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Bucs not swayed by Lions' 0-11 mark

TAMPA -- The Bucs are well aware that Sunday's opponent, Detroit, is winless in 11 tries. They also are aware Detroit has had a number of close calls and they needed a last-minute Martin Gramatica field goal for a 20-17 win in the Silverdome on Nov. 11.

There are no guarantees.

"They are 0-11 and you have to expect that they're going to beat somebody," quarterback Brad Johnson said. "They have had some close games but regardless of if we're playing St. Louis on Monday night, the best team in football at 9-2, or a team that's 0-11, it doesn't even matter. We want to play better football and find a way to win and at the end of the day, that's all that matters."

Safety John Lynch, who rescued Tampa Bay from overtime anxiety Sunday in Cincinnati, promised the Bucs will not be overconfident against a team they barely beat earlier this season.

"We have enough motivation in our season right now, where every game is important," Lynch said. "If there is any positive in the way we have started, it is the fact that we can't overlook anyone. But that is not the case. We have a great deal of respect for the Lions and all you have to do is watch them every week and they are in every game."

Linebacker Derrick Brooks said the 0-11 record won't be a factor.

"We can't worry about what their record is or anything like that," he said. "They are the next team on the schedule and they are another Central Division opponent.'

WINNING ON ROAD: Through 11 weeks, road teams have been winning at a surprising rate. Of the 173 games played, the road team has won 85 (49.1 percent).

"I think it's a sign that the league is a little more evenly matched," coach Tony Dungy said. "The difference between teams is not that great. We saw Arizona go into Oakland, New England going into the Jets, and beat them."

"A lot of times it is a mental thing. It's still 11 vs. 11. You're playing against the other team and if you can deal with the noise and concentrate, there really isn't much difference playing home or away. It comes down to having yourself ready to play."

REMEMBERING THE MAN: The rumors and speculations about Dungy's future likely won't go away until the season is over, but the franchise's winningest coach has support in the locker room.

Lynch said Dungy's job situation has been a source of motivation.

"If you have a good situation, the best way to quiet those rumors is to win football games," he said. "We're are aware of that in this room. To a certain extent we do have guys here playing with that in mind. I think to a man, every one in this locker room will tell you that we believe in him and we think he's the right guy for the job. The best way we can control that situation is to be successful."

INJURY UPDATE: Tight end Dave Moore (right hip) did not practice Wednesday but could return today. Defensive end Steve White (shoulder) was also out for precautionary measures. Receiver/returner Karl Williams left practice with back spasms, but they don't appear to be serious.

"Probably, this is the healthiest we've been in a while," Dungy said.

SECURITY REMINDER: With security concerns still heightened, the Bucs issued a reminder to fans of what will not be allowed in Raymond James Stadium. Among the items prohibited: purses or bags larger than 4x6 inches; fanny packs, backpacks, binocular cases or camera cases; video cameras; seat cushions; banners or flags with sticks; horns of any type; diaper bags larger than 8x9 inches; umbrellas; food, drinks, cans or bottles; coolers and strollers; weapons/fireworks; lasers; cameras with lenses longer than 12 inches; items that could be projectiles or missiles.

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