Archives for November 27, 2000

‘"Because it needed to be said." That’s why the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the one credible Buc who would dare publicly blast his team’s shabby offense, did so Friday.’

‘It’s up to Dunn. He must carry the ball. He must carry the team. The jumbo backfield is kaput.’

‘He jumped up and took off after Bryson. He probably ran 30 yards to chase down Bryson, just as Bryson was stepping out of bounds to complete a 17-yard gain.’

‘The truth is, Karl Williams had almost disappeared from the Bucs’ radar screen this season.’

‘If Bucs offensive coordinator Les Steckel is smarting from the round of shots that defensive tackle Warren Sapp took at him and his offense this weekend, he’s not letting it show.’

‘Then, a crack developed in Buffalo’s mortar. Outside linebacker Sam Rogers limped off the field with a torn groin muscle. Inside linebacker Sam Cowart, the league’s leading tackler, left with a high ankle sprain. So did free safety Keion Carpenter.’

‘RB Warrick Dunn’s 106 yards marked the first 100-yard rushing game the Bills have allowed since January. Tennessee’s Eddie George rushed for 106 yards on Jan. 8 in the AFC wild-card playoff game.’

‘Special teams: Williams’ TD highlighted a strong return game and coverage units were on the ball as well. Grade: A’

‘Two days after Warren Sapp blamed offensive coordinator Les Steckel for the team’s poor record this season, the Bucs offense responded by doing a 180. Well, 180 total yards, anyway.’

‘This is the world of Warren Sapp: pure energy, high volume. And if you wish to visit, fasten your seat belts and grab your earplugs.’

‘After a 31-17 win over the Bills, the locker room resonated with some understanding why Sapp was critical of the offense but also offered support for Steckel.’

‘With Tampa Bay leading the Bills 24-17 and the two-minute warning approaching, the Bucs called on Dunn to secure a few first downs. On second and 10, he cut back off left tackle and ran 39 yards for the win-sealing touchdown.’

‘Total yardage: 180. All the way? No way.’

‘It may have been the most phenomenal late hit in the history of the NFL.’

‘Buffalo’s Chris Mohr hit a towering, 57-yard punt to Karl Williams, who backpedaled and caught the ball on his 27-yard line — and the game suddenly took a dramatic turn.’