Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

CHICAGO — Jay Cutler and the Bears won a duel against the Chargers on Sunday.

But the day looks like it will be very costly for Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune reported Sunday that Cutler broke the thumb on his right (throwing) hand late in the game against San Diego and will miss 6-8 weeks. That would mean it's possible for him to return for the playoffs if the Bears get there.

According to the Tribune, Cutler broke his thumb in the fourth quarter when he fell after being blocked after an interception.

The paper also said the sixth-year pro out of Vanderbilt will need surgery.

Caleb Hanie, who came in when Cutler left last season's NFC Championship Game with an injury, is expected to take over as the starter.

Cutler threw for 286 yards and two scores Sunday to help the Bears win their fifth straight, 31-20 over Philip Rivers and the Chargers. San Diego lost its fifth straight, its longest slide since an 0-5 start in 2003.

Rivers threw for 280 yards. For most of the game, he looked more like a Pro Bowl quarterback than the guy who had been turning it over at an alarming rate. But two late interceptions helped preserve Chicago's win.

The Bears led 31-20 when San Diego's Antoine Cason returned an interception 64 yards to the Chicago 16 before being pushed out of bounds. But Rivers then sealed the loss when, trying to squeeze a pass to Vincent Jackson in the end zone, he got picked off by Major Wright.

Rivers also was intercepted by Chicago's Corey Graham in the closing minutes, giving the quarterback a league-leading 17 INTs.

Rivers said in hindsight he never should have thrown the ball that Wright intercepted, "but once it leaves your hand you can't bring it back."

Can the Chargers bounce back? They've been known to make late surges under Norv Turner, and they need another.

"Absolutely," Jackson said. "We only play 16 regular-season games. We're not like the NBA; we're not like hockey, so each and every one is precious."

Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

LSU-Alabama Round 2 is just a few victories away.

A weekend filled with upsets left the SEC rivals in the top two spots in the BCS standings released Sunday.

And Arkansas is third, increasing the possibility of an all-SEC BCS title game Jan. 9 in New Orleans that would be a rematch of a regular-season game.

It's the first time in the 14-year history of the BCS that the same conference had the top three teams in the standings.

If the Tigers beat Arkansas on Saturday, then Georgia in the SEC title game Dec. 3, and the Crimson Tide beats Auburn on Saturday, it's almost a lock that LSU-Alabama will play again, this time at the Superdome.

"At Alabama we play for champion­ships, that's what we do," Tide defensive end Damion Square said.

LSU beat Alabama 9-6 in overtime Nov. 6 in Tuscaloosa.

Oklahoma State, which suffered the most surprising loss of the weekend, fell to fourth place. The Cowboys were unbeaten and second in the BCS standings, but fell 37-31 in double overtime at Iowa State on Friday night.

"You just never know what to expect any more with what happens every Saturday," Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said.

Still, OSU is not out of it. The Cowboys just need some help from Auburn and LSU or from voters in the Harris and coaches polls who don't want a rematch in the BCS title game.

"Oklahoma State is still the most viable team if we get to two weeks from now and there is still a pull to not have a rematch of some sort," said Jerry Palm, who analyzes the BCS standings for CBSSports.com.

BCS pairings are announced Dec. 4.

Also undercutting the Cowboys chances is the loss by Oklahoma to Baylor on Saturday. Oklahoma State plays Oklahoma on Dec. 3.

Oklahoma slipped from fifth to ninth. Oregon, which lost to Southern California, fell from fourth to 10th.

That left the SEC in control.

If LSU beats Arkansas, it would seem that the Tigers could lose to Georgia in the SEC title game and still play for the championship. LSU would be a one-loss team like all the rest and have maybe the best resume with victories against Oregon and West Virginia out of conference.

But, Palm said, "That could be the scenario that gets Oklahoma State in. Hard to imagine (voters would) put two teams that didn't win their league in the top two."

Virginia Tech is fifth with a game against Virginia on Saturday that will determine Clemson's opponent for the ACC title.

Stanford is sixth with a game against Notre Dame left. The Cardinal could reach the Pac-12 title game if Oregon loses to Oregon State on Saturday.

