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So far, players are keeping perspective

By ROGER MILLS, RICK STROUD and DARRELL FRY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 7, 2001

TAMPA -- The Bucs are being touted as Super Bowl contenders but no one in the locker room is buying into the hype. Sunday's season opener, against a Dallas team in a rebuilding mode, won't be lost by the Bucs because of overconfidence.

The Bucs plan to make their statement at the end of the season, not at the beginning.

"I'm not concerned about the Super Bowl right now. I'm concerned about Dallas," receiver Keyshawn Johnson said. "Right now, we should just be thinking about Dallas."

Considering this arguably is the best team put together by the organization, and the Cowboys plan to start a rookie quarterback in Quincy Carter, the odds seem to favor Tampa Bay -- by nine points.

"I haven't seen the point spread," quarterback Brad Johnson said. "It's a big challenge for us. A win is a win. A loss is a loss. They all add up at the end of the season. I know not one game is more important than the other."

Defensive end Simeon Rice, one of the new additions expected to help push the Bucs over the top, said the team has a chance to send a message.

"I think we can scream out loud," Rice said. "I think it's going to be important to show where we're going. However, it's going to take 16 games to show where we really want to go. But this is a game we definitely need to go out and get a victory."

SPEAKING OF RICE: Having played the first five years of his career in Arizona, Rice is familiar with facing the Cowboys, seeing them at least twice a year.

He admitted that this meeting is not the same as the majority he had as a Cardinal. The difference?

"Knowing that we can go up there and win," Rice said. "We have more than a fighting chance. Knowing that we have pieces in place to do big things. It's going to help my play and my play is going to help the people around me."

CHRISTY LIKELY OUT: Center Jeff Christy likely will miss the opener. The three-time Pro Bowl player sprained his left knee in Cleveland three weeks ago.

In his absence, the Bucs will start Todd Washington, who also fills the backup role at right and left guard. For insurance, the Bucs may have to promote rookie Leon Hires from the practice squad.

"(That decision) will probably be made after (today's) practice," coach Tony Dungy said.

OTHER INJURIES: Defensive tackle James Cannida (left knee sprain), offensive guard Russ Hochstein (left foot fracture), cornerback Dwight Smith (right foot sprain) are not expected to play. Defensive end Ellis Wyms (left foot sprain) is questionable.

OFFICIALLY REPLACED: The news that the NFL will start the regular season with replacement officials is no big deal, Bucs personnel said.

Dungy said he expects the team that plays the best to emerge as the winner, regardless of officials.

"This is just one of those issues where we really have no control," general manager Rich McKay said. "We're the passengers in the airplane and we just go with the plane. The pilot's got to take us.

"You don't get real concerned about it. Do I think that in Week 1 they'll be as efficient as the regulars? No. It's going to take them a while, but I also think we're ready."

NOT TO MAKE EXCUSES, BUT ... : The Bucs have the second-toughest schedule in the league. Their opponents had a combined .555 winning percentage last season, second to Minnesota (.574). The Bucs and Vikings both are scheduled to face 12 teams from last season with winning records and seven playoff clubs.

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