Friday, October 29, 2010

NFL Week 8 Shows Teams Need To Put Old Yeller Out Of His Misery



Many NFL fans are tired of saying "He's back!" Then there are others who wished he was never asked to return. Then there are the Hickocritons who don't care what he does, just so long as he returns.

Brett Farve is trying to tell his media buddies he will try to play Sunday so his team can win. With an ego so out of control, he fails to see he is the biggest reason they are 2-4 with his 15 turnovers.

With the highest interception rate of his career, coupled by the lowest yards per attempts average and passing yards per game of his career, Favre resembles the punch-drunk heavyweight who got in the ring one too many times.

While time eventually forgets those missteps, his may linger because of other issues that show he is more than the crying boy playing for his dead dad. He is now the dirty old man touching himself to a girl old enough to be his child while wearing Crocs instead of slippers.

ESPN tried to exclaim Farve took part of practice, while only showing footage of an old man by a locker trying to put weight on his injured ankle. Vikings head coach Brad Childress, obviously tired of watching a self absorbent egomaniac throw away games while playing outside of the the system, has publicly said the team needs a quarterback who values possession of the football.

If Childress does the right thing and benches Farve, the media blitz is on from the quarterbacks buddies. If he says nothing, he loses respect in the locker room. While people point to the streak, trying to compare it to Jim Marshall or Cal Ripken Jr., it should be noted Marshall and Ripken were not causing their teams to lose for the sake of their streaks, and still contributed heavily towards victories.

Childress only has himself to blame. He asked for a return and even picked him up at the airport. Perhaps his only avenue is to let the Hickocrite play, lose the game, and possibly get damaged so bad in the ankle that he is forced to retire. The Vikings win in that scenario.

Albert Haynesworth came out this week saying ''I'm not good enough to play the 3-4 defense. 'I would like to start and start playing like I used to ... but right now I'm fine with it ( coming off the bench in the nickel package)."

Haynesworth may have been trying to be facetious, considering he just came off a game where he had his first sack this season and came up big on a goal line play, but the message of pity was the recurring theme he has spouted since Mike Shanahan was hired as the Redskins head coach and announcing plans to switch to a base 3-4 defense.

He doesn't seem concerned whether or not he will be with Washington past this season either. ''I don't know. I have no clue. Right now, if I just keep playing, I'm going to be somewhere. Keep playing and help the teammates, and make plays and I guess get noticed more,'' Haynesworth pondered, ''so people will say I'm not a bust or whatever.''

Guess he is so self involved and so deeply sequestered from society that he fails to realize people have been calling him a bust most of his Redskins career.

Week six of the 2010 NFL season can also be called "The Day The Game Died", thanks to commissioner Roger Goodell listening to a bunch of whiny media yenta's instead of thinking of the good of the game itself.

They went on a media blitz, and Goodell looked like a wide-eyed rookie. He proceeded to throw an interception that cost the game its game. A commissioner, who hasn't played organized football since his teens, showed his insight of the game by sending a message even clean, hard hits will be fined.

He fined one player who made a clean and legal hit. The player led with his shoulder, blowing up a 165-lbs player to the point the whiplash effect caused a concussion.

The NFL has made its bones, as well as billions of dollars, on violent hits. It is a part of the game that is clearly unavoidable, no matter how the league tries. Every position but running back has gone through major rule changes. The quarterback now plays practically in a prom dress surrounded by a booth of safety, a step away from flag football.

Week six is when the entire offense became the coddled quarterback, as the defense last semblance of manhood was lopped off, thus completing the castration of the NFL.

This week he tried to top himself by holding a first ever conference of every NFL referee. He wasn't just talking about the plethora of bad calls that are as ingrained into the gridiron as the player themselves. He continued his lip service about hard tackles.

Instead of taking an intelligent path of calling out coaches of kids who are too busy scrounging for pennies instead of teaching fundamentals, Goodell thinks he can get to the root of an issue by starting at the very top of the food chain.





Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs

The winless Bill proved that they still were an NFL team last week by taking the Baltimore Ravens to the wire in their 37-34 loss last Sunday.

Buffalo's problem is they are good against the pass, but are the worst against the run defensively. The Chiefs stink at throwing the ball, but are the top team in the NFL at running it.

Buffalo might try to pound halfback Fred Jackson often, but attacking the Chiefs 25th ranked pass defense is the best way to go with them. They have a good shot at getting a win this week, but betting on the Bills to be consistent is a huge gamble.

Bills 27 Chiefs 24







Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers

If you said the Chiefs/ Bills game would be a better game before the season started, go buy a lottery ticket fast.

The Niners have one win, the Broncos have two. Besides Denver quarterback Kyle Orton, neither team does anything particularly great on either side of the ball. San Francisco has recently shown some signs of getting halfback Frank Gore going, and they will have to lean on him heavy with a third-string quarterback playing.

The NFL is trying to get global, playing this game overseas, but it it hard to imagine this battle of mediocrity will inspire much of a following.

Broncos 31 49ers 23




Carolina Panthers @ Saint Louis Rams

Here is a look at two teams going in opposite directions a lot faster than expected. The Rams already have three wins, a total many did not expect over the entire season from them in training camp. Carolina has just one.

Matt Moore is back as the Panthers quarterback, and he had a few nice moments last week. With halfback DeAngelo Williams dinged up and questionable, he will need to step up again.

The Rams underrated defense is improving weekly, and they can get a big load of help from running back Steven Jackson pounding the ball frequently against the Panthers 24th ranked rush defense.

Rams 21 Panthers 10





Washington Redskins @ Detroit Lions

The 4-3 Redskins are just a few plays away from being undefeated and winless. They have been so impressive that gamblers are betting on the 1-5 Lions this week. Not just because they beat Washington last week either.

As Detroit returns from their bye week, Washington heads into theirs. Detroit has the seventh ranked pass attack, but that was from the arm of Shawn Hill. Hill came on early in the season to replace the injured starter Matthew Stafford. Now Hill is hurt and Stafford is ready to go against the Redskins 31st ranked pass defense.

While Washington statistically has the second worst defense in the NFL, they get real tough once teams approach the end zone. Detroit also has no power backs to rely on, as they prefer to hand it to scatback Jahvid Best. Best has had a productive season, but has had nagging injuries to the point even Lions head coach Jim Schwartz conceded that full health is not likely to return all year for the rookie.

The Lions defense is nothing special either, but rookie Ndamukong Suh could present a beat up Donovan McNabb issues all day behind his sub par offensive line. If he gets time, McNabb could carve up Detroit's secondary when not handing the ball of to Ryan Torain. Torain is seeking his third straight week of over 100 yards rushing.

Redskins 30 Lions 28





Green Bay Packers @ New York Jets

It has been a questionable move by the Pack not to supplement their running backs corps after Ryan Grant went down for the year early on, especially after watching Marshawn Lynch get had for very little in return.

The glare of Grant's absence will glow brightest this game, because the Packers will need to pass often to win. They are missing their best tight end and their leading receiver is beat up. Donald Driver is so hurt, he failed to catch a pass for the first time in almost nine full seasons, 139 games, last week.

The Jets are coming off a bye week, so guys are getting healthy again. Derrelle Revis is one of them, and he should be blanketing Greg Jennings all game. New York also has the second best rushing attack in the NFL, not good news for a 23rd ranked Green Bay run defense so beat up that they had offensive lineman T.J. Lang helping out last week.

Jets 26 Packers 17





Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati is a mess. Last week typified their 2010 season. Getting blown out 24-3 at halftime against the Atlanta Falcons, they went into the fourth quarter leading 25-24. Atlanta then put up 15 straight points before the Bengals added a late cosmetic score in their 39-32 loss.

That has been the problem, looking good cosmetically with no substance. But that was expected after pairing up Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, who are exactly what the Bengals are. A galaxy away from the 2009 team that went 10-6.

Miami should look to kick start their running game against a under-performing Bengals defense.

Dolphins 28 Bengals 20







Jacksonville Jaguars @ Dallas Cowboys

This is a game no one cares about, and that includes the players that will take the field. While Jaguars quarterback David Garrard returns from injury, John Kitna makes his first start in place of the injured Tony Romo in this battle of two teams going nowhere worthwhile in 2010.

Cowboys 18 Jaguars 17







Tennessee Titans @ San Diego Chargers

Only a Norv Turner-coached team can be first in offense and defense with a 2-5 record. Bolts quarterback Philip Rivers gets Vincent Jackson back from his holdout, but it is hard to imagine Jackson giving his full effort. Jackson is probably looking to get out healthy in 2010 so he can join a new team next year.

Vince Young returns to the Titans after missing over a game from a knee injury. Wide receiver Kenny Britt has gotten hot recently,taking a little pressure off bell cow Chris Johnson.

This game should go to the wire.

Titans 34 Chargers 31






Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Arizona Cardinals

Tampa Bay's head coach Raheem Morris says his team is the best in the NFC. Now is the time to prove it.

Buccaneers 21 Cardinals 17






Minnesota Vikings @ New England Patriots

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady once said he wants to play until he gets past 40-years old. Perhaps watching Brett Favre crash and burn this year will have him rethink that plan.

Vikings halfback Adrian Peterson should get the ball a lot, but maybe more in the pass than he has before. The Pats have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, but they could get good fast against a Vikings passer who already has 10 interceptions.

