BucShotz

By TOM JONES, Times Staff Writer
Published October 28, 2007

By the numbers

1 Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber needs one interception for 32 in his career, and that would move him past Donnie Abraham for sole possession of first place in franchise history.

3 Seasons Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin coached Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio. Kiffin coached Del Rio with the Vikings from 1992-94. Del Rio led the team in tackles those seasons.

4 This is only the fourth meeting between the two franchises. The Jaguars have won two of three, with the Bucs' victory coming in 1995, a 17-16 final.

What they're saying

The Jaguars' stout defense won't make things easy for Jeff Garcia and the Bucs.

Defensive end Paul Spicer ranks 13th in the NFL with a team-high five sacks, and defensive tackles John Henderson and Marcus Stroud present problems because their height (6 foot 7 and 6-6) could make it difficult for the 6-1 Garcia to see the passing lanes.

"Jacksonville has a very imposing defense," Garcia said. "I remember seeing them last year when they came to Philadelphia. I wasn't on the field at the time, but we really struggled as an offense against them.

"You can't necessarily look at this past Monday night's game against Indianapolis as a true scale of how good they are as a team, so that's something that we're very concerned about and aware of. We need to figure out how we can find ways to create positive plays on the field."

Interestingly, Garcia has shown a knack for doing that.

Michael C. Wright, Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville)

A lot of things went wrong for Tampa Bay against the Lions - a missed field goal, a blocked punt, two fumbles by Jeff Garcia. And the Bucs still had a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter. They're going to stay in the mix for a playoff spot.

Sheil Kapadia, Baltimore Sun

Listen to this bit of information provided by Detroit Mike, our correspondent who worked the Lions game: Jeff Garcia is the only QB in recorded history to start at least five games for five teams in five years. Niners, Browns, Lions, Eagles, Bucs. And only one of them, Cleveland, improved the next season, after he left.

Paul "Dr. Z" Zimmerman, Sports Illustrated

The picks

If you're like me, you agree that the availability of one player changes the outcome of this game - David Garrard. Without him, the Jags were noncompetitive against Indianapolis on Monday night. Unless Quinn Gray takes a bunch of accuracy pills, the same thing will happen at the Pirate Ship this week. Bucs, 20-9.

Peter King, Sports Illustrated

Quinn Gray makes his first NFL start for the injured David Garrard for the Jaguars. He was terrible in relief Monday night against the Colts. He won't be that bad in this one. Tampa Bay is tough on defense, but the Jaguars run the ball and handle the Tampa offense to get a win. Jags, 21-17.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sportsline

4% Vinny Testaverde

Bucs poll

Who is the best Bucs quarterbackof all time?

38%

Brad Johnson

37%

Doug Williams

19%

Jeff Garcia

2%

Trent Dilfer

823

Total votes

[Last modified October 27, 2007, 17:22:39]