Archives for November 23, 2000

‘Tampa Bay’s defense has made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks this season. The Buccaneers have recorded 43 sacks, second in the NFL and only one off the franchise record set in 1997. The Bills have given up 33 sacks, the ninth-highest total in the league, while Johnson has been sacked 29 times. Uh, oh.’

‘Cornerback Antoine Winfield’s season is officially over as the Buffalo Bills placed him on the injured reserve list. He had successful surgery Wednesday to repair torn cartilage on his right shoulder.’

‘The Buccaneers rank 25th in the NFL in passing offense and Shaun King is far from a polished quarterback, but when he takes on the Bills Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, his mouth will be watering in anticipation. The Buffalo secondary is in disarray with the season-ending injury to starting cornerback Antoine Winfield and the nagging sprained ankle that might keep nickel cornerback Donovan Greer on the sidelines again.’

‘In addition to the five sacks, which ties him for the second-most on the team, Newman is tied with fellow Tampa native Ted Washington for fifth on the team with 65 tackles. Through 11 games, he already has 17 more tackles and 1 1/2 more sacks than Northern had all of last season.’

‘Ray Hill, who broke into the NFL with Buffalo in 1998, was signed by the Bills on Wednesday in an attempt to bolster their injured defensive backfield.’

‘"I think pressure on the quarterback is going to be critical because (the Bills) seem to get into a rhythm," Bucs’ coach Tony Dungy said. "When you don’t pressure him, he throws very well."’