AP poll: After a victory at FSU, No. 24 Virginia moved in for the first time since Dec. 2, 2007. FSU and Southern Miss dropped out.

Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

Around the league

VIKINGS STAR RB PETERSON LEAVES WITH HURT ANKLE

MINNEAPOLIS — Vikings star RB Adrian Peterson sprained his left ankle at the end of the first quarter of Sunday's 27-21 loss to Oakland, and he didn't return.

X-rays showed no breaks, coach Leslie Frazier said, and Peterson was still in his shoulder pads on the sideline during the second half. He is scheduled to have an MRI exam to make sure there's no more damage. Peterson said he hoped to play next Sunday at Atlanta.

Peterson hobbled off the field after a 12-yard run through heavy traffic. He entered the week fifth in the NFL in rushing with 846 yards and scored his 11th rushing TD this season before he got hurt.

Ryan fine could be up to $100,000

ESPN.com reported that the league will fine Jets coach Rex Ryan — possibly as much as $100,000 — for his obscenity-laced confrontation with a fan at the end of the first half of last week's game against the Patriots. Ryan's exchange with a fan was caught on tape and posted to the internet.

BILLS: CB Terrence McGee is probably out for the season with a left knee injury suffered in the second quarter and WR Donald Jones (left ankle) might miss 3-6 weeks, coach Chan Gailey said. League rushing leader Fred Jackson bruised his right calf and sat out much of the second half, but X-rays showed no damage and he said he'll be fine.

CARDINALS: DT Dan Williams was carted off the field with a broken left arm in the fourth quarter.

CHARGERS: The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that LT Marcus McNeil could be out for the season with a neck injury suffered Nov. 10 against the Raiders.

DOLPHINS: They are the third team ever to win three consecutive games at any point in a season after starting 0-7.

JAGUARS: After scoring a touchdown, RB Maurice Jones-Drew followed with a celebration designed to irk Cleveland fans by imitating the powder toss NBA superstar LeBron James started while he played for the Cavaliers.

LIONS: RB Kevin Smith, a former UCF star who was out of the league two weeks earlier, rushed for a career-high 140 yards and scored a career-best three touchdowns.

RAVENS: LB Jarret Johnson made his 74th consecutive start, breaking the franchise record previously held by Michael McCrary and Jamie Sharper. … Former K Matt Stover was inducted into the team's Ring of Honor during halftime.

REDSKINS: LT Trent Williams hurt the MCL in his left knee in overtime and coach Mike Shanahan said the injury "didn't look very good."

Times wires

Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

ATLANTA — The Falcons held on for the win, which was the most important thing.

They still don't look like the same team as a year ago.

Roddy White had seven receptions for a season-high 147 yards and Atlanta fended off a comeback led by rookie quarterback Jake Locker, beating the Titans 23-17 Sunday.

The defending NFC South champion Falcons were solid but hardly spectacular, struggling to finish drives and settling for three short field goals by former Buc Matt Bryant. They had to sweat it out at the end after Locker, taking over for the injured Matt Hasselbeck, nearly led an improbable comeback.

"We made it a little harder than it needed to be," Falcons coach Mike Smith said. "There's a number of things we need to address, that we need to get fixed."

Locker took over late in the third quarter after Hasselbeck sprained his right elbow, having endured an ineffective day even before he was hurt.

The youngster hooked up with Nate Washington on two touchdown passes that made a game of it, but the Falcons managed to run out the clock after Matt Ryan completed a third-down pass to Harry Douglas that was barely enough for the first down.

At least the Falcons shook the hangover from their stunning overtime loss to New Orleans the week before. The Saints prevailed 26-23 in the crucial division game after Smith made a much-debated decision to go for it on fourth down deep in his own territory. Michael Turner was stuffed, and the Saints kicked the winning field goal.

The Falcons improved to 16-3 after losses since Smith took over as coach in 2008.

"It starts at the top," said Ryan, who was 22-of-32 for 316 yards. "In this league, you're going to have some tough losses. You need to move on from that."

Atlanta took a 13-0 lead on Ryan's 17-yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez and Bryant's first two field goals. Turner, who rushed for 100 yards, stretched the lead to 20-3 with a 4-yard run on the opening possession of the second half. But Turner's fourth-quarter fumble deep in Tennessee territory allowed the Titans to get back in it.

