

 By Robert Cameron chuskers.com
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 Sapp scores first offensive TD on way to a 31-10 win over the Falcons. |
The Buccaneers rebound after losing to the Panthers and pluck the Falcons 31 - 10. This makes the Bucs the only team in the NFL that has not lost back-to-back games since the start of the 2002 season. Gruden has lead the Bucs to a win after all 5 loses and 4 of those times he had to win on the road. Gruden gives all the credit for this victory to the Bucs' veteran leadership.
The Bucs defense dominated the Falcons holding them to only 29 yards rushing and 107 yards passing for the game. The defense also collected 5 turnovers, 1 fumble recovery and 4 interceptions. John Lynch and Ryan Nece each had an interception and Dwight Smith snared 2. A Thomas Jones' fumble gave the Falcons great field position on the 2-yard line of the Bucs. It took the Falcons 3 plays from the 2-yard line to punch the ball in for a touchdown. This was the only blemish on what otherwise was a dominating defensive performance. That was the first touchdown scored on the Bucs defense this year. The Falcons quarterbacks went 18 of 31 for only 127 yards passing and 4 interceptions for a quarterback rating of 28. Warrick Dunn lead the Falcons in rushing going for 7 yards on 9 attempts.
Warren Sapp scored a touchdown on a 6-yard pass from Brad Johnson in the fist half. After scoring the touchdown Sapp celebrated by jumping up and down in a circular motion. It was very funny and the commentators broadcasting the game nicknamed the dance the "pogo stick". After the game, Sapp was asked about his touchdown celebration dance and he gave all the credit to a music video called Crazy in Love by Beyonce Knowles. I'm not sure that Boyonce wants the credit for Sapp's rendition. If Sapp is going to continue to play on offense, he is going the need to get some new moves.
Michael Pittman had a great game leading the team in both rushing and passing yards. Pittman carried the ball 20 times rushing for 82 yards and had 7 receptions for 82 yards and 1 touchdown. His touchdown came on a short pass from Johnson. Pittman out ran the Falcons' linebacker up the sideline for a 68 yard score. He showed a great burst of speed on that play showing why he is still the number 1 running back for the Bucs. Mike Alstott also played well rushing for 44 yards on 8 attempts for 2 touchdowns. Brad Johnson played mistake free completing 16 of 24 attempt for 192 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Brad had a 118.75 quarterback rating for the game.
The Bucs have a bye week before playing Tony Dungy and the Indianapolis Colts on Monday Night Football. The Colts are 3-0 and after this weekend could be 4-0 when they play the Bucs. I look for this to be a very physical game. Two weeks for Gruden to prepare for the Colts is too long. My prediction the Buccaneers 27 and Colts 9.
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