[Times photo: Toni Sandys] Tampa Bay's vaunted defense gives up a 96-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes as the Bucs fall to the Vikings 20-16. And the offense didn't play much better. • Story • Photo gallery • Flash photo gallery (must have Flash software plug to view) Allergy to end zone wearing on offense MINNEAPOLIS -- One receiver said the team doesn't throw enough into the end zone. A veteran tight end said the offense simply is not sharp enough. And the team's most productive offensive weapon, a now-injured running back, is unclear on what to do. Bucs offense kept on the bench Long, time-eating drives, not long throws to Randy Moss and Cris Carter, give Minnesota a huge advantage. Dunn leaves with bruised toe, likely back for Pack MINNEAPOLIS -- It happened on the first play of the fourth quarter, when Warrick Dunn ran 20 yards down the left side to give the Bucs a first down on Minnesota's 15. Bucs defense by the numbers Game balls Gimme five Bucs quotebook Sound bites Vikings quotebook

NFL
Packers win, with help
Panthers squander a halftime lead when Steve Smith fumbles two kickoffs to give Green Bay two quick scores.

Miami defense no match for Rams' Warner, Faulk
ST. LOUIS -- Even the Dolphins couldn't beat Kurt Warner indoors.

Jets' focus is on 49ers receivers
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- When Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes and the other San Francisco receivers head downfield tonight, the Jets are not counting on them being charitable.

NFL briefs
NYC area now among the sites for Super Bowl

Darrell Fry
Pain never subsides for ex-NFL players
TAMPA -- It was late one Friday night last year when Richard Wood pulled onto Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. His Wharton High football team had just hammered Leto 28-0, and he was leaving the school parking lot.

Devil Rays
Rays rally but stay in MLB basement
A 6-5 loss in 12 to Jays prevents four-game sweep, but Tampa Bay may yet shed label of game's worst.

Rays pay price for pitching to Delgado
ST. PETERSBURG -- Carlos Delgado can't remember the last time the batter preceding him was walked intentionally.

Up next: Red Sox
7:15 tonight, 7:15 Tuesday, 7:15 Wednesday

Lightning
Zyuzin must maintain focus
The Lightning defenseman has plenty of talent. But he must reduce his lapses in concentration.

Lightning maneuvers to reduce roster to 23
The Lightning re-assigned left wing Ryan Tobler to Springfield of the American Hockey League on Sunday and announced goaltender Robert McVicar, a training camp invitee, declined a contract offer and will play juniors for Brandon of the Western Hockey League.

College football
Blowout assuages Bowden's worries
TALLAHASSEE -- Coach Bobby Bowden never had to worry about seeing his greatest fear materialize Saturday night against Wake Forest.

Bulls gain their offensive balance
TAMPA -- South Florida toned down the passing frenzy it exhibited in the first three games of the season, but the offense still was effective enough to churn out a workmanlike 28-10 win Saturday night against winless North Texas.

Spurrier frowns on Heisman thoughts
GAINESVILLE -- The Heisman talk has started.

College football: up next
Florida at LSU

Motorsports
Gordon holds off rookie's charge
NASCAR points leader conquers Kansas Speedway, edging Ryan Newman at the inaugural Protection One 400.

NASCAR briefs
Childress won't run No. 3 again

Outdoors
A perfect weekend in many divisions at Bradenton's annual kickoff regatta
The Bradenton Yacht Club's annual regatta marks the opening of the fall season around Tampa Bay and this year's kicked off the schedule with gusto.