Randy Moss returns to New England, where he played over three years, wearing a Vikings jersey he wore six seasons previously. He will want the ball. The only question is if Minnesota has someone who can get it to him.

Patriots 37 Vikings 31






Seattle Seahawks @ Oakland Raiders

It is fitting these two face off on Halloween, because they truly are Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Oakland went crazy last week, scoring at will, after a season of battling to get points. Seattle is leading their division, putting new head coach Pete Carroll in serious consideration for an award. One week they are stomping the 49ers, Chargers, or Bears, the next they are getting destroyed by the Rams.

Oakland did beat Seattle 27-24 in preseason, for whatever that's worth.

Raiders 27 Seahawks 17






Pittsburgh Steelers @ New Orleans Saints

The Saints are looking for that wondrous offense that won them a Super Bowl last year. It is doubtful they will finally find it courtesy of the Steelers, perhaps boasting the best defense in all of football.

While New Orleans has been excellent defending the pass this season, their 16th ranked run defense will be tested by Steelers halfback Rashard Mendenhall. If the Saints can't run well, this could be over fast.

When Pittsburgh won Super Bowl XLIII in 2008, they failed to make the playoffs the following year. The 4-3 Saints are dangerously flirting with that territory this year.

Steelers 23 Saints 20





Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts
Game of the Week

Houston showed they could beat the Colts in the first week of this season. It helped that halfback Arian Foster ran for 231 yards and three touchdowns, but the Colts are horrible defending the run and rank 26th in the league. It is possible Foster matches those career best totals once again this Monday.

Duane Brown is the Texans best offensive lineman, and the left tackle will have his hands full with pass rusher Dwight Freeney. Houston did lose their best linebacker in DeMeco Ryans in the middle of their defense for the year, and they now hope 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year Brian Cushing can play the spot.

Indianapolis always seems to lose a key pass catcher every year and not miss a step. All-Pro tight end Dallas Clark is gone for the year, and red zone specialist Austin Collie is also out.

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning has already said this game is important to his Colts. They have lost both games in their division so far, thus making him realize how catastrophic a third defeat could be in this battle of 4-2 squads.

Colts 38 Texans 35



Power Rankings

1. Steelers
2. Jets
3. Patriots
4. Giants
5. Ravens
6. Colts
7. Titans
8. Falcons
9. Texans
10. Chiefs
11. Saints
12. Dolphins
13. Redskins
14. Buccaneers
15. Eagles
16. Packers
17. Bengals
18. Bears
19. Chargers
20. Rams
21. Vikings
22. Jaguars
23. Raiders
24. Seahawks
25. Cowboys
26. Broncos
27. Cardinals
28. Lions
29. 49ers
30. Browns
31. Bills
32. Panthers

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

America Needs The Miami Heat To Lose The NBA Championship



Arrogant. Lazy. Weak minded. Cop out. Traitor. Ignorant. Spoiled. Prima donna. False idol. Overrated.

These are just a few expressions millions of people across Earth have used to describe LeBron James after he egotistically announced he was "taking his talents" to the Miami Heat on July 9, 2010.

Critics immediately pointed to how he bailed on the Cleveland Cavaliers to band together with All-Stars like Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh to form a Miami Heat team expected to compete for NBA championships for several years to come. While some criticism came in unclassy form, like from Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert attacking the manner of James departure, others pointed out the obvious.

Michael Jordan, who James claims is his idol, said he would not have contacted his rivals to play with him. "I wanted to defeat those guys." Jordan stated.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson concurred those sentiments, and Charles Barkely has stated James departure of Cleveland has forever tarnished his image to the point he will never be mentioned in the same breath of the upper echelon NBA legends by his path and how he handled it.

"He grew up close to Cleveland. He put the city in the forefront by his mere presence. Now Cleveland is back to just being Cleveland again. He owed the city and organization the first word of his decision instead of the way he ultimately did it."

Barkely point of telling Cleveland first, instead of broadcasting "The Decision", has resounding truth. Some thought, since James is just 25-years old, he should have stayed in Cleveland and signed a short-term contract to try to bring the franchise their first title.

The Cavaliers bent over backwards trying to surround James with talent the past few years. Men like Antawn Jamison and Shaquille O'Neal were just a few All-Star players the Cav's grossly overpaid to desperately build talent around him in hopes of attaining a championship.

James responded to those dedicated efforts by saying, I'm going to take my talents to South Beach and join the Miami Heat. I feel like it's going to give me the best opportunity to win and to win for multiple years. I want to be able to win championships and I feel like I can compete down there."

When the backlash of his perceived cowardice led to many in Cleveland burning his jersey, destroying any reminder of his time there, and other outrageous methods to show disgust, James reportedly imtimated bigotry over the color of his skin was the real factor for the outcry. Sports writers like J.A. Adande and Jason Whitlock disagreed, pointing out his callous actions towards Cleveland, and "an excuse to avoid dealing with his own bad decision."

Now he is in Miami, where Wade already helped carry a team to a title in 2006. Wade is the heart and soul of the Heat, and his body has taken a pounding trying to win. Bosh, a shooting guard stuck in a 6'10" frame, also joined Miami after years of failing to get the Toronto Raptors anywhere significant.

Miami faces the same problem many NBA teams do these days. They have power forwards as their best post option, and the question of where consistent rebounding will come from is a quandary they will face all year. Dexter Pittman is a 290-lbs rookie who dropped almost 100 pounds in college. Miami will hope he can help, or if journeyman Jamaal Magloire can find a time machine to take him back to 2003.

Otherwise the Heat will depend on Wade to get the rebounds and take the clutch shots, much like he has been doing the past few seasons. That or James will have to adjust his game to banging in the blocks and passing more than shooting, if his ego allows it.

There was a time the New York Yankees could just buy a roster by overpaying for top-tier talent to get a title in Major League Baseball. It worked in 2009, but the formula has generally fallen short of expectations. The Dallas Cowboys have been trying the same thing in the NFL to no success, and most likely saw their 2010 season ruined by another loss recently.

The Miami Heat is another one of those bad examples of trying to buy a ring. The easy path as opposed to building something special. One of the big reasons why Jordan and Johnson are so adored and respected in NBA lore is how they built their once lowly teams into champions and upper echelon teams throughout their careers. They earned their rings without it being bought for them by hiring superstars from other teams.

Oscar Robertson says James needs to win a ring to define his career, like he did when he went to the Milwaukee Bucks in 1970, and considers James one of the best players in NBA history regardless of his switching teams.

"I can't say that's a bad thing. It's an opportunity these kids have today." Jordan said.

An opportunity perhaps not to respect full heartedly. Though it will take sweat to win, it will maybe almost anticlimatic if Miami actually does win it all. There will be few pins and needles from fans watching them get there, and the term "front runner" will come to mind.

Society today expects it handed to them, preferring to rest on laurels set by predecessors. It is an egotistical approach that has garnered more wrath than envy from the rest of the planet. The term 'achievement' no longer holds the same definition to the modern genre as it once did.

If Miami falls short during James stay, the city of Cleveland will not smile alone. There is a reason he is ranked sixth on a "Most Disliked Athlete" list put together recently. Some view him a follower with the false label as leader. Others find him uneducated, immature, and clueless.

Examples range from his having a video of his being dunked on confiscated by handlers per his instructions, his refusal to sign a petition regarding genocide in Sudan, or his belittling Stephon Marbury as a player by saying his cheap shoe was an indication of his worth. Marbury sold a shoe for $15 so kids could afford it, as opposed to the shoes James represents that get sold by Nike for $160 and get built by sweat shop slaves with less than $2 of materials.

But this is what LeBron James is some. An image with little substance nor depth. Much like how the Miami Heat roster appears to the naked eye. So root on the dime store squad, because it is bought and paid for. That is "The Decision" the leagues corporate headquarters desires, while the rest of the planet will quietly wait for failure.

A failure James tired of and is now clearly ready to join the ranks of champion so that in a few months all can hail the king finally.

Monday, October 25, 2010

DeAngelo Hall Puts The Chicago Bears To Sleep, Jay Cutler Stays In Dreamland




Only respect could be thrown to Washington Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall after tying an NFL record for picking off four passes in one game in the Redskins 17-14 win over the Chicago Bears yesterday, which included a career long 92-yard game winning return off one swipe.

Hall has already been nominated for NFL defensive player of the week in the first week of the season. He had eight tackles, two defended passes, then forced a fumble, recovered it, then ran 32 yards for the winning points in the Redskins 13-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Most NFL fans would look at the 27-year old Hall, who already has 31 interceptions and six touchdowns in his seven NFL seasons so far, and give him at least the respect of being considered an above average defender.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has a different impression, it appears. " I'd go at him every time." was his response to the question on why he kept testing Hall. Cutler was forced to throw the ball 40 times, even though the Bears averaged close to five yards per carry with their running backs. The game plan was to keep firing away, per offensive coordinator Mike Martz's instructions.

Not often does a player get to lead the league in interceptions this deep into the year after just one previous pick. Cutler claims he would go after Hall if the Bears were to face the Redskins tomorrow.Hall would like for this to happen as well. It would give him a chance to go after the NFL record of 14 interceptions in a season, set by Hall of Famer Richard "Night Train" Lane.

Instead of saying he would attack a guy who victimized him four times, including once that cost his team the game, Cutler should work on his stubbornness. None of Hall's interceptions were extremely difficult, in fact they looked like gifts lollipopped into his bosom off of Cutler's charitable arm.

