Bucs/NFL

Wider stage could spark play

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published November 11, 2006

TAMPA - At 2-6, most of the nation has its mind made up about the Bucs.

"The perception is that we're not a good football team," cornerback Ronde Barber said. "I would look at 2-6 and say, 'That team's a bad football team.' "

Which brings us to Monday night, when the Bucs play their first prime-time game of the season, giving a national audience a chance to see them.

"Our effort is there," Barber said. "We're a team that plays hard. We just have been making critical errors at bad times in football games, and it's causing us to lose. That's not characteristic of this team. Monday night is a good opportunity to prove that we're not what everybody else says we are."

The opportunity is something linebacker Derrick Brooks hopes will inspire them.

"Whatever you need to draw energy from," he said. "To me, I like that situation when all eyes are looking. Step up, use this stage to make a statement about your football team. So I get excited."

The Bucs have not appeared on Monday Night Football since Oct. 18, 2004, when they lost to St. Louis 28-21. Two of the next three games will be broadcast nationally, including Thanksgiving Day at Dallas. Many of the team's young players have never played in such high-profile games, including rookie quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.

Brooks has been telling his young teammates not to cower in the spotlight, but to embrace it.

"I tell them, 'Don't be scared,' " he said. "Look forward to the opportunity to showcase your game and showcase your team. You don't get this chance that often, so take advantage of it."

The perception of the franchise depends on it.

"That is important," Barber said. "It has to be. This is our job and you have to be proud of what you put on film. If not, you deserve to be criticized by people."

MORE SCHEDULE GRIPES: Coach Jon Gruden found another reason the upcoming schedule, which features three games in 11 days, works against the Bucs. The Panthers are coming off a bye week and will have had two weeks to prepare.

"We've got a great schedule this year," Gruden said sarcastically. "Somebody who really is not a Bucs fan had a lot to do with this damn schedule."

Playing a team after its bye week can be a challenge. Coaches have time to explore more options, and there is a greater chance a team will do something it hasn't done recently.

"You have to look back a little bit into the archives against Carolina, what they've done against us in the past," Gruden said. "And you have to couple that with the fact that they're an experienced team and we're not. We expect to get corner blitzes, safety blitzes, and we're going to have to respond to that."

INJURY UPDATE: Running back Michael Pittman shoulder returned to practice after missing Thursday's session. He remains questionable. Linebacker Shelton Quarles (knee), cornerback Juran Bolden (hip) defensive end Simeon Rice (shoulder) and defensive tackle Ellis Wyms (ankle) missed Friday's practice and remain questionable.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at (813) 226-3377 or sholder@sptimes.com.

[Last modified November 11, 2006, 02:24:52]