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Keyshawn's drama not a distraction

By ROGER MILLS

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 19, 2000

TAMPA -- Keyshawn ... Keyshawn ... Keyshawn ... Yada, yada, yada.

While members of the national and local media salivate over the Keyshawn Johnson against the Jets story line, some of the Bucs are making it clear that they're not going to be distracted by hype.

"We just go about our business," quarterback Shaun King said. "For us, it's just another game on the schedule. They are a good team, they are undefeated, they play a defense that you don't see a lot, so it's a challenge for us. But, we're going to watch film like we do every week and (Keyshawn will) get his share of balls and I think if we go out and don't turn it over, we'll be successful like we were the first three games."

Added receiver Jacquez Green: "To us, there's not much hype. It's mainly about Keyshawn and the Jets, not us. We don't know any Jets players, we don't care a lick. It's just the next team we have to play and that's how we look at it."

Nonchalance aside, the Bucs can't afford to lose focus of the fact that Sunday's opponent is not just a team Johnson played for, but more important, a team that's 3-0. Coach Tony Dungy said the team also cannot afford to lose sight of the fact that as the season progresses, every game will have its own story line.

"We're going to have the same thing in a couple weeks with Jeff (Christy) and Randall (McDaniel) going back to Minnesota. Sure, you want to play well. I want to play well when we go to Detroit. That's where I'm from. But bottom line is winning and staying in first place. I think that's what we're focused on. We like to win our home games. It's very important to us. I think they'll be more focused with beating the Jets for those reasons, rather than because we have Keyshawn."

Dungy said the one consolation is that his big-money receiver isn't likely to want to press.

"I think it's human nature that you want to play well," Dungy said. "He'll be very fired up for the game. Jeff and Randall will be when we go back to Minnesota. Those guys are professional, Pro Bowlers, they'll know how to handle it."

BOOGER'S BIG DAY: Considering that he has started only three games as a pro, second-year defensive tackle Anthony "Booger" McFarland didn't waste much time proving he's worthy of the coaching staff's decision to make him a starter. McFarland had his best day as a pro, recording 21/2 sacks against the Lions.

"I was able to do some good things," McFarland said. "It's the thing we hang our hats on here, rushing the passer. Things just fell into place pretty well (Sunday)."

McFarland, a quiet product from Louisiana State who was taken with the 15th overall pick last year, always has said he doesn't make a big deal about the number of sacks but admitted Sunday's performance was special.

"These feel better now, because they are happening now," McFarland said. "The more you play, the more comfortable you get. It's all about getting out there, getting used to the guys. The chemistry starts to come together and everything starts working out."

POCKET PROTECTORS: In three games, the Bucs quarterbacks have been sacked only three times, and Sunday against the Lions -- who have had a reputation for feasting on Bucs quarterbacks the past few years -- the offensive line was perfect. King said the play of the offensive line has been critical to the team's ability to sustain drives.

"They do a great job," King said. "I think (offensive line) coach Chris Foerster and (offensive coordinator) Les (Steckel) devised a good protection scheme for us because Detroit is good up front. Those guys are working well together."

Particularly pleasing, King said, was the play of left tackles Pete Pierson and George Hegamin and right tackle Jerry Wunsch.

"Everybody (figured) our tackles were a problem, but we never lost faith in them," King said. "We knew what they were capable of doing and it's sort of like they were just unknown and hadn't be given the opportunity, but they've played great."

SAYS WHO?: He has had a reputation for being a defensive-minded coach who would rather ground out the clock and keep the game from becoming a shootout. But after his team scored 72 points over its last two games, Dungy took the opportunity to clear up one tiny misunderstanding.

"You guys have a misperception about me," Dungy said. "I never said I like the low-scoring games. I like when the other team has low-scoring games. It doesn't bother me when we score 41 or 31 (points). I like to see good football and right now we're playing it on both sides of the ball."

INJURY REPORT: Rookie safety David Gibson tore the planta facia tendon under his left foot. He's expected to practice this week. Safety Dexter Jackson (sprained right ankle) returned to practice, should go at full speed Wednesday and could play Sunday.

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