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Dunn credits team for his NFC award

By ROGER MILLS and ERNEST HOOPER

© St. Petersburg Times, published December 7, 2000

TAMPA -- If he had his druthers, running back Warrick Dunn wouldn't make a big deal about his 210-yard rushing effort against the Cowboys on Sunday.

He doesn't have to. The league will.

The NFL on Wednesday recognized Dunn as the NFC offensive player of the week after his effort in the 27-7 victory.

"I think football relies on a team effort; what I do, my teammates have to help me," Dunn said. "I was just surprised. The whole team clapped, I clapped and we walked back inside and that was it.

"It's just an award. You're recognized by the league because it was a good accomplishment because you went out and played that week, but now it's a different week. You've got to move on."

Dunn's effort was the second-best single-game performance in team history, behind James Wilder's 219 at Minnesota in 1983. Dunn also won the award in his rookie season (1997) after rushing for a then-career high 130 yards against Detroit on Sept. 7.

"Warrick certainly had a big game on a day we needed it," coach Tony Dungy said.

KING BACK AT PRACTICE: With concerns over his hurting lower back and tender groin, quarterback Shaun King returned to practice and should start Sunday against the Dolphins.

King said his back is being treated daily, which likely will continue for the rest of the season as a precaution. He is also having his groin treated.

"It's late in the season, and little nicks like that, you're going to have them," King said. "We'll start stretching a little more or maybe change the routine a little bit, just to get some extra flexibility in there and do some preventative things."

Receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who landed on the back of his shoulders after soaring for a 19-yard reception against the Cowboys, sat out practice nursing a neck strain. Johnson is not expected to miss the Miami game.

"Keyshawn's going to be okay," Dungy said. "He could have practiced, but it's still a little bit sore. We didn't want to take a chance on having a setback. There's a good chance that he'll go (today) and we're pretty sure he'll go on Sunday."

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE: On Monday, Johnson suggested Dolphins cornerbacks Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain should go to Miami's well-known entertainment district South Beach rather than spend time preparing for the Bucs passing game. The Miami players weren't buying into it.

"That's probably a ploy to get us to back off and play soft so he can take advantage of us," Surtain said. "We have to bring our A game come Sunday."

Added Madison: "I don't know about that. He's probably trying to lure you into something. Telling us to go to South Beach. Yeah right. They're going to pass the football."

TAKING IT EASY: For the second Wednesday in a row, the Bucs didn't practice in full gear, opting for helmets and shorts.

"We went without the pants again," Dungy said. "They seem to think it lightens them, makes their legs a little fresher. I don't know that it makes all that much difference, but we still get the same work done. It's probably more psychological than anything."

Players still took part in a number of hard-hitting drills.

"We know what we're in store for," Dungy said. "It's going to be a physical game against a real tough running football team, a physical defense, so we've got to be ready."

UPON FURTHER REVIEW: Marcus Jones not only is chasing Warren Sapp's sack total, he's competing with Sapp for the team lead in blocked field goals. Upon film review, Jones was credited with a block of Tim Seder's missed 34-yard field goal at the end of the second quarter against Dallas.

Jones' second block of the season ties him with Sapp for the team lead. The Bucs have blocked a team-record seven punts and field goals.

INJURY REPORT: Linebacker Al Singleton (left knee sprain) and running back Mike Alstott (left knee sprain) are out. Running back Aaron Stecker (right knee sprain) returned to practice but is questionable. Cornerback Donnie Abraham (left hip flexor), guard Frank Middleton (right shoulder contusion) and Sapp (lower back strain) are probable. Abraham and Middleton did not practice.

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