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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 8, 2000
Offense still needs some improvement
When is Tony Dungy going back to the aggressive play-calling of the first three games? When is Shaun King going to quit overthrowing passes? I love Tony and Shaun, but I think I speak for all the fans by saying we want to win, and to do this we have to go back to the style of playing we saw in the first three games.
-- Kelley Letourneau, St. Petersburg
Maybe Tony Dungy will improve his team communication skills before he benches the defensive heart and leader? Maybe Warren Sapp will get to meetings on time from now on? Maybe Mark Royals won't punt directly to one of the league's most dangerous kick returners next time?
Maybe Reidel Anthony will spare us the prolonged post-touchdown theatrics until after he has more than one touchdown and an 8.6 yards per game receiving average?
Maybe Shaun King will grow a foot so he has field vision?
Maybe the offensive line will remember how to block?
Maybe the team will ignore the hype, the hoopla, the egos and the self-inflicted distractions and once again become the hungry underdog?
Maybe, just maybe.
-- Steven A. Custer, Largo
Quite frankly, I'm having trouble seeing how the Bucs offense has been significantly improved over last year, aside from the ability to score in the red zone. Yes, the offense looked good in the first three games, but against suspect defenses. In the past two games against good defenses, it has had only had one sustained drive, and that resulted in a blocked field goal.
The times the Bucs scored were mostly the result of a long play or an opponent's fumble that gave them great field position. Last year, they seemed to consistently move the ball between the 20s. This year, they don't seem to move it nearly as well.
When they go 9-7 this year and miss the playoffs, will we think back fondly of Mike Shula and Trent Dilfer?
-- Mark Liquorman, Crystal Beach
So much for an offense that was going to get better each game.
-- Dan Stifflear, Palm Harbor
After watching the game against the Jets, I felt like Mike Shula had never left the Bucs. After watching Sunday's debacle against the Redskins, I am totally convinced Mike Shula lives right here in Tampa Bay and is still on the Buccaneers' payroll.
-- Mike Cole, New Port Richey
Shaun King makes a great NFL backup, but you need a 6-foot-3, strong-armed quarterback to throw downfield to Keyshawn Johnson. The way it is now, the Bucs will have to buy tickets to see the Super Bowl.
-- Ray Raphael, Beverly Hills