Bucs

Bucs on the bubble make lasting marks

Final preseason game helps motivate players who seek permanent roster spots.

[Times photo: Bill Serne] Charles Lee, who had three receptions for 43 yards, catches a pass from Shaun King over the Texans' Jason Bell in the first quarter.

TAMPA - Some of it was backup quarterback Shaun King showing his grasp of the offense and third-stringer Chris Simms proving he can be depended on in an emergency.

But most of it was a motivated, productive effort from a core of players on the outside looking in.

With cuts looming and the prospect of their 2003 campaign with the Bucs coming to an end, Tampa Bay's offense got a jolt of promise from those who needed to show just that.

Despite being far down the depth chart, receivers Charles Lee, Reggie Barlow and Fabian Davis, fourth-string tight end Will Heller and reserve Travis Stephens, who has been a blip on the running back screen, each found ways to show they should be considered when the final evaluation begins.

Lee, who caught three passes for 36 yards in the preseason opener at Japan but failed to hang on to two possible touchdowns, finished with three catches for 43 yards.

Reminded throughout the past few weeks of training camp he had to show more consistency and hang on to passes, Lee earned a nod of approval from coach Jon Gruden when his 24-yard reception gave the Bucs a first down on the Houston 24.

"Basically, I had to come out and do what I do," Lee said. "I really tried to focus tonight and concentrate and tell myself that it was just like practice. ... I wanted to come out tonight and relax. I prayed and asked God for (guidance). It's out of my hands and there's nothing I could do but come out, relax and have fun."

Lee's catch was impressive because he was forced to hug the line, turn his body backward and avoid tight coverage from cornerback Jason Bell.

That catch was part of an 11-play drive that led to Martin Gramatica's 23-yard field goal.

Barlow, an eight-year veteran who saw playing time last year, is battling Lee and Davis for what is believed to be the fifth and final receiver spot. He had three receptions for 27 yards and had a seven-yard run on a reverse.

"A lot of times, you can tell yourself, "I'm just going to let it loose and let whatever happen, happen,"' Barlow said. "But the moment you get out there, it's "oh (expletive), I don't want to make a mistake!' You can try to convince yourself there is no pressure, this and that, but it's tough to go out there knowing the reality is you can be here or you can be gone."

Davis had his moment, too, catching a 1-yard score in the fourth quarter.

"It was a great feeling, a real good feeling," Davis said. "The thing about it is that I stayed consistent. I played well. I had my little ups and downs, but all and all, I played well and stayed consistent. I knew I had to stay the same. I was doing well, so staying that way was pretty good."

Heller, an undrafted rookie who had developed a reputation as a fierce blocker, showed he can get in the end zone and make a difficult catch.

Late in the second quarter, Heller caught a 5-yard touchdown from King to end an 11-play, 58-yard drive that gave the Bucs a 24-0 lead. He added a 17-yard reception in the fourth quarter.

"I felt like I did what I could do, which is come in here and opens some eyes early," Heller said. "Play as hard as you can and get them talking about you. (Catching a touchdown) is exciting, maybe it'll help. But it's something I don't have any control over."

Stephens, lowest on the depth chart, entered with 42 yards on 14 carries. He had 14 carries for 65 yards against the Texans.

"I had more opportunities in (Thursday's game) and I think I took advantage of them, but I could have done better," said Stephens, who spent most of his rookie season inactive or on injured reserve. "You have to play to make the game fun and leave it up to them as to who they want to keep. I try to play the game the way I have been playing 12 years."

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