Other thoughts and observations from the broadcast:
Fox announcers Kenny Albert and Brian Baldinger did their best to pretend the Bucs' inclusion in their broadcast was important, even mentioning the team and its players once in a while. But the Super Bowl champs were window dressing as Fox was more concerned with that exciting AFC playoff story line.
Who's going to be the No.3 seed? The No.6 seed? The suspense filled the broadcast. (Tongue inserted firmly in cheek.)
OVERCOOKED: Fox was ridiculous with the Indianapolis-Houston story line, acting as if the outcome was make or break for the Colts and Titans' playoff hopes. You've got to be kidding. A box with the Colts-Texans score on the screen all game? Updates ad nauseam, most showing plays that didn't result in scores? Constant chatter from Albert and Baldinger?
Both teams had wrapped up playoff spots and weren't in contention for a No.1 or No.2 seed. Sure, the AFC South title and difference between a No.3 and No.6 seed is a decent story line, but Fox beat it to death.
Fox ran the Green Bay-Denver score in the corner throughout the Minnesota-Arizona game at 4 p.m., but that was understandable as both actually were playing to get into the postseason.
What Fox did during the Bucs-Titans game was horrible, and it couldn't even pull it off without gaffes. It gave Houston six points, then took them off as the touchdown was overturned; when the score was updated to 17-9, Baldinger said the Colts settled for a field goal (it was a touchdown); when the Colts had an interception to set up the tying score, Fox was a good five minutes late on the update.
GREAT ESCAPE: Neil O'Donnell, a guy who wasn't in the league two weeks ago, outplayed Brad Johnson, who threw three interceptions (nearly four).
But Johnson got off easy again despite throwing seven picks the past two weeks. Announcers continued to make excuses and blame others for everything Johnson did wrong, including several killer interceptions this year, while attacking the Bucs receivers, offensive line and defense when they played poorly.
THE END IS NEAR: Baldinger didn't go as far as saying the Bucs rolled over in the second half, but said they were hoping the game would just end without injuries, especially any that might require offseason rehabilitation.
"That's the biggest thing they are thinking about," he said.
NICE TOUCH: Albert always is well prepared. Edell Shepherd hadn't even been tackled before Albert informed viewers it was the first catch of his career, then added a little biographical info.
Baldinger tried to drop some Tampa knowledge by raving about Lee Roy Selmon's barbecue joint, though saying it was on Hillsborough Drive spoiled the attempt.
TOP PREDICTION: Baldinger said John Lynch's hit on Justin McCareins may not have drawn a penalty, but could draw a fine. We'll see.
BEST SHOT: Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher going crazy because the Indianapolis-Houston score was flashed on the scoreboard.
STRONGEST COMMENT: Does Baldinger really believe Shaun King has "learned more in two years playing for Gruden than he did in his whole life?"
STRONGEST ADVICE: Baldinger thinks it would be good for King to get "out of his backyard" and thinks the Bucs should re-sign Warren Sapp, upgrade the offensive line and get stronger up front. He failed to mention special teams and a big-play receiver.
ICK: O'Donnell was great, but the segment at the end of the game with Elton John's Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me was a bit cheesy.