But Tennessee simply made too many mistakes to win on the road for the second week in a row. The Titans were penalized 10 times — two of which came on third down to extend Atlanta scoring drives — and Hasselbeck threw an interception that led to the first Atlanta field goal.

Plus, Chris Johnson had one of the worst games of his career in what has already been a hugely disappointing season. He followed a 130-yard effort against Carolina with a season-low 13 yards on 12 carries, his longest gain going for only 6 yards.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

HOMESTEAD — Tony Stewart's third NASCAR championship was much different from his first two. It was historic.

Stewart became the first driver/owner to win a championship since Alan Kulwicki accomplished the feat in 1992. Kulwicki overcame a huge deficit over the final six races. Stewart claimed his third title by becoming the first driver to clinch the championship by winning the season finale.

"It's an honor to be in the same category with Alan Kulwicki," Stewart said. "But Alan did it all on his own. I've got a great co-owner with Gene Haas, and (general manager) Joe Custer helped put all this together with (Hendrick Motorsports owner) Rick Hendrick."

However, Stewart's crew chief, Darian Grubb, said he was told he wouldn't return to Stewart-Haas Racing in 2012, a strange split for a team that won five of the 10 races in the Chase. Grubb was informed of the decision after last month's race at Charlotte. There had been speculation about a breakup for months after Stewart fired his competition director midway through the season.

Stewart won Cup championships in 2002 and 2005 while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He stepped out on his own in 2009, teaming with Haas for financial support and getting engines from Hendrick, and delivered the ultimate prize in just his third season.

Stewart became the ninth driver in NASCAR history to win three or more championships, a list that includes Lee Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Cale Yarborough.

A low for J.J.: Jimmie Johnson's problems in the finale left him with his worst career finish in the Cup standings. Johnson, who won the previous five titles, had engine problems early in Sunday's race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and later got spun by David Gilliland.

He ended the race six laps down, finished 32nd and dropped to sixth in the points. He had never finished lower than fifth since his rookie season in 2002. He also ended the year without a pole for the first time in his 10 full seasons.

He was eliminated from title contention at Phoenix last week and endured all sorts of internal engine parts problems.

"Sad way to end the season, but it is racing," he said.

PRESIDENTIAL GUESTS: Michelle Obama and Jill Biden visited NASCAR's season finale. The first lady and the vice president's wife were on hand to honor military troops and families, and recognize new commitments by companies planning to hire and train veterans and military spouses. It was part of their Joining Forces program. Obama said NASCAR has been "amazing in terms of its support, not just today but every day for military families."

Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

Gearhead stats

Winner's average speed: 114.976 mph

Time of race: 3 hours, 29 minutes, 0 seconds

Margin of victory: 1.306 seconds

Caution flags: 8 for 54 laps

Lead changes: 26 among 15 drivers

Lap leaders: Edwards 1-14; Kvapil 15-17; Nemechek 18-20; Edwards 21-35; Montoya 36-37; Keselowski 38-47; Edwards 48-78; J.Gordon 79; Kenseth 80; Johnson 81-82; Edwards 83-112; Biffle 113-114; Harvick 115-116; J.Gordon 117-122; Stewart 123-135; Gilliland 136; Harvick 137-146; Truex 147-151; Stewart 152-156; Burton 157-160; Kenseth 161-174; Edwards 175-200; Stewart 201-211; Edwards 212-214; Ky.Busch 215-230; Keselowski 231; Stewart 232-267.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

HOMESTEAD — Tony Stewart won the biggest game of winner-take-all in NASCAR history.

Rebounding from some setbacks, Stewart took the checkered flag in Sunday's rain-interrupted Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to win the Sprint Cup championship in a tiebreaker over race runnerup Carl Edwards.

With four new tires to Edwards' two — thanks to a gamble that paid off when rain hit the 1½-mile speedway for the second time on Lap 213 of 267 — Stewart gradually pulled away after a restart on Lap 231 and claimed his third Cup title, with this and his 2005 crown bookending the five straight championships Jimmie Johnson won from 2006-10. Stewart also won in '02.

