Sports: Dungy: We are team to beat in NFC Central

Dungy: We are team to beat in NFC Central

By RICK STROUD

PALM BEACH -- Having acquired two Pro Bowl linemen from a division rival, the Bucs are the team to beat in the NFC Central, coach Tony Dungy said.

But Dungy warned the additions of Vikings free-agent center Jeff Christy and guard Randall McDaniel don't automatically translate into a successful defense of their first division title in 18 seasons.

"I think on paper it does, but you don't win on paper," Dungy said Wednesday at a breakfast for NFC coaches at the NFL owners' meetings. "I think that's a fallacy every year and something that we have to really (tell the players) we can't be caught up in the fact we added this player and subtracted that player, so we're going to be better. You still have to win by how we practice, how we do our jobs. But obviously, we think taking two very good players and putting them into our offensive line is going to help us.

"One or two guys playing well can make the difference, whether it's a Pro Bowl offensive guard or a World League quarterback." Dungy said Bucs players will try to avoid repeating the letdown of 1998, when their playoff appearance was followed by an 8-8 record.

"There became a theory around town that all we had to do was beat Green Bay," Dungy said. "All we've got to do is take the next step, find a way to win at Lambeau and everything is going to be fine. We didn't take care of things. We didn't practice the way we needed to, we didn't coach the way we needed to. We have enough guys still around from the '98 season that realize that."

NO VINDICATION: Owners approved a competition committee clarification of the rule that determines a legal reception based on a critical play in the NFC Championship Game in which an apparent catch by the Bucs' Bert Emanuel was ruled incomplete after instant replay review. "I think the competition committee did a good job of responding to that play by trying to create an environment where coaches, officials and fans all have an idea of what a catch is and what a catch isn't," Dungy said. RUMOR MILL: Dungy tempered the latest speculation regarding Jets receiver Keyshawn Johnson. The Bucs were said to be offering the 13th and 27th picks plus receiver Reidel Anthony. "I don't want to get into speculation about that," he said. "From our standpoint what happened is Bill (Parcells) called a bunch of people and he called us and we said yes, we'd be interested in talking about him. Then I'm told the next conversation was we're not trading him and that's where it stands in my mind. I can't picture trading your better players. From my standpoint, I don't think it's going to happen."

GRUBER DECISION SOON?: Tackle Paul Gruber is expected to inform the team of his decision on whether he intends to play next season before the April 15 draft, Dungy said. Gruber is rehabilitating his broken femur "I know getting Randall McDaniel and Christy, the Super Bowl being in Tampa and the fact that we made the playoffs last year and he didn't get to play -- I know that's all weighing into his decision," Dungy said. WISH LIST: Dungy said the Bucs hope to come out of the draft with an offensive lineman, receiver or tight end, running back, linebacker and safety.