Some may point to the Bears struggling offensive line, which gave up four sacks. The Redskins line struggles itself, and gave up two sacks along with two interceptions. In a sloppy game that saw nine turnovers, Washington also enjoyed great fortune. Their players fumbled six times, but only lost one to Chicago.

DeAngelo Hall might shake Jay Cutler's hand, but it might be hard to do with the Bears signal callers back turned to him. Cutler may not want to acknowledge the NFL record he helped tie, and continue to say he'd go after Hall time and time again. He claims, ""I've played against Hall before. There's no reason to shy away from him."

Facts show Cutler has only opposed him once in a regular season game before yesterday. It was the first week of the 2008 season when Hall played for the Oakland Raiders and Cutler was with the Denver Broncos. Cutler tossed two scores in 24 attempts as the Broncos won 41-14.

If Cutler is parlaying his expertise on that lone meeting, on a team Hall was released from seven weeks later, then maybe the effects of past concussions suffered by him are more serious than previously thought. He also seems to neglect his 2008 Broncos coach, Mike Shanahan, now coaches Hall and might have filled the defensive back in on some habits to expect.

Maybe Cutler has the right idea to be a gunslinger without a memory. If the two face off again, it would be tough to expect Hall to match a record that has been around since 1943, when Hall of Fame Redskin Sammy Baugh first did it. There have been 17 players after Baugh to do it before Hall joined their select family this weekend.

Instead of throwing respect at Hall after a game where he was embarrassed by his stubbornness to try other defenders to pick on, Cutler chose a cocky approach. As several heads shake in wonderment at his bizarre point of view, Hall can thank Cutler for allowing him to be etched forever into NFL lore.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

JaMarcus Russell Remains Dazed and Confused About His NFL Return With Week 7 Picks



In a modern day society where short-term memories are prevalent, JaMarcus Russell walks around it each day with the label "bust" on him like a permanent tattoo.

"Biggest NFL Bust Ever" is probably used a lot more than even he realizes, even if is a tag unfair and living in the moment too much. History shows there are many men, drafted first overall like Russell was in 2007, who did not nearly have the career many had hoped for.

While Russell carries the term of biggest bust now, relieving Ryan Leaf of that title, it mainly comes from the fact he held out for more money before ever playing a down professionally. He got $61 million with $32 guaranteed, then proceeded to win just seven of 25 career starts.

Those unaware or unconcerned with NFL history fail to realize his seven wins actually exceeds many other former first overall picks in terms of career production. Russell, however, walks around with the label and unemployed.

He was given the label of drug addict too, thanks to a concoction called "Purple Drink". He was caught in possession of the elixir, that contains the narcotic codeine, when the police raided his home over the summer. Though a friend of his took responsibility for making the drink, the damage was done.

Russell is now under the tutelage of former NBA player John Lucas, whose own professional career was derailed by drugs until he sobered up. Lucas has gone on to have success as an NBA coach, yet he still tries to help others kick substance abuse addictions.

While working out under the watch of Lucas, Russell went on record saying he would never play for the Arena Football League or Canadian Football League. Calling Lucas an angel sent by God, he also said,"Guys in the NFL that came back had some things more serious (than his situation). I think that's a minor setback."

Lucas, who was the first pick of the NBA's 1976 draft, played for six teams over 14 seasons. He played with the Houston Rockets, the team that drafted him, three different times over his career for five of those years. He said, "What I saw in him was me 33 years ago when I was out in Golden State. His troubles started there and so did mine after I left the Rockets."

What Russell now expects is a second chance in the NFL, thinking his time with Lucas will serve as his penance. There is a huge pool of unimpressive quarterbacks like him in the NFL today, making is feasible a team will invite him to a training camp in 2011. Russell is confident about his eminent return.

"I know for a fact it's going to happen. I can't say when, but until it happens I am going to stay here in Houston and continue to work out each and every day no matter how long it takes. I need to be there (in the NFL)."

What any NFL general manager can read from Russell's message is he is a man content resting on laurels basted in nonachiement. He seems to feel he is owed a tryout because he was the first overall draft choice in 2007, instead of proving his worth. Men like Steve Howe and Roy Tarpley were given several "second chances", thus making it reasonable he is given his too.

He had a chance to do so immediately after the Oakland Raiders released him a few months ago. The United Football League was right there to be joined, thus showcasing his skills and desire to the many NFL teams in need of an upgrade at quarterback. He decided he was either above the UFL or not ready to play professional football at the moment.

One of the biggest complaints about Russell was that he showed little desire in the NFL, while seeming content on cashing his paychecks and counting his money. He seems oblivious to this complaint, or perhaps there is more truth to that thought than he would lead one to believe.

Though it is admirable of Lucas to try and help another lost soul, this might be a case where the soul is as confused as it was during the days that brought it here to this point. Instead of buckling down, intent on proving the critics wrong and proving to himself that he can be a great NFL quarterback, Russell seems content on finding another team that will give him more paychecks to cash in.






Week Seven Picks :


Cincinnati Bengals @ Atlanta Falcons

The Bengals are one of the more disappointing teams in 2010. Some call it the T.O. effect, as they rarely lean on the ground game that brought them the successes they had last year despite the fact halfback Cedric Benson has been effective when given the ball.

While quarterback Carson Palmer tries to sooth the cancerous egos of drama queens T.O. and Ochocinco, the team heads towards a losing season.

That works for Atlanta, who needs to get back on the winning track after losing to Philadelphia last week. Their secondary might be missing their best player, which bodes well for Cincinnati.

The key to this game is how effective Atlanta's seventh ranked running game does against the 18th ranked run defense of the Bengals, keeping Cincinnati's passing game on the sideline griping and preparing for talk shows.

Atlanta 27 Cincinnati 23






Pittsburgh Steelers @ Miami Dolphins

The big news was that "Big Ben" had returned to be the Steelers quarterback until linebacker James Harrison told a bunch of unathletic reporters how defense was played so they could feign surprise.

Miami loves to run the ball, but this will not be easy against a Pittsburgh defense that gives up just 63 yards on the ground each game. Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne must face a fierce Steelers blitz if his team wants to win this game.

Though Roethlisberger is still rubbing off rust, Pittsburgh might lean on halfback Rashard Mendenhall and the ninth ranked rushing attack against Miami's 16th ranked run defense.

Steelers 24 Dolphins 13





Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens

Things are ugly for the Bills right now. Not only are they without a win this season, but a former NFL coach claims they couldn't beat a UFL team.

Shades of the AFL, where the Bills came from.

Baltimore is upset from their loss last week. They look to vent their frustrations this weekend.

Ravens 34 Bills 13






Jacksonville Jaguars @ Kansas City Chiefs

Jacksonville might be the most erratic team in the NFL, and that says a lot in a season known for its erraticism from the commissioner to the gridiron.

Kansas City is the Cinderella of 2010, and everything is falling into place for them to possibly win their division behind a sound rushing attack and underrated defense.

Chiefs 24 Jaguars 13





Cleveland Browns @ New Orleans Saints

While Cleveland struggles in every facet of football, New Orleans spent the first five weeks of 2010 battling with struggles of their own.

The Saints played like defending champions last week, and look to keep that momentum.

Saints 31 Browns 16





Washington Redskins @ Chicago Bears

Chicago loves to pass the ball. Perhaps too much, considering star halfback Matt Forte leads the team with just 80 carries after six games. They will pass more this weekend, facing a Redskins defense last in the league in yards allowed and second to last in passing yards allowed.

Washington ran the ball well last week, but not enough times. They rely heavily on quarterback Donovan McNabb, who faces the 18th ranked pass defense this week. Chicago is also very stingy on run defense, ranking 3rd best, so McNabb will have to be perfect this Sunday if Washington wants to win.

Though the Redskins pass rush is wildly inconsistent, they are exceptional in the red zone. What Chicago does inside the 20-yard line will be worth watching extra closely.

Bears 19 Redskins 17





San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers

Both teams are good against the pass, but inconsistent at passing the ball themselves. Carolina will look to win their first game of the season by running often against the 19th ranked run defense in the league.

San Francisco, fresh off the first win this year, has the 27th ranked rushing attack even after halfback Frank Gore exploded for 149 yards last week. They need to continue riding his back against the 26th ranked run defense this week.

49ers 21 Panthers 17





Saint Louis Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Both teams have been pleasant surprises so far, winning three games each. Some thought that would be the win totals for both the entire season.

Neither team is particularly excellent on either side of the ball statistically, though the Rams do give up about 45 yards less per game. That might make difference in this evenly matched mediocrity that has found success.

Rams 23 Buccaneers 21





Philadelphia Eagles @ Tennessee Titans
Game of the Week


Both of these teams run the ball extremely well. Tennessee is fourth best in the NFL, Philadelphia is eighth by averaging just six yards less.

The Eagles passing attack ranks fourth, while Tennessee is fourth from the bottom. With Philadelphia's eighth ranked pass defense, it shouldn't matter if Vince Young or Kerry Collins plays. Both will feed the pill often to Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer against the 22nd ranked run defense.

Even though Kevin Kolb is showing why Andy Reid traded Eagles legend Donovan McNabb in favor of him, some fans eagerly anticipate the return of backup Michael Vick. Kolb will be missing his best receiver in DeSean Jackson, recovering from a clean hit that gave him a concussion off a whiplash effect.