The victory was Stewart's fifth of the season, all coming in the 10-race Chase for the Championship. The bonus points for winning allowed Stewart to make up the three-point lead Edwards held with one event left. Stewart and Edwards ended the Chase tied with 2,403 points, but the driver nicknamed "Smoke" claimed the title with five victories this season to Edwards' one.

Martin Truex ran third Sunday, followed by Matt Kenseth and Jeff Gordon.

Stewart, who left Joe Gibbs Racing to become co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009, became the first owner-driver to win the title since Alan Kulwicki accomplished the feat in 1992.

"We said all week, (if) we just go out and win the race, we didn't have to worry about what he did — and that's what we did," Stewart said in Victory Lane, as rain pelted the winning team. "If this doesn't go down as one of the greatest championship battles in history, I don't know what will."

Magnanimous in victory, Stewart turned the page from the relentless ribbing he had given Edwards during the weeks leading up to the finale.

"Great guy, and we've been giving him a rough time this week, but it was all in an effort to do what we did and that's to win this championship," Stewart, 40, said. "But it shows how classy a guy he is. He was the first one to me over there (to offer congratulations), and he just said, 'Promise me one thing: You'll enjoy this, and I hope you and I are in this position again next year.'

"So much class. A great guy."

Edwards' average finish in the Chase was 4.9, bettering the record 5.0 Johnson fashioned in winning the 2007 championship, but it wasn't good enough to win the closest title race in NASCAR history.

Stewart's crew chief, Darian Grubb, forced Edwards' hand late in the race by getting 56 laps out of a tank of fuel. Stewart came to pit road for the last time on Lap 211, 10 laps later than Edwards, with the option to go the rest of the way without pitting.

When rain hit on Lap 213 (the race had been halted for about an hour earlier), Edwards pitted under caution but faced the choice of taking four tires and losing track position if rain washed out the race. The race went green for the final 37 laps, and Edwards did everything in his power to overtake his rival.

"We led the most laps (119), and Tony still managed, you know, him and Darian to do a good job with their strategy," Edwards said. "That's all I had at the end. That's as hard as I can drive. I told my wife, if I can't win this thing, I'll be the best loser NASCAR has ever had, so I'm going to try very hard to keep my head up and know that we'll go next year and be just as hard to beat next year and just as hard the year after that."

Stewart's quest for a third title was derailed early when contact with debris punched a hole in the grille of his No. 14 Chevrolet the size of a small saucer. Stewart, who said he didn't know what he hit or when, fell to 40th place as his crew made repairs under caution on Lap 17.

Later Stewart dropped to 38th but during a long green-flag run that included a cycle of pits stops, Stewart passed car after car, typically powering harder and farther into Turn 3 than any other driver on the track.

By the time rain forced a long delay 109 laps into the race, Stewart had climbed to fifth. He made 118 passes total on the day.

"I feel like I passed half the state of Florida; 118 cars is a lot of cars to pass in one race," he said. "To do it under the circumstances and pressure we had, I'm very, very proud of that. I can't even remember how many races I've won, but I would have to say under this set of circumstances I've got to believe one of the greatest races of my career."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Times wires
Sunday, November 20, 2011

Eagles stay within shouting distance

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Vince Young threw a go-ahead 8-yard touchdown pass to Riley Cooper with 2:45 to play and the undermanned Eagles finally got things right in the fourth quarter, posting a victory over the Giants.

In a must-win game for coach Andy Reid's struggling team, the Eagles, who had lost five games in the fourth quarter earlier this season, marched 80 yards in 18 plays over 8:51. They converted six third-down plays with DeSean Jackson setting up the first-and-goal with a 10-yard catch to the 10.

On third and goal, Young found Cooper, a former standout at Clearwater Central Catholic and Florida who hadn't caught a pass all season, alone in the end zone for the lead that gave the Eagles hope in what has been a dismal season.

The winning touchdown immediately answered New York's touchdown. Victor Cruz's 24-yard touchdown catch from Eli Manning tied it at 10 early in the fourth quarter.

Jackson, back from a one-game benching for missing a team meeting, was a spark plug for the Eagles.

Jackson's near replay of his winning punt return of last season helped the undermanned Eagles take a halftime lead.

