Tony Dungy isn't the only one with emotional ties to tonight's opponent. Tight end Ken Dilger played seven seasons for the Colts before joining Tampa Bay last season as a free agent. Dilger made 107 starts and had 261 catches for 3,181 yards and 18 touchdowns with Indianapolis.
"I spent seven good years there and having them come to town will cause a lot of emotion," said Dilger, a second-round draft choice of the Colts in 1995. "But I can't let that affect me."
With the Bucs in 2002, Dilger started 15 games and caught 34 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns during the regular season. He started the Super Bowl and had seven catches for 88 yards in the postseason.
"Now, it's the new memories I've made here," he said. "Last year was a special year for me getting that Super Bowl ring. That's what everybody else wants."
TRENDY
The Bucs, who opened the season with a victory against the Eagles, are making the second of three appearances on Monday Night Football. Tampa Bay is 7-5 on MNF (6-2 at home) and has won four of its past five.
NUMBERS GAME
1: touchdown scored against the Bucs.
12: touchdowns scored by the Colts.
7.3: average points allowed by the Bucs.
30.0: average points scored by the Colts.
SMALL WORLD
Bucs middle linebacker Nate Webster and Colts running back Edgerrin James and receiver Reggie Wayne were teammates at the University of Miami in 1998. Webster no doubt looks forward to renewing those acquaintances - by tackling them.
OFF LIMITS
No self-respecting Bucs fan would be caught dead watching the movie Hoosiers for inspiration. The tale of a small high school in Indiana overcoming odds to win the state basketball championship is a classic, but for today, stick to Rocky.
THE LAST WORD
"I've never taken a pregame story line any further than what it is. It's just talk." - Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp on the hype surrounding coach Tony Dungy's return
MILL"S PICK
Colts (4-0) at Bucs (2-1): Tempted to see the Colts as the best team in the league? Good argument. But let's wait until the back nine, shall we.