If Kolb can dissect the 23rd ranked pass defense, it may quiet the Vick murmurs more. Tight end Brent Celek is due to bust out a big game and rookie receiver Riley Cooper might help in the red zone.

It comes down to Kolb's arm against Johnson's legs, but the key really is if the Eagles offensive line can keep an aggressive Titans pass rush away from Kolb long enough to fire away.

Eagles 34 Titans 31





Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Though rookie quarterback Max Hall was statistically unimpressive last week, no one can take away the fact he won in his debut against the defensing champion Saints..

Besides Arizona's second ranked run defense, both teams rank near the NFL bottom in every offensive category, total defense, passing defense and happen to have winning records.

Cardinals running back Tim Hightower holds the key this week, yet he hardly touched the ball last week, Beanie Wells, the oft-injured running back they think has a world of ability, carried the ball 20 times for 35 yards. Hightower leads the team in carries and yards, while averaging almost two yards per carry more than Wells.

Seattle will try to attack Arizona in the air. Mike Williams and John Carlson are quarterback Matt Hasselbeck's favorite targets, but youngsters Deon Butler and Golden Tate can stretch the field so Carlson can work underneath.

Arizona 23 Seattle 17





New England Patriots @ San Diego Chargers

It is utterly amazing Norv Turner is still an NFL head coach. His return this year was maybe a worse move by general manager A.J. Smith than re-signing Vincent Jackson or re-signing Marcus McNeil right away.

The Chargers have been slow starters under Turner, which is somehow acceptable to Smith. Yet no one saw the Bolts at 2-4, as they are right now. Maybe that is why critics call Smith "The Lord of No Rings". It is time for both Smith and Turner to go, as they have wasted talent and produced no championships.

New England is on a roll, as they have shown the past few weeks. They face a Chargers team first in offense and defense, so victory will not be easy against a team so deep in despair.

Patriots 27 Chargers 23





Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos

This is a bitter rivalry that stretches back to the AFL, and only holds importance to their fans this year. Both teams are at 2-4 with lots of holes in their games.

Oakland's biggest hole is at head coach, where Tom Cable joins Turner on the list of guys you won't see next year with the same job probably. Cable also has yet to names his quarterback this week, as rumors fly that journeyman third-stringer Kyle Boller might get the nod.

The Raiders need Darren McFadden, but he is not at full health. Denver does not run the ball well, which helps the Raiders because they cannot stop the run well.

This games comes down to the Raiders run game against Denver's passing attack led by Kyle Orton. Orton is quietly having a Pro Bowl season.

Broncos 24 Raiders 18




Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers

Before the season began, fans thought these two teams would be battling for first place in this game. Yet both are actually struggling right now just to have a shot at winning their division right now.

Green Bay got off to a hot start until injuries began to crumble their roster. Minnesota has struggled since day one with injuries, an over-the-hill quarterback and the drama he brings. Yet a win here keeps both very much alive in their division.

Though Minnesota is best served to lean on running back Adrian Peterson, they also need to test the Packers 17th ranked pass defense. What hurts Green Bay is that their best running back is gone for the year, so they will need to attack a passing defense that is sixth best in the league on the fifth ranked overall defense.

This might be another notch in the Favre Legacy, his returning to Lambeau Field for another win. Peterson might actually have more to do with it, but the media will put the lore on Favre to help distract folks from his issues off the field.

Vikings 31 Packers 23




New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

From the 1960 to 1984, there was little going on between these two teams. Since then, it has been quite a fight twice a year. Dallas has won 17 more games in this rivalry, though the 1970's is a big reason why.

Dallas has just one win, and their dreams of hosting a Super Bowl representing the NFC are just about gone. They have a good defense and pass the ball well, but they neglect their running game too much to hold a lead.

Why offensive coordinator Jason Garrett keeps his job is a mystery to some, nepotism is the answer. His dad was a scout for the team for 18 years, until 2004, and his two brothers also work for the Cowboys. One coaches the tight ends, who are vastly underused, while the other is the Director of Pro Scouting.

New York relies on a balanced offensive attack that is led by a veteran offensive line. Their defense is the second best in the NFL right now, echoing the time when the Jints won Super Bowls in the past.

This game might not remind long-time fans of the past, because the Cowboys are not a smash mouth team. Yet New York is expected to try to force their will down the Cowboys throats, starting at the line of scrimmage.

Giants 23 Cowboys 21







Power Rankings
1. Steelers
2. Jets
3. Patriots
4. Giants
5. Ravens
6. Colts
7. Titans
8. Falcons
9. Texans
10. Saints
11. Bears
12. Chiefs
13. Eagles
14. Dolphins
15. Redskins
16. Buccaneers
17. Vikings
18. Packers
19. Chargers
20. Broncos
21. Bengals
22. Jaguars
23. Cowboys
24. Cardinals
25. Raiders
26. Seahawks
27. Rams
28. Lions
29. 49ers
30. Browns
31. Bills
32. Panthers

Friday, October 22, 2010

The Almost All-Time Tampa Bay Buccaneers



The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks started their franchises the old fashioned way of having to earn every success they garnered.

Starting in 1976, in an era where free agency did not exist, they had to build a team through tryouts, the regular NFL draft, and the expansion draft. The expansion draft of 1976 consisted of players the other teams planned on cutting anyway. The biggest names were guys considered washed up, while rest were players most people had never heard of.

Seattle did a bit better in the expansion draft, but Tampa Bay did get players like Dave Reavis, Mark Cotney, Louis Carter and Dave Pear who would help the team improve over the next few seasons.

Their first head coach John McKay, a legend at the University of Southern California who is in the College Football Hall of Fame after winning four National Championships, even drafted his own son in that expansion draft.

J.K. McKay lasted three years with them, and currently the Associate Athletic Director at USC under Pat Haden, the man he caught touchdown passes from at USC in the 1970's.

John McKay is said to have regretted leaving USC. His son Rich, currently the president of the Atlanta Falcons and a former Buccaneer general manager, said his dad knew within his first week at Tampa that he made a mistake.

Dick Vermeil called McKay "Dial-a-Quote." One of his most famous quips came a loss that had reporters asking him about the team's play, in particularly their execution. "I'm in favor of it." was his reply.

Though he may have regretted the move, McKay quickly built a winner out of a team that lost their first 26 games. He had them one game away from the Super Bowl in 1979 with a team built on a tough defense and powerful ground game.Tampa Bay was the first post-merger expansion team to win a division title, win a playoff game, and to host and play in a conference championship game.

One obstacle McKay had working against him was an owner reluctant to spend money on the team.

Hugh Culverhouse was set to own the Los Angeles Rams, only to see Robert Irsay buy the team at the last minute. He was then offered the Seattle franchise, but declined because he resided in Florida. Culverhouse then was awarded the Tampa franchise after the man initially planning on buying the team backed out.

While the Buccaneers struggled on the field, Culverhouse was a favorite of the NFL front offices. He helped find a solution in both players' strikes in the 1980's, brought the use of computers into the league, and was heavily involved in NFL finances.

He became the scorn of Buccaneer fans for more than losses. When he raised ticket prices, fans complained to a marketing director on the team who had opposed the hike. Culverhouse made the marketing director the scapegoat, then fired him.

After years of jettisoning good players to save money, or unable to sign top draft picks like Bo Jackson, Culverhouse died in 1994 with questions about the actual financial state of the team that showed it very close to bankruptcy. The Bucs were almost sold to Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos for $200 million with the understanding the team would relocate to Maryland.

It was sold to Malcolm Glazer at the last minute for $8 million less. Under the Glazer regime, the team has won a Super Bowl, and had just six losing seasons. He also got rid of the uniforms colors and logo of the team in 1996, replacing them with the colors and logo you see today.

It has been a fun team for many reasons since entering the league. It boasts one Hall of Famer in defensive end Lee Roy Selmon, but that is expected to change in the coming decade.

This is a team of the best Buccaneers ever to play each position. While a few may end up in Canton soon, they were included here because they are not there yet.

The rest of the squad is full of excellent players who may never find induction into more than their own team's Ring of Honor.






Quarterback : Doug Williams


Long before he became known worldwide as the first African-American quarterback to start in and win a Super Bowl, Williams was the Buccaneers first round draft pick in 1978.

He started immediately, yet was brought along very slowly in an offense that relied on running back Ricky Bell's legs.

He threw just five passes in his debut. In the fourth game, he threw for over 300 yards in a season that saw him miss six games because of injuries in between struggles on a team that won five games. He led them to four of the victories.

For a team that started in 1976, then lost their first 26 games, the 1979 season was magical. Tampa Bay won the NFC Central by going 10-6 behind the top rated scoring defense in the league. Though the offense still relied on Bell, who churned out a career best 1,263 yards on the ground, Williams started to develop a repertoire with tight end Jimmie Giles.

The Bucs won their first ever playoff game, beating a favored Philadelphia Eagles that went to the Super Bowl the next year, reaching the NFL Championship's before losing to the Los Angeles Rams.

Williams next three seasons saw his completion percentage and yards passing per game increase each as his sack totals decreased while leading them to the playoffs twice .

After the 1982 season, that was shorted by a players strike, he asked for a pay raise. His wife had just passed away and when his request was spurned, he quickly signed a contract with the Oklahoma Outlaws of the fledgling United States Football League.

