'Cause no one says it quite like Bucs defensive end Simeon Rice.
"For this year, the story is a new beginning. The team's been torn apart. Players who have been pillars here have left. The new is in. And what's going to come of all this? I think we're going to be all right. We have strong minds in this locker room. We have our future in front of us and we have a lot of games to win."
GOT A MINUTE?
Michael Clayton
The rookie receiver out of LSU was so hyped for the Bucs' preseason opener he said it felt like the Super Bowl. Today, the first-round draft pick starts collecting career stats.
What's the best advice you've gotten from 38-year-old teammate Tim Brown?
Clayton: How to relax. When I came in anxiety was flaring up. I was winded after two plays. He just calmed me down. When I would be down on myself because I was making mistakes, he said, "Man, you never play this game perfectly; that's how the NFL works.' He calmed me down and I was able to go out there and relax and perform and catch balls and feel like my normal self.
Are you pumped for your first regular-season game?
Clayton: I can't wait. This is what I've been waiting for. It doesn't really feel like a Super Bowl anymore, but the seriousness of the regular season, you can feel the intensity of the locker room and the intensity at practice. It's serious now because this is what you're paid for, the regular season, and you can't afford to make mistakes because you don't get them back.
Do you feel like you're ready?
Clayton: I'm in a comfort zone right now and it just seems like the preseason games were something to learn from. When I first got here, I had to think about where to line up and what route to run, and it affected the way I dropped some passes I'm not supposed to drop. Now, I'm into that comfort zone where I'm back to normal. You don't think to catch the ball, you just catch it. I'm ready to roll.
Time's up!
SMALL WORLD
Long before Redskins coach Joe Gibbs reached the Hall of Fame, he had one of the most humiliating experiences of his career as offensive coordinator for the Bucs under coach John McKay in 1978. Long story short: Gibbs' offense committed two turnovers that led to two Giants touchdowns and a 17-14 loss in New York.
When Gibbs went to his usual seat next to McKay on the team plane, he found his nametag on the floor and someone else in his seat. Gibbs rode in the back with the players.
"Coach McKay was one of the most interesting people I have ever been around," said Gibbs, who laughed while telling the story recently. "His sarcastic wisdom and humor, as long as it wasn't directed at me, was some of the funniest laughs I've ever had in my entire life."
BACK IN TIME
It's opening day in the NFL, which means the butterflies will be out in force for rookies and veterans alike. Most every player has a special opening-day memory.
Left tackle Derrick Deese did not see action his first two NFL seasons, but he replaced an injured teammate early in the 1994 opener for the 49ers, a 44-14 victory against the Raiders on Monday Night Football. Receiver Jerry Rice scored three touchdowns - two receiving, one rushing - to break the NFL record for career touchdowns. "That was my first chance to play in a game in the regular season and I was a part of that moment," Deese said. "That was real special to me."
Cornerback Brian Kelly always will remember spoiling the Eagles' fun on Monday Night Football last season. Philadelphia opened Lincoln Financial Field with a laser show and an appearance by Sylvester "Rocky" Stallone, but the Bucs spoiled the party, 17-0.
As a Philadelphia rookie in 1994, running back Charlie Garner rushed 16 times for 111 yards against the 49ers. "(Coach) Rich Kotite told me I would just be playing in the game, and right before kickoff he told me I was starting. I just went out there and played my game."
