Running over the Birds

Even with all the hoopla over the “Big Game,” and the record-setting performances of Adrian Peterson and Antonio Cromartie, this was the game that I payed the most attention to. The Bucs come back nicely following a 2-game losing streak, with this victory over the Arizona Cardinals, 17-10. Here are a few things that made this game what it was:

Interceptions? I don’t need stinkin Interceptions!       
Jeff Garcia didn’t let his interception demons get the best of him. After last week’s 3 interception game, he proved that it did not affect his psyche. Garcia reacted nicely, going 18/28 for 196 yards and a TD. No interceptions were recorded. A nice side note, Garcia has only 3 interceptions on the year, one less than the “great” Tom Brady.

Run, Earnest! Run!
Earnest Graham ran for a career high 124 yards on 34 carries. He also ran for a touchdown. Graham has picked up production nicely, following injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman. Since taking over, Graham has rushed for 454 yards and 4 TD’s, making it seem like Tampa has a running game once again.

Where’s my D?
The Bucs Defense reminded everyone why they were so special. Looking reminiscent of the Super Bowl defense, the Bucs held Arizona to one first down and 78 total yards of offense in the first half. At the end of the game, the Bucs held Arizona to a season-low 195 yards, which was a blow to a team that averaged 337.3 yards a game. The Bucs controlled the ball for over 43 minutes, and ran 77 offensive plays, as opposed to Arizona’s 42. Rookie Tanard Jackson picked off Kurt Warner in the second quarter, setting up a 32-yard Matt Bryant field goal. When the Cardinals were charging with under 2 minutes left in the game, Jermaine Phillips picked off a Kurt Warner pass, and sealed the deal for the Bucs.

Game Notes:

• With their 5th win of the season yesterday, Tampa surpassed their season total of wins for all of last year. Their 4-12 record last year was the team’s worst record since 1991.
• The Bucs record improves to 5-4, putting them on top of the NFC South following a Carolina loss. The Panthers are still fighting, and the Saints are climbing. People call this division weak, but the South Champ probably won’t be determined until the final week.
• Tampa Bay’s 43:07 time of possession was the best for a regulation game in team history. Only one game has gone longer, but the 48:09 mark was recorded in a game with overtime.       
• Joey Galloway caught his 27th touchdown as a Buccaneer, meaning that he is now tied with Mark Carrier for 3rd place on the team’s all-time receiving touchdowns list. That touchdown was also Galloway’s 28th total touchdown with the Bucs, giving him sole possession of 5th place in the team’s history.   
• Jeremy Trueblood was ejected from yesterday’s game while defending teammate Davin Joseph. It is likely he will be fined, but is not expected to be suspended. Just sticking up for his brother.

The Bucs will get a breather this week, and coming off of their bye will face the Atlanta Falcons. Rest up Bucs! You’re going to need it.