5 plays worth another look

By KEITH NIEBUHR, Times Staff Writer
Published December 31, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT Bucs coverage Audio: Instant analysis with Gary Shelton In-game blog: Stephen F. Holder's take An uneasy rest Shelton: Once again, Gruden feels the heat Garcia chosen as Bucs MVP Sears leaves with ankle injury, status unclear TD caps record march Scouting Giants, Bucs impressed Romano: Gimme 5 After 21 years, Vinny takes final snap Tom Jones: BucShotz Quotebook Bucs' 2008 opponents Bucs - Giants tale of the tape Playoffs: Who is going to win? [James Borchuck | Times] Chad Lucas, who was recently promoted from the practice squad, celebrates his 52-yard catch that came on the fourth play of his first start. Three plays later, the Bucs scored to go ahead 7-0. [Brendan Fitterer | Times] Drew Carter catches a 46-yard pass despite the efforts of Will Allen and Sammy Davis. The Panthers scored one play later.

With the playoffs a week away, the Bucs rested many of their key players against Carolina on Sunday. But there was no shortage of entertaining performances. And thanks to a franchise-record 98-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter, fans at Raymond James Stadium witnessed history for the second straight home game. It might not have been one for the ages, but it wasn't a dud either. Here are five plays worth a closer look:

Chad Lucas' first career catch

Because the Panthers are, in his words, "aggressive to the run," Bucs receiver Chad Lucas figured there might be a chance to catch a deep ball Sunday. He just didn't think it would happen on the fourth play of the game. But when Lucas, making his first start after being promoted from the practice squad last week, sprinted past cornerback Ken Lucas and found himself yards from the nearest defender, that's exactly what happened. As the play developed, there was only one question: Would the ball get to him in time? Quarterback Luke McCown underthrew the pass, allowing two Panthers to catch up. "That ball," Chad Lucas said, "looked like it would never come down." It did - just barely in time. He hauled it in for a 52-yard gain to the 5. The Bucs scored a touchdown - on Jerramy Stevens' 3-yard catch - three plays later.

Derrick Brooks' holding penalty

On their first drive, the Panthers had it first and goal at the 6. But during the next three plays, they gained only 2 yards and were forced to kick a field goal. On the 22-yard attempt, however, which John Kasay made, Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks was flagged for holding. Replays showed Brooks and a Panther falling, but it was hard to tell if Brooks yanked him down or the two simply fell, as Brooks later contended. "The ref never gave me a good explanation of why he called it," Brooks said. The penalty gave Carolina a first down at the 2, and it tied the score at 7 two plays later on Christian Fauria's catch. Brooks later apologized to his teammates for the mistake.

Matt Moore's picture-perfect TD strike

As the play was happening, Bucs cornerback Sammy Davis was sure his coverage on the pass from Matt Moore to tight end Dante Rosario was perfect. He still believed it after the game. "If he throws it anywhere else," Davis said, "it's an interception." Unfortunately for Davis, Moore's second-quarter pass on third and 1 wasn't off by even an inch. With Davis practically attached to his hip, Rosario ran toward the end zone and made an over-the-shoulder catch for a 20-yard touchdown that put Carolina up 14-10. "He threw it right out of my reach," Davis said.

Quincy Black's forced fumble

When Josh Bidwell launched a 60-yard second-quarter punt, there initially might have been concerns he outkicked his coverage. But those fears were quickly put to rest after Ryne Robinson fielded the kick at the Carolina 15. Robinson was nudged by Micheal Spurlock and after getting away got pulled to the ground by Quincy Black. As the two began to fall, Black ripped the ball from Robinson's grasp, and Will Allen recovered at the 17. "Micheal bounced him out to me. I came over and got him," Black said. "It was exciting." The play led to a field goal that brought the Bucs to within 14-13.

Drew Carter's bomb

After the Bucs went 98 yards in the third quarter to take a 20-17 lead, they appeared to have momentum on their side. But on the Panthers' fourth play of the next series, Matt Moore spotted Drew Carter, who had gotten past cornerback Sammy Davis and safety Will Allen down the left sideline. Neither was near him when the pass was heaved, but because the ball hung up for a bit, it gave both time to recover. As the ball reached the three of them, though, Carter jumped high to make the grab. When he landed, he had a 46-yard gain to the 1. DeAngelo Williams' run on the next play put Carolina back on top for good. "I was trying to make a play somewhere else," Davis said. "When I saw the ball coming, I was like, 'We're going to make a play on this.' He just went up and got it. He made a good play."

[Last modified December 30, 2007, 22:03:49]