Bucs rail
By TOM JONES
Published December 23, 2007
The poll
Which Buc most deserved to be named to the NFC team for the Pro Bowl?
Joey Galloway 28%
Ronde Barber 25%
Jeff Garcia 19%
Derrick Brooks 14%
Josh Bidwell 14%
Total votes: 602
Inside the numbers
4 The Bucs have beaten the 49ers only four times in 18 meetings. But three of those victories have come in the past five meetings, including the 2002 playoffs. Yeesh, that means the 49ers won 11 of the first 13 meetings.
7 Bucs defensive end Greg White has tied a team season record with seven forced fumbles. One more and he moves past Broderick Thomas (1991) and Wally Chambers (1979) into sole possession of first place.
10 Bucs kicker Matt Bryant needs 10 points to pass James Wilder, who had 276 points with the Bucs, to move into fifth place on the franchise list.
32 The 49ers rank 32nd (uh, that would be last in the NFL) in total offense, averaging 242.8 yards per game.
The picks
The magic-carpet ride of Shaun Hill ends after four dreamy quarters. Fans at Candle3Comster, or whatever it's called this week, look out at the field, watch Jeff Garcia throw for 326 yards and three touchdowns and say, "This is the guy we let go for Gio Carmazzi and Tim Rattay and Alex Smith and Trent Dilfer?" Bucs, 30-10.
Peter King, Sports Illustrated
Former benchwarmer Shaun Hill's debut as a starting quarterback was impressive - he showed great pocket awareness, poise and confidence last week in the 49ers' 20-13 upset over the Bengals. No turnovers and plenty of carries for Frank Gore were key. But the Buccaneers are fighting for playoff position. Winner: Bucs.
Nancy Gay, San Francisco Chronicle
Another of these situations that confound the prognostication process: Tampa has clinched its division and cannot clinch more, so how long will its starters play? How long will Jeff Garcia go in his first meeting with his longtime ex-team? Plus, the Niners are 14-3 in the all-time (regular season) series with seven straight wins at home. A game to avoid or play close. Bucs, 20-10.
Greg Cote, Miami Herald
They said it
Jeff will do everything he possibly can to help his team win. He will run the ball if he needs to. He's going to take some tough hits to get the ball down the field if he has to. I know what type of player he is. Jeff has all the tools.
49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young, above, talking about former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia, now leading the Bucs
The Bucs have a game and a half of film on quarterback Shaun Hill and a defense that can put benchwarmer quarterbacks in their place. The Bucs can still earn the No. 3 seed if they win out and the Seahawks lose a game. They'll come out smoking, and the Niners offense will return to hibernation.
Mike Tanier, Fox Sports