Sometimes it is just as easy as a snap

[Times photo: Jim Damaske] Trent Dilfer comforts Shaun King. The game in photos Main story Not enough Gary Shelton Six points doesn't cut it for King, Bucs Hubert Mizell Sometimes it is just as easy as a snap Ineffective attack finally costs Bucs Defense's spy scheme shuts Faulk down. Bucs covered primary concern Locker room is a house of pain The Party Line Bad call does in Bucs; offense doesn't help Patience pays off for Rams 'They'll be heroes no matter what' Once-sorry Bucs carry region to higher, common ground Emanuel: No need for review From the rule book What They're Saying Fire and Ice Quick hits Quarter by quarter By the numbers The 9 key plays Rams quotebook Bucs quotebook BUCS POLL: How will the Bucs do next season? Vote

By Compiled by Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 24, 2000

The Bucs had two plays this season that, if not for a delay in snapping the ball ... oh, what might have been:

AT DETROIT

Oct. 31

• THE PLAY: With the Bucs trailing 17-3 late in the third quarter, Warrick Dunn raced 12 yards to the corner of the end zone, diving the final yards to cut the deficit to 17-9. But the Bucs were confused about how to line up for the extra-point attempt. Coach Tony Dungy decided to let the play clock run down and take a delay-of-game penalty instead of snapping the ball, thinking the penalty would negate Detroit's chance to challenge the touchdown.
• THE CHALLENGE: The failure to run the play allowed the Lions time to see a replay and challenge the score. A challenge cannot be issued after the next play is run but not if that play is a penalty. After a review, officials ruled Dunn's knee touched at the Lions 1-yard line, negating the touchdown.
• THE AFTERMATH: Three snaps later, Mike Alstott fumbled. The Lions recovered on their 1, quashing any momentum the Bucs had. The Bucs went on to lose 20-3.

AT ST. LOUIS

Jan. 23

• THE PLAY: With the Bucs trailing 11-6 with less than a minute left in the NFC Championship Game, Tampa Bay faced second and 23 at the St. Louis 35. Shaun King completed a 12-yard pass to Bert Emanuel to make it third and 11 with 40 seconds left. The Bucs, who earlier in the second half lost a timeout by challenging a play that was not overruled, called their final timeout.
• THE CHALLENGE: The timeout allowed officials extra time to view the replay, and they called for a review. After a delay of more than 90 seconds, referee Bill Carollo ruled the pass incomplete, putting the Bucs back to the Rams 35 facing third and 23.
• THE AFTERMATH: Two incomplete passes later, the Bucs' season was over.

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