He did not play for a year, because the team started in 1984. The Tampa Bay fans were irate at the teams ownership, and the Buccaneers would lose at least 10 games in nine of their next 10 years and not return to the playoffs until 1997.

After two seasons on a struggling team that had moved to Arizona in their second year, he returned to the NFL in 1985 as a member of the Washington Redskins because of his relationship with Joe Gibbs.

Gibbs, a Hall of Fame head coach, was an offensive coordinator in Williams' rookie year. He had a propensity for putting a veteran quarterback on his bench, as he had done with NFL greats like Jim Hart and Steve Bartkowski before.

Williams was supposed to help develop young Jay Schroeder in the 1987 season, but found himself coming off the bench for the injured Schroeder on opening day to lead the team to victory. He had to start the next week for the injured youngster, but Washington lost to the Atlanta Falcons on a late touchdown run by future Redskin Gerald Riggs.

Schroeder started in the third game and got hurt, forcing Williams to come off the bench and lead the team to victory again. Williams did not see action again until the tenth game, when Schroeder was unable to go. The Redskins lost, and it would be until week 15 that Williams would see action again. He came off the pine to help Washington win.

When Washington made the playoffs, Gibbs decided that Williams would start because his 94 rating was better than the 71 Schroeder had. The Redskins would reach Super Bowl XXII, where history would be made in several ways.

The Redskins exploded for five touchdowns in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos, and Williams threw for four scores in that quarter. Both are Super Bowl records that still stand, and he was named MVP of the game.

What made his game so special was the fact that the day before he had undergone root canal surgery under full anesthesia after losing sleep for several days. Though much is made of the fact that his skin color is different than previous Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks, it is more amazing he threw for 340 yards after having dealt with such a health issue.

He started 10 games the next year, but eventually gave way to a young Mark Rypien. When Rypien, a future Super Bowl MVP himself, made the Pro Bowl in 1990, Williams retired.

Though most of his team records in Tampa Bay have now been surpassed, Doug Williams holds more importance to the franchise over maybe any offensive player in team history. He took a team that only knew losing and led them to three playoff appearances in his five seasons.

He did it as both he and the team itself developed, and was a fan favorite of many. He had one of the strongest arms in the league, as one exhibited in the pour rains of Florida one game.

He drifted back to pass on his opponents 25-yard line, but slipped and fell. He sat up and fired a perfect strike to the corner of the end zone for a score while still seated. A move very few players in NFL history could attempt to duplicate.

When one talks of the Buccaneer greatest quarterback ever, it should start and end with Williams.

Brad Johnson, Vinny Testeverde, Trent Dilfer, and Jeff Garcia deserve mention.





Fullback : Mike Alstott


Alstott was drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 1996 draft, and was put in the starting lineup immediately. Though he did not carry the ball much as a rookie, he did catch 65 passes for 557 yards and three touchdowns. All are career high marks for him.

Tampa Bay decided to hand him the ball more often the next year, and he scored ten times while establishing himself as a bruising runner between the tackles. He made the first three consecutive First Team All-Pro nods that year, as well as the first of his six consecutive Pro Bowls.

The 1998 Buccaneers loved to run the ball. Led by Warrick Dunn's 1,026 yards, Alstott chipped in an additional 846 yards and eight scores. They used the formula again the next year, and won their division. Alstott led the team with a career best 949 yards rushing, as the Buccaneers reached the NFC Championship before losing to the Rams, now in Saint Louis, again 11-6 on a late touchdown pass by Kurt Warner.

After missing three games in 2000, he came back to lead the team with 680 yards and a career best ten rushing touchdowns. Tampa Bay then fired Tony Dungy as head coach, replacing him with Jon Gruden.

The move paid off as they won a franchise best 12 games in 2002. They reached Super Bowl XXXVII, where Alstott score the first Super Bowl touchdown in franchise history in their 48-21 win over the Oakland Raiders, the team Gruden had coached the previous season.

After suiting up for just four games in 2003, because of a neck injury, Alstott was never quite the same player again. The last three years of his career was spent mostly as a blocker and occasional short-yardage specialist and receiver.

He retired after the 2006 season. The Buccaneers have since retired his jersey, an honor only shared by Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon.

Alstott is still the only offensive player in team history to earn First Team All-Pro honors, and his six Pro Bowls are tied with Selmon as the third most in team history.

He ranks second in team history in rushing and is fourth in receptions, just 16 catches away from second place.

There is also a very good chance Alstott could find himself joining Selmon and inducted into Canton as well.

His versatility and leadership helped the Bucs enjoy the most successful era in their franchise history so far.

William Howard, Ed Williams, and Vince Workman deserve mention.







Halfback : James Wilder



Wilder was the Bucs second round draft pick in 1981 and was moved to fullback for the first three years of his career. After leading the team in rushing and receiving in his second and third seasons, they moved him to halfback.

He led the NFL with 407 carries, a team record, in 1984, gaining 1,544 yards, scoring 13 times, and catching a career best 85 passes. His 2,229 combined yards was second in the league and 15 yards behind Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson.

It still is a team record, and it was the sixth best total in NFL history at the time. It still ranks 42nd, and Wilder was named to his only Pro Bowl, the first Buccaneer running back ever to attain this honor, for his efforts.

The following season saw him run for 1,300 yards, catch 53 balls, and score ten times. It would be his last 1,000 yard season, because he gained 704 yards and grabbed 43 passes in 1986 after missing four games because of injury.

Tampa Bay moved him back to fullback in 1987, and he once again led the team in rushing yards and receptions. After missing nine games the next year due to injuries, Wilder was a backup in 1989.

He started the 1990 year with the Washington Redskins, but went unused and was released after one game. The Detroit Lions picked him up, but rarely used him. He retired at the conclusion of the season.

Not only are his two 1,000-yard seasons the highest totals in franchise history, he is the Buccaneers all-time leader in rushing attempts and yards.

His 430 receptions still is a franchise most, over 100 more than wide receiver Mark Carrier in second place.

James Wilder is not only the most productive running back in Buccaneer history, but he is the most versatile. Though he had two exceptional seasons still firmly entrenched in the teams record books, he gave the team nine excellent years where he mostly carried the offense by himself.

Ricky Bell, Warrick Dunn, Jerry Eckwood, Errict Rhett, Reggie Cobb, Michael Pittman, Louis Carter, and Gary Anderson deserve mention.





Wide Receiver : Kevin House



House was drafted in the second round of the 1980 draft by Tampa Bay. He was used as an extra receiver that year, but established himself as a deep threat by averaging 22.1 yards on 24 catches.

He was starting the nest year, and exploded on the NFL by grabbing 56 balls at a 21 yards per catch average. His 1,176 yards and nine touchdowns were career high marks, as was an 84-yard reception that was the longest in team history at the time.

After 28 receptions in the strike-shortened season of 1982, followed by 47 the next year, he had one of his finest seasons in 1984 by catching a career high 76 passes for 1,005 yards. It was a team record at the time, and remained one for wide receivers until Mark Carrier surpassed it in 1989.

After getting 803 yards on 44 catches the next year, House began the 1987 strike-shortened season by averaging 18.7 yards on 11 catches over seven games before he was suddenly released.

The Los Angeles Rams grabbed him off the waiver wire. He spent most of his eight games that year backing up Pro Bowler Henry Ellard and Olympic sprinter Ron Brown, he did start three times and averaged 25.4 yards on seven catches.

After missing four games due to injury in a season he was seldom used, he retired at the conclusion of the 1988 season. When he left the team in 1986,

House was the franchises all-time leader in pass receptions, yards, and touchdowns with 286 for 4,928 and 31 scores when he left the team. He still ranks second in yards and touchdowns, and sixth in receptions. His 84-yard catch is still second longest in team history.

Though his career average of 17.3 yards per catch show House was an effective deep threat, he also had excellent hands and was usually the teams only reliable wide receiver.

He may be the best wide receiver in team history.





Wide Receiver : Mark Carrier


Carrier was drafted by Tampa Bay in the third round of the strike-shortened 1987 season. He worked his way into the starting lineup about halfway into the season, and would remain these most of his Buccaneer career.

After getting 970 yards on 57 receptions in 1988, he had the best year of his career the next season when he became first Buccaneer wide receiver to make the Pro Bowl.

Only two others, Kennan McCardell and Keyshawn Johnson, have attained that honor since then.

He had 86 receptions for 1,422 yards and nine scores. All are career best marks, as was a 78-yard reception.

After 152 receptions and ten touchdowns over the next three years, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1993. Carrier was used in a variety of ways in Cleveland. He returned a punt for a score, ran for two more, and had eight more on 72 receptions.

He was then drafted by the Carolina Panthers in an expansion draft, where his career was briefly reborn. He led the team with 66 receptions for 1,002 yards in 1995. He also scored three times, one that was the first NFL touchdown in North Carolina.

After 58 receptions the next year, he spent the next two years as a reserve until retiring at the conclusion of the 1998 season.

The 5,018 receiving yards he had in Tampa Bay is the most in franchise history. His 321 receptions is the second most, yet the most ever by a Buccaneer receiver.

He also ranks fourth best in receptions and receiving yards in Panthers franchise history. Carrier was productive and consistent.

Not only was he an excellent route runner, he also was enough of a deep threat to average 15.6 yards per catch. His versatility as a player was underrated.