Jackson went 65 yards with a punt runback in December on the final play of the game, lifting the Eagles to a victory and, eventually, the NFC East title. This time, he caught Steve Weatherford's kick at almost the exact same spot, cut right and sped down the sideline for 51 yards before stepping out of bounds. It was, by far, his longest punt return this season.

One play later, Young hit former Giants receiver Steve Smith in the left flat and he sped into the end zone.

Rookie Alex Henery's 33-yard field goal accounted for the only other Eagles score in a first half marked by errors by both offenses and some solid defensive pressure from Philadelphia's front four.

New York got its points as the half ended on Lawrence Tynes' 48-yard field goal, set up by five pass completions by Manning.

Times wires
Monday, November 21, 2011

CARSON, Calif. — Landon Donovan scored in the 72nd minute on passes from Robbie Keane and David Beckham, and the Los Angeles Galaxy's three superstars won their first MLS Cup together with a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday night.

Beckham won his first MLS championship in the final game of his groundbreaking five-year contract with the Galaxy, which rolled through the postseason to the franchise's third league title after finishing with MLS' best regular-season record.

Beckham punctuated a solid performance in the MLS Cup with an alert header to Keane, the Irish striker who joined Los Angeles in midseason. Keane made a run and eventually fed Donovan, who struck home his record 20th MLS playoff goal.

Beckham lifted Donovan, the MLS Cup MVP, off his feet with a hug after the final whistle in the Galaxy's record seventh appearance in the league title game.

Los Angeles had the most expensive and highest-profile roster in MLS history but got full value from its three highest-priced players, particularly in the playoffs. Beckham's assist was his fourth of a stellar postseason, and Donovan scored in each of the Galaxy's final three playoff games. Keane was a serious offensive force despite flying across the world in his spare time on Irish national team duty.

A sellout crowd of 30,281 at Home Depot Center — where the Galaxy didn't lose a game all season long — cheered Los Angeles past the Dynamo, which hadn't lost in nine games since Sept. 10. Houston struggled for offense in the MLS Cup after losing leading scorer and league MVP runner-up Brad Davis to a torn quadriceps in the Eastern Conference championship.

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Tampa Bay Rays released their 2012 spring training schedule today, which includes a team-record 16 home games against major league opponents at Charlotte Sports Park.

The Rays open their spring schedule on Saturday, March 3 against the Minnesota Twins in Fort Myers. They open their home schedule in Port Charlotte on Sunday, March 4, also against the Twins.

The 2012 spring schedule includes several "road" games in the Tampa Bay area: March 7 vs. the Yankees in Tampa, March 16 vs. the Blue Jays in Dunedin, March 29 vs. the Phillies in Clearwater, and March 17, 22 and 30 vs. the Pirates in Bradenton.

The Rays will open the regular season at Tropicana Field on Friday, April 6 against the New York Yankees.

Single-game ticket prices for games at Charlotte Sports Park range from $9 to $27, and will go on sale in January (date to be announced). Season and individual ticket prices remain the same as last year. Two games — March 5 vs. Baltimore and April 2 vs. Minnesota — offer $2 discounts for all seating categories.

Fans interested in placing a $50 deposit for spring training season tickets can do so by visiting raysbaseball.com/springtraining or by calling 888-FAN-RAYS. All individuals who have placed a deposit will be contacted in January to select their seats.

By Robert McCue, Times Correspondent
Monday, November 21, 2011

What's hot: The Thanksgiving holiday should mean many youngsters and otherwise landlubbers will be introduced to saltwater fishing with a perfect weather forecast. It is important that the newcomer gets action and catches fish, any fish. Too often anglers are caught with high expectations, not realizing that bending the rod is often more important than catching Moby Dick.

Pro logic: The grass flats from 3 to 8 feet deep are abundant with spotted seatrout, Spanish mackerel, bluefish and ladyfish. Move to oyster bars and rocky outcrops as the tide rises during midday for redfish and prized flounder. Sight fishing opportunities exist for redfish for anglers working the holes and swash channels adjacent to plush grass flats that are dotted with sandy white depressions. All that is needed is a simple jig rigged with a small grub tail heavy enough to reach the bottom.

Big game abound: In between the cold fronts and when the water temperatures hover near 70 degrees, I am jumping tarpon between 50-100 pounds on most attempts. Fish deep, they are there.

