TAMPA - Coming off their first victory, the Bucs are eager to prove they are better than a 1-4 team.
The next step: 2-4.
"Right now, it is a matter of us proving it to ourselves," receiver Charles Lee said. "We know what kind of character we have on this team. Nobody is going to quit."
If the Bucs beat the Rams on Monday, the next three weeks set up favorably for climbing back into the playoff race: Bears at home, bye week, Chiefs at home. The goal is to be 4-4 at the midway point of the season, with five of six NFC South games left.
Tampa Bay plays at Atlanta Nov. 14.
"When you're 1-4, so many things can disrupt your confidence and your outlook," defensive end Simeon Rice said. "For us, it's about building a perspective and the only perspective we can see at this point is a win in our future.
"This is a chance to show the record isn't indicative of the character and a chance to show ourselves. In this game you hear a lot and all of those things are fluff and distractions, but it becomes true if you read enough of it. You have to have a blind eye to it. What you want to do is build your own confidence."
INSTANT REPLAY: Lee would not mind repeating his last performance on Monday Night Football. In his first extensive action as a Buccaneer, Lee caught five passes for a team-high 91 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown, in a 19-13 victory against the Giants last season.
"Hopefully, we can repeat it," said Lee, who started the past two games and has 11 catches for 169 yards this season.
"Hopefully, a couple more catches, a couple more yards. Hopefully, we can secure another victory."
LINEUP CARD: Jon Gruden said he had no changes to the starting lineup to announce after Saturday's final practice, but the coach didn't say there would be no changes for Monday's game.
The most likely switch would be at right tackle, where Kenyatta Walker replaced Todd Steussie in New Orleans after Steussie gave up a sack on the play quarterback Chris Simms was injured. INJURY REPORT: Linebacker Shelton Quarles (quadriceps) practiced and will play. Receiver Michael Clayton (knee) is probable. Simms (shoulder) is doubtful. Receiver Joey Galloway (groin) is out.
