Sports: Dunn says offense needs to improve

Dunn says offense needs to improve

By DARRELL FRY and ROGER MILLS

TAMPA -- After scoring just 20 points in two preseason games, the Bucs are hoping to get more scoring Saturday against New England when starters are expected to see their most extensive action of the preseason.

"It's very, very, very, very, very, very important," running back Warrick Dunn said of the offense's need to put points on the board Saturday. "It's important because next week we may not play that much. This week we have pretty much everybody back except for Mike (Alstott) and we just lost (Jeff) Christy. So, guys have to realize this is how the regular season is going to be. Guys are going to be in and out of the lineup, so if they stick guys in there that are going to play and be consistent, then as an offense we have to jell also and be consistent with those players.

"So we can't worry about that this is just a preseason game. We have to go out and execute."

Dunn said the offense needs a good showing Saturday to gain confidence heading into the regular season.

"It's important to try and set a tone," he said. "This team doesn't want to just be known for defense. We want to be known for having a good offense that's efficient, that can move the football and score when it has an opportunity."

WHAT'S AHEAD: Traditionally, the Bucs play their starters through the first half in the third preseason game and rest them for the fourth game. That seems to be the plan Saturday.

It means that starting quarterback Brad Johnson will play at least the first half and backup Shaun King will play for the most of the second half.

"We're going to play our first group at least a half," coach Tony Dungy said. "Shaun is going to play quite a bit after that, but we'll kind of see how it breaks down, how much time we have left."

STIFF COMPETITION: Defensive end Marcus Jones had a breakout season in 2000 with 13 sacks and was rewarded with a new contract in the middle of the season. But a hamstring injury sidelined Jones for the game against the Browns last week and likely will keep him out of Saturday's game.

Jones' job may not be in jeopardy, but in keeping with the standard of play expected from the defensive line, former starter Steve White is proving just how deep the defensive line is.

"We knew that before he went down," defensive tackle Warren Sapp said. "Jones knew that, that's why he's trying to get back on the field. It's a dog eat dog world. The first rule about getting better is to show up. If he's not on the field, he's not getting better. That's how we do it. We knew Steve is more than capable of doing it from both sides."

DEALING WITH 3-4: The Patriots are one of the few teams in the NFL that use three defensive linemen and four linebackers. Most teams use four defensive linemen and three linebackers. The system, which the Bucs haven't seen, allows the defense to blitz from multiple angles.

"I don't know if there are any NFC teams still using it," Dungy said. "It's always difficult. You have different rules and you have to block outside linebackers a little differently. They've got good personnel doing it. It is difficult, especially when you have one week to prepare for it."

AIR KEYSHAWN: Receiver Keyshawn Johnson hosted the debut of the Keyshawn Johnson Radio Show Wednesday on WDAE-AM 620. The two-hour show airs weekly from WestShore Plaza in Tampa.

"It's something I want to get into when I'm finished playing," Johnson said.

INJURY REPORT: Alstott (left hamstring), Christy (left MCL sprain), guard Russ Hochstein (left foot fracture), Jones (right hamstring strain) and defensive end Mike Mackenzie (left ankle sprain) will not play Saturday. Linebacker Marq Cerqua (left shoulder dislocation), punter Mark Royals (right MCL sprain) and defensive end Joe Tafoya (lower leg strain) are questionable.