, quarterback Brad Johnson, fullback Mike Alstott, center Jeff Christy and guard Cosey Coleman are the only returning starters on offense.

"I wasn't here last year, so I haven't spent time to investigate why or what happened," Gruden said. "If you want to be a deep philosophical guy ... be a sports radio talk show host. But you've got to go out there and play.

"Hugh Douglas will be there. You've got to block him. McNabb will be there rolling out all over the place. The crowd will be jacked up. So if you go in there with a negative frame of mind, good luck, Sherlock."

This season, the Bucs will bring plenty of positives, such as the NFL's No.1 defense and the league's longest current win streak.

"I would say our attitude going in is one of giving them a lot of respect," Lynch said. "I think they've earned that respect from us. But we're also extremely confident."

That's why Gruden said he isn't worried about demons. Beating the Eagles is enough.

"Go out there and have some fun, man," Gruden said. "It's an opportunity to get win No.6. In October.

"They tell me we've had bad Octobers around here."

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