Keyshawn Johnson, Joey Galloway, Gerald Carter, Mike Carrier, Bruce Hill, Lawrence Dawsey, Keenan McCardell, Isaac Hagins, and Morris Owens deserve mention.





Tight End : Jimmie Giles



Giles was drafted in the third round of the 1977 draft by the Houston Oilers. He spent most of the season backing up Mike Barber, and actually almost doubled him in receptions. The Oilers decided to keep Barber and traded Giles to Tampa Bay.

It was the rookie year of quarterback Doug Williams, but the two quickly developed a repertoire. After making his first Pro Bowl in 1980, from averaging a career high 18.2 yards on 33 receptions, his best season may have been in 1981. He caught 45 balls for 786 yards, both career best marks, while making his second Pro Bowl.

He made the Pro Bowl in the strike shortened season of 1982, then spent the next two years underused and intermittently injured. He then rebounded with his last Pro Bowl year in 1985 after grabbing a career best eight scores on 45 catches.

The 1986 Buccaneers won two games. They had a weak-armed quarterback named Steve Young who has a problem getting the ball deep when he wasn't being sacked 47 times. He would be traded at the end of the year to the San Francisco 49ers, where he enjoyed a Hall of Fame career.

The head coach, Leeman Bennett, was frustrated by an anemic offense that was near the bottom in many categories. The season was already a failure before they played, because first round draft pick Bo Jackson refused to play with them.

Bennett cut Giles and Kevin House, their two best receivers, after the seventh game. His reason was "their collective lack of performance", but some felt it was the owner Culverhouse pinching pennies.

Giles was quickly signed by the Detroit Lions and lasted there until the fourth game of the strike shortened 1987 season. He was released and signed by the Philadelphia Eagles for the final eight games. Giles stayed with the Eagles until the end of 1989, when he retired.

His 34 touchdown catches with the Bucs are the most in team history. The 4,300 receiving yards he accrued are still third most, and easily to most by a tight end, as is his 279 catches, which ranks eight best overall.

Giles was not just a reliable receiver who could catch the ball in crowds over the middle, but he was also an excellent deep threat. He averaged 15.4 yards per catch, which is impressive for a tight end. His 81-yard catch is tied as the second longest in team history.

He was an excellent blocker, but underused as a receiver. If Tampa Bay had thrown him the ball more, he could very well be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame right now.

This was a sentiment echoed by all those who played with and against him. He is not only the first Buccaneer tight end to go to the Pro Bowl, but he is easily the best they ever had wear their jersey.

Jackie Harris, Calvin Magee, Jerry Bell, Dave Moore, Jim Obradovich, Alex Smith, Ken Dilger, and Ron Hall deserve mention.





Tackle : Paul Gruber



Gruber was the fourth player picked overall in 1988 when the Bucs selected him. They started him at left tackle right away, and he would hold that job the rest of his career.

The 1993 season would see him miss the first games of his career, missing six because of injury, and he missed three more in 1996 for the same reasoning. They would be the only games Gruber would not play in. He also played the first five years of his career without missing a snap.

When he retired after the 1999 season, Gruber had played in 183 games, starting in each game, over 12 years. This was a franchise record until future Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks broke it in 2006. Yet even Brooks never started in each game he played like Gruber did.

Though he was never selected to the Pro Bowl, there were few NFL left tackles in the 1990's more respected than Paul Gruber. He was technically solid, consistent, and reliable.

He is also easily the best offensive tackle in Buccaneers history.



Tackle : Rob Taylor



Taylor was drafted in the 12th round of the 1982 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, but did not make the team. He was out of the NFL for the next four years.

He resurfaced with Tampa Bay in 1986, and made the team. He ended up starting in 13 games as well, and would start in every game he played in over the next four seasons.

After starting in 25 of the next 41 games he played in, Taylor retired at the end of the 1993 season.

He came from virtually nowhere and gave the Bucs 91 starts in 110 games in a career few expected that he would have.

Dave Reavis, Charley Hannah, Gene Sanders, Jerry Wunsch, Scott Dill, Kenyatta Walker, and Ron Heller deserve mention.



Guard : George Yarno



Yarno has this spot until Davin Joseph retires.

He was an undrafted player in 1979 who made the Bucs roster, playing in 15 games as a reserve as a rookie. After starting in 10 games in 1980, he went back to being a valuable reserve and spot starter, starting in eight of the teams next 27 games.

He then started full time the next three years, missing six due to injury. Yarno also converted the only extra point kick of his career in 1983. He also showed his versatility playing both guard spots and even started at left tackle for the 12 games he played in 1985.

He joined the Atlanta Falcons in 1986, starting five games at center, before joining the Houston Oilers the next year and retiring at the conclusion of it.

Yarno was a valuable member of the Buccaneers for eight years, and his ability to play several positions was crucial to the teams successes.

He is currently a respected offensive line coach for the Detroit Lions.

Greg Roberts, Sean Farrell, Arron Sears, and Ray Snell deserve mention.





Guard : Ian Beckles



Beckles was drafted in the fifth round of the 1990 draft by Tampa Bay and started immediately, not missing a start for two years.

His remaining time with the team saw him battle nagging injuries. He missed five games in 1993, starting in just seven. He started in every game he played in from then on, but missed five games over the next four years.

Beckles joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent in 1997, but played in just nine games that year. After starting all 16 games the next year, he signed a deal with the New York Jets for the 1999 season.

The Jets head coach criticized Beckles conditioning and cut him. He tried to sign on with the Denver Broncos the next year, but was cut and forced to retire.

Since then, he has been a popular radio host in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay does not have a rich history of great guards.

Beckles started in 98 of the 102 games he played with them over seven years, which most likely makes him the best guard who ever played for the franchise over a long period of time.







Center : Tony Mayberry



Mayberry was a fourth round pick by Tampa Bay in 1990, and he spent his rookie year on the bench learning.

He earned the starting job the next year, and would start in 144 consecutive games until he retired after the 1999 season.

The fact is that Mayberry is the most accomplished offensive lineman in team history.

He became the first Buccaneer blocker to make a Pro Bowl in 1997. It was the first of three consecutive appearances.

He is the only Buccaneer offensive lineman with more than one Pro Bowl honor.

Not only is he the greatest center the team has ever had, but he may be their best blocker ever.

Jeff Christy, Steve Wilson, and Randy Grimes deserve mention.





Nose Tackle : Dave Logan



Logan was drafted in the 12th round by Tampa Bay in 1979, and played in five games as a reserve.

He earned the starting job in the third game of the next year, and would hold onto it the rest of his Buccaneers career.

He also scored a touchdown on a career long 60-yard fumble recovery in 1980, and scored again off of a 21-yard return the following season.

In the strike-shortened season of 1982, the NFL began recording sacks as an official statistic, and he was credited with 4.8 sacks in the nine games he played.

His best year may have been in 1983, where he had 9.5 sacks and scored off of a 54-yard fumble recovery. He was named First Team All-Conference by Pro Football Weekly, and would attain that honor again the next year after getting 5.5 sacks and scoring the last touchdown of his career off of a 27-yard interception.

Though he was not named to the Pro Bowl, he was named First Team All-NFL by the Sporting News that year.

After two more years, he left the team and joined the Green Bay Packers in 1987. He played in just two games, got hurt, then retired.

Dave Logan was an incredible physical specimen who relied on intelligence and technique to excel. He weighed just 250 lbs. while playing the most demanding position in football.

He played, and started in, every game in the last six of his eight years with the team. Besides his rookie year, he never missed a game with the Bucs.

He had 39 sacks in his career, which would be the fourth most in franchise history, but the NFL only has him officially with 28.3. That ranks as fifth best, yet it needs to be noted the NFL only recognizes 23 of the 78.5 career sacks Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon had with the team.

Logan also had 624 tackles in his career, showing he was more than a pass rusher.

His three fumble recovery touchdowns are the most ever by a Buc defensive lineman, and second in team history to the four defensive back Ronde Barber has. He is tied with 30 other players as the fourth most in NFL history in that category.

He is easily the greatest nose tackle in Buccaneers history.

Dave Pear, the only nose tackle in team history to be named to the Pro Bowl, Brad Culpepper, Anthony McFarland, and Randy Crowder deserve mention.





Defensive End : Warren Sapp



We had to get Sapp on the team, so he goes to defensive end in the 3-4 defense. He won't be here long, because he will be inducted into Canton one day.

He was drafted in the first round by Tampa Bay in 1995, and was brought along slowly as a rookie. He started in eight games, yet scored the only touchdown of his career from a interception return of five yards.

He was named a full-time starter the next year, and would remain so the remainder of his career. He made the first of seven consecutive Pro Bowl appearances in 1997, and was widely known as a productive players who first move was almost as quick as his mouth.

He was named First Team All-Pro in 1999, and would continue to gain that honor until 2002.

His best season came in 2000, where he had a career high 16.5 sacks and 52 tackles. It was just six tackles short of his career best set in 1997.

Sapp became a free agent after his final Pro Bowl season in 2003, and signed a gigantic contract with the Oakland Raiders for seven years. He lasted four in Oakland before retiring at the conclusion of the 2007 season. He played all over the defensive line, getting 19.5 sacks for the Raiders.

