Going for the crown

The NFC South title is on the line today as the Bucs get ready to host the Atlanta Falcons here at Raymond James Stadium.

And Tampa Bay will be a little better equipped in its effort to clinch the crown today. Jeff Garcia returns to the lineup after missing two weeks with a back injury.

Elsewhere, running back Michael Pittman is in the lineup, but fullback B.J. Askew (ankle) will sit out. That leaves Byron Storer as the starter. The rest of the inactives are fullback Zack Crockett, running back Kenneth Darby, linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, guard Dan Buenning, defensive end Greg Spires and defensive tackle Greg Peterson.

Post your comments and/or questions below and we'll see what the afternoon has to offer.

See ya soon.

Comments

[Stephen_Holder]

Well, that was quick. One thing this Atlanta team could not afford was an early deficit. They are an emotionally fragile team right now and I don't know that they'll respond to an early challenge.

[Tony]

Great start for the D, way to go Ronde. Now lets see the offense go down the field and put some points up. That will should really demoralize the Falcons.

[Stephen_Holder]

Barber's interception of Redman and subsequent touchdown is the 12th of his career. He now has seven interception returns for touchdowns in his career, tied with Derrick Brooks for the most in Bucs history.

[Stephen_Holder]

There is a very stiff wind blowing here at Raymond James today, but I don't think it had anything to do with that duck Bidwell just kicked. The wind was at his back there. I believe that was just a shank.

[Tony]

Garcia and offense looked a little stiff. Would have liked to see them keep running Graham.

[Stephen_Holder]

And for those who are out of the area and can't see the game, I know you're probably wondering what's up with NFL.com's live stats. Well, there's a problem with the connection up here in the press box. I was given some good advice to try cbssports.com. Their live stats are pretty good.

[Tony]

Good to the D give up a field goal, and not touchdowns like last week.

HISTORY!!!!!!

[Stephen_Holder]

Never thought I'd live to see it folks.

[Stephen_Holder]

Micheal Spurlock goes 90 yards for the first kickoff return in team history. That is kickoff number 1,865. Unbelievable.

[Dave]

What a pickup Spurlock has been, he's been a big play threat in the return game.

[Robert]

THEY RAN A KICK OFF BACK....AND IM IN IRAQ THIS SUCKS!!! BUT HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE!!

Remember, Spurlock's 45-yard (I think) return last week was the longest of the season.

[Daniel]

Did I miss anything important?

Just kidding guys, I saw the return. unbeleivable!!!

That does suck Robert. Sorry to hear. But man, this place was electric.

[Stephen_Holder]

After all the excitement, it's easy to forget the offense still hasn't put together a drive worth a darn. Let's see what they do here. Two nonoffensive touchdowns so far.

[Robert]

My Dad said our seats are in the End Zone he scored in..this is some real bulls***. I have been deployed 3X this year....and everyone of the some History happens. Atleast I was home for Superbowl 02. I would have went on Emergency Leave to see that thing...I bet RJS is rocking right now

[Stephen_Holder]

Keep ya head up Robert. Thanks for chiming in, too. What time is it over there?

[Dave]

I love the Bucs continually going for it on fourth down. A lot of commentators incorrectly dub it a "huge gamble." However, the average offensive play gains five yards, so if it's 4th and 5 or less, you're actually just playing the percentages. If we score, it'll once again be a huge payoff.

[Robert]

Stephan it is 1:50AM or 0150 I should say...Keep me posted..I cant watch it on American Forces Network..they have all the doggone CBS Games on today...So how is Garcia looking today coming off the back issue??

[Gary]

STEPHEN, Let's look ahead. Please tell me Gruden wont just give Cadillac a starting job if he comes back. Graham more than deserves to start and Cadillac should be visiting the junk heap.

[Matt C]

Physically he seems ok - he's taken some hits and some sacks and bounces right back up. Some of the passes look like ducks, but the wind is pretty bad too

[Stephen_Holder]

Truth be told, they look a little sluggish on offense. Garcia's been sacked twice. They need a little boost of energy or something.

What's up with the run defense today?

