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12 wins, 4 losses, loads of excitement

By RICK STROUD

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 7, 2001

TAMPA -- The Bucs are favorites to win the Super Bowl, becoming the Phil Mickelson of the NFL.

Who knows if they can hoist the Lombardi Trophy? But an NFC Central title, homefield advantage through the playoffs and the best record in club history will put them in pretty good position.

It also might end all those Bill Parcells rumors. If four playoff appearances in five years (including three straight) isn't enough to save Tony Dungy, there are at least 30 other teams that will line up to hire him.

We see 12-4, and the hope for more. See ya in N'awlins?

Sept. 9 at Dallas, 1 p.m.

Pity Cowboys quarterback Quincy Carter. Not only does the rookie have to pilot a bad Dallas team, he makes his first NFL start against a Bucs defense that devours first-year signal-callers. The Bucs set a single-game sack record with 10.

The hole in the roof of Texas Stadium is filled after the game because God really doesn't want to watch. Bucs 35, Cowboys 3.

Sept. 16 PHILADELPHIA, 1 p.m.

Not only are the Bucs fired up for the home opener, but it's a grudge game against the Eagles, who knocked them out of the playoffs last season.

Tampa Bay's game plan last January was written in crayon. This time, the Bucs actually decide to pass the ball to Keyshawn Johnson on third-and-goal at the 6-yard line for the game-winning points. The Eagles, having already been stunned by the Rams in Week 1, fall to 0-2. Bucs 21, Eagles 10.

Sept. 23 BYE

40,000 turn out at Raymond James Stadium, not realizing the Bucs have their earliest bye week on record.

Sept. 30 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

It's Vikings old-timers day and Minnesota fans turn out to honor Randall McDaniel, Jeff Christy and Brad Johnson. The Bucs look rusty after the week off as Daunte Culpepper runs for a touchdown and throws for two more to Randy Moss. Tony Dungy and Dennis Green keep their private agreement made in 1996 of splitting the series for the sixth year in a row. Vikings 24, Bucs 20.

Oct. 7 GREEN BAY, 4:15 p.m.

The surprising Packers are off to a hot start and roll into RJS in a three-team tie for the division lead. Fearing it's the last trip to Tampa before realignment, 30,000 cheeseheads migrate south but see the Packers go from first to bratwurst.

Bucs defensive tackle Warren Sapp introduces Simeon Rice to the Packers quarterback. "So close, yet so Favre" does not apply in this game. Bucs 28, Packers 16.

Oct. 14 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Two Florida alums are the story of this game: Bucs rookie left tackle Kenyatta Walker against Titans All-Pro defensive end Jevon Kearse. Walker will be a great player, but not on this day. Despite getting help from tight end Dave Moore, Kearse (rhymes with hearse) knocks Brad Johnson out of the game. Backup Shaun King rallies the Bucs, who fall short for their second loss of the year. Titans 17, Bucs 10.

Oct. 21 PITTSBURGH, 1 p.m.

Remember the crying game? The last time Kordell Stewart played the Bucs in Tampa, he was yanked by coach Bill Cowher and spent several minutes bawling on the sidelines. Stewart will be reduced to tears again, but this time it's due to the pounding he takes from the Bucs defense. Keyshawn Johnson catches three TD passes from Shaun King, who gets a start with Brad Johnson still ailing. Bucs 30, Steelers 10.

Oct. 28 MINNESOTA, 1 p.m.

The surprising Vikings roll into RJS as they do every year, riding a six-game winning streak. Ah, but what about that agreement between Dungy and Green? Did you see the secret handshake before the game? Remember Yo Murphy dropping that punt and costing the Vikings a week after he was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay? Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott each gain 100 yards and Brad Johnson returns to the lineup. Bucs 27, Vikings 26.

Nov. 4 at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

In what could be the Bucs' final trip to Lambeau Field before realignment, they look to break their jinx at the cathedral of the NFL. The game is close, Tampa Bay falls behind, but rallies and tries to position the ball for a game-winning field goal attempt by Martin Gramatica. Is it deja vu all over again? Nope. Bucs 24, Packers 21.

Nov. 11 at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Still giddy over their win at Lambeau Field, the Bucs make the mistake of overlooking the Lions. General manager Matt Millen has done a good job of improving his team but still wishes he had hired Herm Edwards before the Jets did. But on this day, Detroit is better and knocks Brad Johnson out of the game again. Lions 21, Bucs 20.

Nov. 18 CHICAGO, 1 p.m.

Chicago general manager Jerry Angelo, who has rid the Bears of Cade McNown, Bobby Engram and coach Dick Jauron, announces that Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus and Mike Ditka also must be removed from the team's Hall of Fame. Bears also sign Doug Johnson, giving them three former UF quarterbacks with Shane Matthews and Danny Wuerffel. Steve Spurrier denies reports he's headed to the Bears. Bucs 30, Bears 17.

Nov. 26 at St. Louis, 9 p.m.

Bucs make their Monday Night Football appearance in a classic rematch with the Rams. St. Louis defensive coordinator Lovie Smith deploys Tampa Bay's defensive scheme, which is a poor man's version without Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch. The game is a defensive struggle until Kurt Warner connects on a Hail Mary TD pass to Isaac Bruce on the final play of the game. Rams 17, Bucs 13.

Dec. 2 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

A blizzard hits the Queen City and temperatures plummet, giving the Bucs their best chance of winning their first-ever game in temperatures under 40 degrees. It's snow fun to be a Buccaneer for the first half as they fall behind early. But Dunn outrushes Corey Dillon on this day and the Bucs' long freeze-out is over. Bucs 21, Bengals 17.

Dec. 9 DETROIT, 1 p.m.

Quarterback Brad Johnson returns from his knee sprain wanting revenge on the Lions. An early cold front hits Tampa Bay and -- can you believe it? -- the Bucs play in 30-degree weather wearing no long johns or long sleeves. Cold? What cold? Sapp ties the NFL sack record held by that guy at Riker's Island. Bucs 27, Lions 13.

Dec. 16 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Spurrier meets with Angelo at the O'Hare Hilton to talk about the Bears job. There's still the national championship looming for the Gators, so Spurrier says he's staying at Florida. Bears sign quarterback Terry Dean. Rex Grossman says he's entering the NFL draft early and hopes to play for Chicago. Bucs win third in a row in the cold. Bucs 17, Bears 14.

Dec. 23 NEW ORLEANS, 1 p.m.

With two shopping days left before Christmas, the Bucs save themselves some trouble and give Sapp a contract extension of 10 years for $100-million. Sapp, who has set the NFL sack record, is named Defensive Player of the Year. The Saints ain't making it to the playoffs this year. Bucs 27, Saints 17.

Dec. 29 BALTIMORE, 9 p.m.

A rare Saturday edition of Monday Night Football features the defending Super Bowl champions returning to the field of their greatest glory. But Kerry Collins is nowhere to be found. Neither is Trent Dilfer, which might be a good thing. By the time Elvis Grbac leaves the building, the Bucs are NFC Central champs. Bucs 10, Ravens 9.

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