MVN: Most Valuable Network

Yesterday's game kept reminding me of the last time these two teams met. Everything was falling in place as it did before, but not even I could have predicted the ending. In Week 1, the Saints were up by two points late in the game, and the Bucs were driving. With less than a minute left, the Bucs threw an interception that sealed the Saints win. This week, the Bucs were up by three late in the game, and the Saints were driving. With under two minutes left in the game, Drew Brees threw an interception that sealed the Bucs win. There is nothing like deja vu. At least it wound up in favor of the Bucs this time. Let's look at what made this game what it was:

Containing The Brees
If the Bucs wanted to win yesterday, they knew that they had to stop NFL MVP-candidate Drew Brees. Yes, he threw for two touchdowns. Yes, he threw for 296 yards. But the Bucs, indeed, did stop him. Maybe it was the weather conditions, but I'd like to believe it was the defense pressuring Brees. Brees missed 22 passes, several of which were drops. He was also intercepted three times, including one in the final minutes that sealed a Buccaneers victory. Although the Saints had better numbers, it was the mistakes that cost them the game. The running game is not to blame. They carried the ball only 18 times the whole game. Therefore, the blame can be placed on Brees. While 14 of the Saints first downs came via the pass, it was the interceptions that were the most costly. Only one of the interceptions turned into points, but it was the game-winning field goal. The final interception is the one that ended the game for the Saints, when they could have potentially tied the game.

Saving The Running Game
With the loss of their top running back, the Bucs looked as if they might suffer in the running game. Fortunately, that has not been the case. After a big game last week, Warrick Dunn turned in another beautiful performance, carrying the ball 22 times for 74 yards. Surprisingly, Jeff Garcia was second on the team in rushing yards, carrying the ball 7 times for 42 yards. But the most endearing performance came in the part of Cadillac Williams. He carried the ball only 4 times, gaining only 20 yards, but it was what he did in the third quarter that stood out the most. The Bucs had a 1st-and-goal early in the third quarter. The call went to Williams, who ran the sideline 8 yards into the end zone. Not only did that touchdown put the Bucs up 13-10, but it spoke volumes for what Williams had been through. He had been out of football for over a year, and the 2005 Rookie of the Year was hearing rumors that he may never play again. After enduring months of intense rehab, Williams did the unthinkable and returned to the game. His first touchdown meant the world to what he's been through.

Still Commanding The Ship
It was a Week 1 loss against the Saints that found Jeff Garcia on the bench. After sitting for almost 4 games, Garcia was inserted back into the lineup as a starter. Since then, he has gone 6-1 as a starter, and has been leading the team ever since. Perhaps it took a game like this to remind us of what he means to the team. He was far from perfect, completing only 9 passes the entire game. His 119 passing yards don't jump off the stat sheet. Even his one touchdown is subject to criticism. But it was Garcia's leadership that led the Bucs on a rainy, windy Sunday. When the team needed a win, Garcia stepped up, and took control. The Bucs fell behind at halftime, but it didn't take long for Garcia to drive them down the field for a score. He then led the Bucs on two more scoring drives, including a 39-yard touchdown pass of his own. His 42 rushing yards kept the Bucs going as much as his passing yards did. A win over the team that caused his benching can mean complete vindication for Garcia. He's still here, and he's still leading his team.

Game Notes:

• For the 7th time this year, the Bucs have allowed their opponent to score first.
• The victory yesterday was the 100th of Jon Gruden's career. Gruden is the third-youngest head coach to reach 100 career wins.
• The Bucs 9-3 record matches the best start in team history. They were 9-3 in the 1979 season, and the 2002 Super Bowl season.
• Jon Gruden is the first coach ever in the NFC South to have consecutive winning seasons.
• Antonio Bryant led the team in receptions and receiving yards yesterday, marking the 7th time this season he has led or tied for the lead in both receptions and receiving yards.
• Tampa's 9th victory of the season has assured Jon Gruden of his first back-to-back winning seasons as the Bucs coach.
• Tampa Bay is 3-0 when Antonio Bryant scores a touchdown.
• Cato June recorded his first interception of the season, his second as a Buccaneer, and the 12th of his career.

The Bucs won their first of three very important games. Next week is Carolina, which is an absolute must win game for the Bucs. Green Bay almost knocked them off, but Carolina came back for the victory. The Panthers and the Bucs share the same record, but the Bucs own the tie-breaker. While they beat the Panthers 27-3 in their last meeting, I don't see such a one-sided affair for this week. America will get to watch this battle live, as the Bucs get to enjoy their second primetime game of the season, this time on Monday Night Football. This is a premier opportunity for the Bucs to show America just what they're made of. Another beat down of their rival would look good, but let's just focus on a victory. Their season relies on this game.