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© St. Petersburg Times, published December 14, 2001
TAMPA -- He doesn't want to talk about it, and that's understandable. But when guard Randall McDaniel came off the field Sunday against the Lions it was a historic moment.
McDaniel has played through 14 seasons. He has made 198 consecutive starts. He has started in 12 straight Pro Bowls.
But when heat-related dizziness caused him to miss some of the third and all of the fourth quarter, it marked the first time in his career he had to come out under those circumstances. And only the second time he has not taken every snap.
McDaniel said he didn't want to belabor the point, adding only, "I've moved on."
The last time McDaniel, 36, missed a game was in the 1989 season, his second with the Vikings, when he sprained a knee and missed two games. He has started every regular-season game since.
MOTIVATION: Sunday's game is the Bucs' last in the NFC Central, presumably their last trip for a while to Soldier Field, which will be renovated after the season, and possibly the last chance this season to break their 0-20 string in temperatures colder than 40 degrees.
Tampa Bay also wants to avenge this season's 27-24 loss to Chicago when Martin Gramatica's tying field-goal attempt hit the right upright.
"There's a number of motivating factors this weekend, first and foremost, that we're still trying to secure a playoff position for us," safety John Lynch said. "This is a huge game, but the fact that it's our last game in the division, that means something to the guys that have played in the division for a long time and appreciate the tradition that it stands for. I think also the fact that they came into our house and beat us. I still remember after the game some of those guys in Martin's face and the coach getting in our corner's face on the sideline." TWO-MINUTE WARNING: Hurryuptheoffense. Say that fast to remind yourself the Bucs have proved to be pretty adept at moving the ball in two-minute situations.
So why don't they consider going to a no-huddle offense at other times?
The answer is they have.
"Well, we've talked about different situations all the time," quarterback Brad Johnson said. "I think there is a place to use some no-huddle. I don't know when we're going to use it or when it will come. Obviously, I think it's a big part of why we have been successful. Somewhere down the line you'd like to use it during the regular offense.
"No, I don't think we're set up for that. I think at different times it does give a change of pace. We've had to do it sometimes and we had to go to it a little bit early. Sometimes in the second half when we're down points at different times. We have been good at it and hopefully, we stay good at it."
HOLY CAL: The news that California hired Oregon offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford as its coach was disappointing to Rod Marinelli. The Bucs defensive line coach interviewed for the position two weeks ago. "It was an opportunity to express what I believe about football to people who make a difference," Marinelli said. "If you love your game, you couldn't ask for anything better."
Perhaps adding to the negatives of hiring Marinelli was the Bucs season won't end until Jan. 6 at the earliest.
"I think it's a little bit tougher, but it would be sounding like an excuse," Marinelli said. "In your mind, you're trying to get a staff together while you're doing your job." INJURIES: Safety Eric Vance (knee) did not practice He is listed as questionable. Center Jeff Christy has a sprained right thumb and has been limited in practice, but coaches expect him to start. Receiver Keyshawn Johnson returned to practice despite a sprained left ankle and will play.