Sapp's 77 sacks are the most in Buccaneers history. His six Pro Bowls and four First Team All-Pro nods are the second most in team history. His 96.5 career sacks rank 28th all-time in NFL history, and are the second most ever by a defensive tackle.

Warren Sapp was an excellent pass rusher and a decent run defender. He is the greatest defensive tackle in Buccaneers history. He and Derrick Brooks are the only Buccaneers ever to be named to an NFL All-Decade First Team, which they were for the 2000's decade.

Wally Chambers, John Cannon, Santana Dotson, Chidi Ahanotu, Greg Spires, and Regan Upshaw deserve mention.





Defensive End : Simeon Rice



The Arizona Cardinals made Rice the third overall selection in the 1996 draft. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year and went to one Pro Bowl for the Cardinals over five seasons.

His 51.5 sacks with them is the second most in their franchises history.

Rice signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in 2001. His best season with them was 2002, where he was named First Team All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl after Tampa Bay won Super Bowl XXXVII. He was second in MVP voting that game after collecting two sacks.

He also recorded the only safety of his career that season on a stingy defense that allowed just 12.2 points per game, which led the NFL. He made his last Pro Bowl the next year after grabbing a career high two interceptions to go with 15 sacks.

He continued to be a force off the edge until he injured his shoulder in 2006 and missed half the season. Tampa Bay asked him to take a reduction in pay, but Rice refused. They released him, and the Denver Broncos signed him. He lasted six games with them before asking to be released because he was unhappy on how he was being used.

The Indianapolis Colts signed him, but he lasted just two games before they cut him. He got the last sack of his career with them. He tried to revive his career with the New York Sentinels, now know as the Hartford Colonials, of the UFL in 2009, then retired.

The 69.5 sacks Rice accrued over six seasons with the Bucs ranks as the second most in team history. He got to 100 career sacks in just nine seasons, the second fastest to do so in NFL history behind Hall of Famer Reggie White.

His 122 career sacks still ranks 13th best in NFL history.

There have been few players as good as Simeon Rice at rushing the quarterback. He was a valuable member of some excellent Buccaneer teams, and he had a propensity of coming up big when his team needed him most.

He is the second defensive end in Buccaneers history to be an All-Pro and Pro Bowler, and is the second best defensive end the franchise ever had.





Linebacker : Hugh Green



Green was the seventh player chosen overall in the 1981 draft by the Buccaneers after finishing second in the vote for the Heisman Trophy the year before.

He was named a starter immediately, and would remain there his entire time with Tampa Bay. He quickly became known as a big play linebacker who was equally adept in stopping the run as he was rushing the passer.

He made his first Pro Bowl in the strike-shortened 1982 season. The 1983 year was his best. Green made his last Pro Bowl after leading the NFL with two touchdowns off of interceptions.

He was considered one of the best linebackers in the game, then his career was derailed by a car crash in 1984 that ended his season after eight games because of an orbital fracture.

After five games of the 1984 season, Green was traded to the Miami Dolphins and finished the season with a career high 7.5 sacks. His next two years were bereft with nagging injuries, but he came back strong in 1988 to start every games for the next three years. After playing mostly as a reserve in 1991, he retired.

Until Derrick Brooks joined the Buccaneers, Green was considered by many to be the best linebacker to ever play for them. His two Pro Bowls are still the second most ever by an outside linebacker in Buccaneers history. He was very valuable to the team.

His coach, John McKay, was once asked about what weaknesses Green had as a player. All McKay could think of saying was, "He's not twins.''





Linebacker : Hardy Nickerson



Nickerson was drafted in the fifth round of the 1987 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After spending his rookie year as a reserve, he soon moved into the starting lineup and became a solid member of the team.

He signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent in 1993, and blossomed in the 4-3 base defense that head coach Tony Dungy ran.

He was named First Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl in his first season after setting a team record with a whopping 214 tackles that still stands today.

Though he never exceeded 147 tackles in a season for the rest of his career, Nickerson was the fiery, intelligent leader of the defense and was called "The Dragon" by teammates and fans.

In 1996, he went to the Pro Bowl again, something he would continue to do until 1999. He also was named First Team All-Pro in 1997, and was honored with the Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award for his work in the community and country.

He became a free agent after his last Pro Bowl season of 1999, so he signed a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He got hurt after six games, missing the rest of the season. The 2001 season saw him get a career high three interceptions and nine defended passes. He then signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2002, then retired at the end of the season.

Hardy Nickerson is a member of the NFL 1990's All-Decade Second Team. No other Buccaneers middle linebacker has been to the Pro Bowl, and none have more tackles than him.

"The Dragon" is easily the best middle linebacker in team history.

Dewey Selmon, Richard Wood, Eugene Marve, Jeff Davis, and Scot Brantley deserve mention.



Linebacker : Dave R. Lewis



Lewis was drafted in the second round of the 1977 draft by Tampa Bay. He quickly became a starter and was known for his well rounded game in all facets of his position.

After scoring the only touchdown of his career, which came off a fumble recovery, he became the first linebacker in Buccaneer history to be named to the Pro Bowl in 1980.

Lewis was at the zenith of his game until he was injured in 1981. He was traded to the San Diego Chargers the next year, then was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in 1983. After spending most of the year as a reserve, he retired.

Though his Buccaneers career was cut short, it should not be forgotten. Lewis was solid against the run and pass. He helped the 1979 team lead the NFL in points allowed, with a paltry 14.8 points per game, as they won their first ever divisional title and finished one game away from the Super Bowl.

Cecil Johnson, Broderick Thomas, Winston Moss, Kevin Murphy, and Shelton Quarles deserve mention.



Linebacker : Derrick Brooks



Derrick Brooks was already a legend in the state of Florida before the Bucs used the 28th pick of the 1995 on him. He had grown up in the state, then starred at Florida State University before spending 14 more years starring for Tampa Bay.

He was brought along slowly as a rookie, starting in 13 games. He would never miss a game in his career, and never miss a start from his second season on.

In 1997, he made the first of 10 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. Though excellent at stopping the run, he was just as exceptional in pass defense. Three times in his career he had 11 passes defended in a season.

He was not just a gridiron star in Florida, but he was a community leader. He shared the 2000 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award with Jim Flanigan Jr. of the Chicago Bears.

The best year he had was the Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning season of 2002. Brooks had a career best five interceptions, and returned three for an NFL-best three touchdowns. One went for 97 yards, the second longest in franchise history.

He also scored on a fumble recovery, making his four touchdowns the most be any defensive player that season. It is the most by a linebacker and the second most by any defender in NFL history.

He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but he was not done. In Super Bowl XXXVII, he picked off a pass and returned it 44 yards for a score.

In 2003, he won both the Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award and the Bart Starr Man of the Year Award for his community service. He also won the Pro Bowl MVP in 2006 after returning an interception for a touchdown.

Though he failed to make the Pro Bowl in 2007, after having the only season in his career he failed to get a sack, interception, or fumble recovery, he did pile up 109 tackles. The last season of his career was 2008, and he somehow was named to the Pro Bowl despite a career low 73 tackles.

Tampa Bay released him, and he retired in 2010 when he found no suitable offers to play again. No other Buccaneer has made more Pro Bowls or been named First Team All-Pro more than Brooks. He and Warren Sapp are the only Bucs ever to be named to an NFL All-Decade First Team, which they were for the 2000's decade.

His 1,715 tackles are the most in team history, and his 25 interceptions are the most ever by a Buccaneer linebacker.. His six touchdowns for touchdowns, as well as seven total scores, are second in team history to Ronde Barber.

Brooks will own this spot temporarily, because he is destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is the greatest linebacker in Buccaneers history, and one of their best players ever. He embodies what a Hall of Famer should be on and off the field.



Strong Safety : John Lynch


Lynch was drafted in the third round of the 1993 draft by Tampa Bay. He spent his first three years in the NFL primarily as a reserve, starting in 10 of the 40 games he played in.

The 1996 was his first as a starter, and he responded with 103 tackles and three interceptions. He also ran a fake punt for 40 yards. He made the Pro Bowl the next year after getting 109 tackles.

The best season of his career may have come in 1999, where he made his second Pro Bowl and attained his initial First Team All-Pro honor after piling up a career high 127 tackles. He would never get more than 87 tackles in a season for the rest of his career.

Lynch made the Pro Bowl in each of the next four years, and was named First Team All-Pro once more. He was an important member of a Tampa Bay team that won Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002.

After failing to make the Pro Bowl in 2002, Tampa Bay released him. The Denver Broncos signed him and decided to move him to free safety. He lasted four years with the Broncos, getting three interceptions and 271 tackles over that time.

Yet, despite the less than mediocre production, he was named to the Pro Bowl in every season with the team. He missed three games in 2007 and saw he was being phased out. He requested his release, then signed with the New England Patriots. After being cut in training camp, he retired.

His five Pro Bowls are tied as the most ever by a Buccaneers defensive back, and the most by a safety. His two First Team All-Pro nods are the most by any Tampa Bay safety. He ranks fourth in tackles and sixth in interceptions in Buccaneers history after 11 seasons with the team.

John Lynch may only temporarily own this spot, because he has a legitimate chance of being inducted into Canton. Not based on his actual numbers, because there is huge list of safeties waiting for induction who surpass his by quite a bit.

He was extremely popular with the media, then in turn with the fans. This showed by all the Pro Bowls he made despite being outperformed by others at his position many times. The fact that he was on a Super Bowl winning team will help his cause as well.

