Gimme 5

By JOHN ROMANO, Times Columnist
Published October 15, 2007

Joey Galloway's 69-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter added the only electricity to an otherwise unplugged afternoon. Photo gallery Audio: Gary Shelton's post-game analysis
	[Getty Images]

Talk of the town

Five topics suitable for inane debate on talk radio.

1. Tell your statistics to shut up: The Titans had more total yards. They were better on third down and held the ball nearly twice as long. So why did the Bucs win? Because they didn't make as many silly mistakes, and players stepped up when it mattered most. Heart and smart. It ain't a bad combo.

2. Okay, pull the trigger: At 4-2, the players and coaches have exceeded expectations. Now it is the front office's turn. The trade deadline is hours away, and the Bucs need help at running back. If you think the price is high, just imagine the cost of blowing a division lead.

3. Tell your quarterback to shut up: His other choices were fumble or intentional grounding, yet Kerry Collins still complained when the referee ruled he was in the grasp. I'm guessing he didn't major in law at Penn State.

4. Monte's mission: The remaking of this Bucs defense has been remarkable. Tampa Bay's four leading tacklers Sunday were not starters on the team last year. Neither were the three players who got sacks. Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin has revamped half his lineup and come up with another beast.

5. Tell your details to shut up, too: One day, Gaines Adams will entertain his grandkids with the story of his first NFL sack coming against the dangerous Vince Young. And he will fail to mention Young tripped over his running back and Adams never touched him.

A list of five

Five signs the Bucs are getting cocky.

5. No steroids but plenty of Pabst Blue Ribbon.

4. Sent Bill Belichick a link to YouTube.

3. Sneaked Ed Glazer in at tight end.

2. Played the first quarter without jock straps.

1. Released all their running backs.

Five oldies but goodies

1. The 37-year-old quarterback: Not only is Jeff Garcia the oldest starting quarterback to win a game for the Bucs (not counting strike players), he is on pace to set the team's record for passer rating.

2. The 35-year-old receiver: The legs are supposed to be the first thing to go on an athlete, yet Joey Galloway has more receptions of 40-plus yards (4) than any receiver in the NFL.

3. The 34-year-old defensive end: Kevin Carter's 99th career sack took the Titans out of field goal range in the fourth quarter.

4. The 32-year-old kicker: The most accurate placekicker in Bucs history, Matt Bryant hit his fourth winner of the past three seasons.

5. The 31-year-old receiver: Ike Hilliard is on pace for his first 900-yard receiving season since he was 23 and playing with the Giants in 1999.

Five super picks

Checking out the best bets for Super Bowl XLII in Glendale.

1. Patriots: New England still undefeated! Illegal film at 11.

2. Colts: Do you suppose Edgerrin James would like to rethink his departure?

3. Cowboys: Have three months to figure out how to beat Pats.

4. Steelers: Even at 4-1, they're the ugly stepsisters to the Pats and Colts in the AFC.

13. Bucs: Just like 20 years ago, Vinny Testaverde might be responsible for keeping the Bucs out of the playoffs.

Final five words

Starting to get serious here.

[Last modified October 14, 2007, 22:02:47]