[Stephen_Holder]

Gary, you're looking WAY ahead, but I'll play along. First and foremost, Caddy has a LONG rehab and it's unlikely he'll be 100 percent by the time camp rolls around in '08. So, frankly, the decision is likely going to be made for Gruden instead of the other way around.

Any reason Spurlock doesn't return punts as well. It would be better to keep Hilliard healthy.

[NAVYMAN]

FINALLY, THEY RAN ONE BACK AND I WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN IT...WATCHING THE GAME ON THE FOXSPORTS UPDATER...GO BUCS......

[gary]

STEPHEN, I would say that Cadillac has proven nothing. Graham has proven himself. He is consistent and much more. There should be no decision.

[Stephen_Holder]

I asked Spurlock this week if he's ever done punts, and I believe he said he had. Doesn't have a lot of experience doing so, however. Ike is back there for his hands only -- end of story. Not saying I agree, I'm just saying.

I had to work today and missed history! My office is across the street from the stadium. I can see the stadium from my seat but I missed the return! DAMN WORK!!

Graham has great hands as well. Nice catch in the flat. He should be our starter next year, no matter what.

[Stephen_Holder]

Gary, even Gruden has admitted some surprise with the way Graham has played. I agree with you. He runs hard and he makes positive yardage. Cadillac is probably a more gifted runner, but that doesn't always equal more yards. Graham runs hard and smart, which I can't always say for Caddy.

[Derek]

Stephen, Just how Loud was it when Spurlock crossed the goal line?

[Robert]

Well we have never had a super "O" so no worries atleast when we have a good lead. On Cadillac, I dont think we lost to much when we lost Caddy. When has he really produced...he kind of reminds me of Julius Jones from Dallas..some days he does fine other he needs Barber III to help...just as we would use Graham. Personally we gave up on Thomas Jones to soon and Pittman was always a arm tackle back..Alstott is missed.

[Mr. S]

OMG fumble at the 6!

Robert, thanks for your sacrifice.

Be safe.

[Dave]

I hate to interrupt the fight, but does anyone disagree with the Gaines Adams pick now? Simeon Rice is bouncing between teams doing nothing, and it looks like the light has definitely come on for Adams.

[Derek]

The Bucs lucked out there... That should've been offsetting personal fouls

[Daniel]

Truebllod lucked out he didn't get flagged. I LOVE the guys fire and intensity, but he has to control that temper if he gets hit late.

[Stephen_Holder]

Derek, VERY loud. I think people were delirious. Probably choking on their beers. Can't blame them.

[Stephen_Holder]

Great play by Gaines. He seems to have found that little bit of of magic that Simeon had in terms of getting a hand on the ball. Greg White, too.

[Derek]

haha thanks Stephen.. I think speaking on behalf of anybody who watched it on TV. my first reaction before officially becoming ecstatic was "where the hell are the flags?" after you wait that long for a TD return I was almost expecting something Yellow on the field

[Daniel]

More fights? Come on guys!! The Falcons have NOTHING to lose. The Bucs can't afford to have players suspended from future games.

What's with the onsides kick? Seems like an odd time to call that.

[DenverBucsFan]

Robert,

I was complaining that I'm now living in Denver and didn't see the kickoff return either. Your sacrifice for us puts that into perspective. Thank you. Take care of yourself and hope you're home soon to be with family and friends.

Dave

Nice to see Clayton playing better, and contributing.

[Mike]

Man. The Falcons are a train-wreck. No wonder Cowher said no.

[Robert]

Thanks everyone. My sacrafice is nothing to the sacrafice of the ones we lost...like my friend SGT Harris, Taurean and SPC Jordy Flowers....but in other news...what did I miss...now it says its 24-3....and what kind of fights are going on?? Anyone Ejected?

[Daniel]

Jeff Garcia was late on that interception throw. Luckily, Greg White seems to be everywhere, causing and recovering that Dunn fumble. What a find he was.

[Stephen_Holder]

I talked to Gruden about Clayton this week and it's almost like he got a twinkle in his eye. It's as if he saw something in him last week that indicated he had something left in the tank after all.

[Daniel]

Robert, no one ejected yet, but tensions are high, especially on the Ealcons side as they seem to be still seething over Patrino. I'm sure they didn't appreciate the onsides kick either. Meanwhile, none of our players are backing down to the pushing and shoving.