Regardless, he is the best strong safety the Buccaneers ever had.

Mark Cotney and Marty Carter deserve mention.





Free Safety : Cedric Brown


Brown was drafted in the 12th round of the 1976 draft by the Oakland Raiders, but did not make the team. He was later picked up by Tampa Bay and played in one game that year.

He was named a starter the next year, and would remain one his remaining eight years with the team. He quickly became the glue of the secondary, rarely making errors and generally in the right place at the right time.

He had six interceptions for 110 yards in 1978, both of which led the team. He scored a touchdown on a 80-yard lateral return off a fumble recovery in 1980, thus continuing his reputation as a big play defender in the NFL.

The best season he has was in 1981, getting nine interceptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns. He was somehow not chosen for the Pro Bowl, as Nolan Cromwell, of the Los Angeles Rams, and Dwight Hicks, of the San Francisco 49ers, were instead.

Though he had the same amount of interceptions as Hicks, for just 24 yards less, he easily outperformed Cromwell. Including Brown, six players had nine or more interceptions that year, but only Hicks and Everson Walls went to the Pro Bowl.

After the strike-shortened 1982 season, Brown dealt with injuries. He was able to play in just 17 games over the next two years. He decided to retire after the 1984 season.

The 29 career interceptions he accrued are the most by any safety in Buccaneers history, and it ranks as the third most overall. Though his true impact will never be done justice, because the NFL did not count statistics like tackles, passes defended, and forced fumbles in his era. Cedric Brown's impact can still be seen through other statistics, thus displaying he was one of the most underrated free safeties of his era.

He is in the top-76 in NFL history in fumble return yards in a season, interceptions in a season, interception return yards in a season, and interceptions returned for touchdowns in a season.

He is the best free safety Tampa Bay ever had, one of the very few original Bucs that can claim that at their position.

Curtis Jordan and Harry Hamilton deserve mention.





Cornerback : Donnie Abraham


Abraham was drafted in the third round of the 1996 draft by Tampa Bay. He soon earned a starting job as a rookie, picking off five balls. He duplicated that feat the next season.

The best season of his career came in 1999.He led the NFL with seven interceptions and two interceptions returned for touchdowns. He gained a career high 115 yards off the interceptions, recorded the only two sacks of his career, and had a career best 79 tackles.

He had seven picks the next year, and was named to his only Pro Bowl. He became the second Tampa Bay cornerback to ever be named a Pro Bowler.

After six interceptions in 2001, he signed with the New York Jets as a free agent in 2002. After a productive first year with the Jets, he missed half of the 2003 season because of injury and started in only two games. He contemplated retiring, but decided to not leave the game on that note.

His 2004 season saw him start all 16 games and score a touchdown off both a fumble recovery and interception. Abraham then decided to retire.

His 31 interceptions are the second most in Buccaneers history.

Donnie Abraham may have been the first true lockdown cornerback in team history, and he certainly is one of their best ever.



Cornerback : Ricky Reynolds



Reynolds was drafted by the Bucs in the second round of the strike-shortened 1987 season. He started right away, and would continue to do so his entire Tampa Bay career.

After four swipes in 1988, he grabbed a career best five interceptions for 87 yards the next year. He also scored on a 68-yard return. He would score again in 1992 off of a fumble recovery.

He signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent in 1994, and scored the last touchdown of his career off of a fumble recovery. After getting a career best 2.5 sacks, along with three interceptions in 1995, he spent parts of the next year hurt and missed four games. He then retired.

Of the 23 career interceptions Reynolds had, 17 came in his seven years in Tampa Bay. Eight of his 12 fumble recoveries came with them too.

He ranks second in franchise history for tackles and fumble recoveries by a cornerback. He still ranks tenth in interceptions, the fifth most by a Bucs cornerback. He was always around the ball. He not only got the ball back a lot for his team, he was in on tackles often.

Ricky Reynolds is easily one of the very best cornerbacks in team history. Ronde Barber will move into this spot when he retires, but Reynolds moves back in if Barber is one day inducted into Canton.

Wayne Haddix, the first Buc to lead the NFL in interceptions and their first Pro Bowl cornerback, Jeris White, Jeremiah Castille, Mark Washington and Brian Kelly deserve mention.




Kicker : Martin Gramatica



Gramatica was drafted in the third round of the 1999 draft by Tampa Bay. He rookie year was solid. He missed just five field goal attempts the entire season.

The 2000 season saw him become the only placekicker in Buccaneers history to be names to the Pro Bowl. He scored 126 points, made five field goals of over 50 yards, and missed just six field goal attempts.

The Bucs won Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002, as he made five more field goal attempts over 50 yards and led the NFL with 32 field goals made. He also scored a career best 128 points, the last time in his career he would score more than 81 points in a season.

Gramatica's accuracy then began to wane. After having never missed an extra point in his career, he missed one in each of his next three years. His field goal accuracy dropped a great deal.

After 11 games in 2004, Tampa Bay cut him. The Indianapolis Colts signed him for four games, where all he did was kickoff.

After sitting out in 2005, he played eight games in 2006 for both the Colts and Dallas Cowboys. He then played eight games over two seasons for the New Orleans Saints.

No Buccaneer has attempted and made more extra points and field goals than Gramatica. His 592 points are also the most in franchise history. His 15 field goals of over 50 yards also is a Buccaneers record.

Besides being the only Pro Bowl kicker Tampa Bay ever had, Martin Gramatica is the best kicker the team ever had.

Michael Husted, Donald Igwebuike, and Matt Bryant deserve mention.






Punter : Mark Royals



Royals spent his rookie season splitting time between the Saint Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent rookie. He joined the Bucs the next year, staying with them until the end of the 1991 season.

He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992, and left them for the Detroit Lions in 1995 for two years. Royals then joined the New Orleans Saints in 1997, and led the NFL with a 45.9 yards per punt average that season. After averaging 45.6 the next year, he rejoined Tampa Bay in 1999.

He left for the Miami Dolphins in 2002, then was released after three games in 2003. He then played 11 games for the Jacksonville Jaguars and retired afterward.

Josh Bidwell, the only Pro Bowl punter in Buccaneers history, will get this spot when he retires.

Royals ranks second in Buccaneers history in punt attempts and yards. It also be noted he never had a punt blocked in 414 attempts with the team.

Dave Green, Tom Tupa, and Frank Garcia deserve mention.




Kick Returner : Clifton Smith


Though Smith is still active, he gets this spot because the well known woes Buccaneer kick returners suffered before his arrival as an undrafted free agent in 2008.

Tampa Bay had went from 1976 to 2007 without once having a player return a kickoff for a touchdown on their behalf until Michael Spurlock broke the 32-year drought.

The proverbial floodgates opened in the ninth week of the 2008 season, his second as a pro, when Smith took one 97 yards for a score, the second in team history.

Two weeks later, he took a punt return 70 yards for another score.

He is the only Buccaneer to ever score off both a kickoff and punt return in the same season.

Despite playing just nine games, he became the first and only Buccaneer return specialist to be named to the Pro Bowl. He had gained a career best 992 yards on a career high 36 kickoff returns, and averaged an excellent 14.1 yards on 23 punt returns.

His 2009 season was cut short by a vicious hit that left Smith with a concussion and the culprit ejected in the 11th game of the season. At the time, he was averaging an impressive 29.1 yards on 31 kickoff returns, and had returned 23 punts for 232 yards.

Called "Peanut" by his teammates, Tampa Bay decided to cut him a week before the beginning of the 2010 season. He signed with the Miami Dolphins, but was cut after hardly playing over two games.

Right now he is the active leader in yards per return average on kickoffs, and he ranks fifth all-time.

He may be Tampa Bay's best kickoff return specialist ever.

Aaron Stecker, Bobby Joe Edmonds, Michael Morton, Donnie Elder, Gary Anderson, Phil Freeman, Torrie Cox, Michael Spurlock, Sammie Stroughter, and Reidel Anthony deserve mention.





Punt Returner : Karl Williams



Williams made the Bucs in 1997 as a 25-year-old free agent. He spent the year as an extra receiver but was asked to return just 27 punts and kickoffs. He took one punt for a career long 88-yard score, and Tampa Bay quickly found their punt returner.

He returned a career high 46 punts the next year, at a very impressive 13 yards per return average, while scoring again. He also returned 15 kickoffs and started seven games at wide receiver, setting career high marks of 33 receptions for 486 yards and four scores.

Tampa Bay had him only return 10 punts the next year, while starting six times at receiver. He had nagging injuries that saw him miss three games each year until 2000. Yet the 2000 season was one of his finest as a returner. He returned another punt for a score, and returned a career high 19 kickoffs at a 23.8 yards per return average.

Williams returned a punt for a score every year until 2002, when the Buccaneers won Super Bowl XXXVII.

After just 15 punt returns the next year, he joined the Arizona Cardinals in 2004 and was released at the end of the season.

Nicknamed "The Truth" by his teammates, no Buccaneer has ever returned more punts for more yards and touchdowns than Karl Williams. His five touchdowns off punt returns ranks as 13th best in NFL history, and is the sixth most ever. He also caught 137 passes for seven scores for Tampa Bay.

There has never been a punt returner for the Bucs better than him, and that is the truth.

Danny Reece, Willie Drewrey, Clifton Smith, and Jacquez Green deserve mention.