Robert McCue can be reached toll-free at 1-800-833-0489 or via GiantTarpon.com.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 21, 2011

BRANDON — How much nicer it is for the Lightning when everyone shows up for work.

A few players took the day off Monday for either body maintenance or because of injuries, but those who practiced at the Ice Sports Forum toiled to coach Guy Boucher's satisfaction.

"Well," Boucher said, "I didn't have to lose it."

Boucher was close after Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Devils in which he said only four players — Marty St. Louis, Steve Downie, Ryan Shannon and Brett Connolly — showed up.

Monday, though, Boucher was full of positive energy, and during practice praised the players for meeting "our standard."

Even so, Boucher's postgame shot at his players still resonated.

"Anytime anybody questions your work ethic you have to make sure it doesn't happen again," left wing Ryan Malone said. "It's obviously something that needs to be addressed and taken care of."

"He had every right to say it," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "We have to be more consistent in everything. It's something we definitely have to work on."

Perhaps most troubling was that the slow starts plaguing the team on the road crept into a home game as the Lightning fell behind 3-0 after two periods.

Then there was the 0-for-6 power play that squandered a 1:21 five-on-three. And Lecavalier said the team did not do enough to challenge New Jersey's defense and wear it down.

At least Boucher's review of game video showed Tampa Bay played well defensively five-on-five. But that does not answer the question of whether the Lightning, when it plays as it did, lacks effort or just doesn't execute.

Perhaps it is a bit of both. Consider this from St. Louis: "We're aware we didn't play hard enough long enough (against the Devils). The bottom line is the power play has to get us a goal and it didn't. I'm not going to say we didn't work hard. We didn't execute at key times."

Funny, Boucher said, how these problems don't exist as much against teams like the Blackhawks, Flyers and Penguins, each of whom the Lightning beat.

"Let's not kid ourselves," he said, "when our guys play these high-end teams we seem to be all jacked up for these games. When we play normal teams we don't have the same urgency at all. That's our big problem this year.

"Jersey is a good team, but right now it doesn't have the same impact that the other teams have, and we don't have the same urgency."

There should be plenty of urgency tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum against the Maple Leafs, who entered Monday tied for first in the Northeast — though given what happened Saturday and that the Lightning (9-8-2) has lost three of four, the opponent really shouldn't matter.

"We want to raise the bar and be better," right wing Teddy Purcell said. "We expect better of ourselves."

"It shouldn't have to be brought up every couple of weeks," Malone said. "Guys have to take it as their own responsibility that they're ready to battle and compete every night."

In other words, show up for work.

NOTES: Left wing Tom Pyatt (upper body) is expected to play. … Defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron left practice and is questionable because of a lower-body injury sustained against the Devils, Boucher said.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, November 21, 2011

TAMPA — Bless his heart, the head coach is still aiming high.

He is not yet discouraged by all the losses, yellow flags and missed opportunities of the past month, and Raheem Morris still believes a 10-win season is possible.

I, on the other hand, am looking for something far less ambitious, although you may still consider it fantasy. What I want to see in the season's final six weeks is proof.

Proof that the purge of 2009 was not made in vain.

Proof that recent drafts have not been overestimated.

Proof that the Bucs are traveling in a direction and not in circles.

Because we are just weeks away from the three-year anniversary of a regime change at One Buc Place, and by now you would expect to see the early stages of a new identity.

And while it's true the Bucs have grown younger and less expensive, you could debate how talented and cohesive the roster has become.

In Jon Gruden's final season, the offense was mediocre and the defense was among the NFL's top 10. Three years later, the offense dreams of mediocre and the defense is awful.

So was the dismissal of Gruden a mistake?

No, a roster overhaul was necessary. The team was like a patchwork quilt every season, and there was no sign Gruden was willing to suffer through a rebuilding effort.

So does that mean the promotions of Morris and general manager Mark Dominik were mistakes?

That is tougher to answer. A year ago, Morris and Dominik looked like geniuses. But we now know 2010 was even more of a mirage of fortuitous scheduling and close victories than a lot of us suspected. The roster was not nearly as far along as it seemed.

All of which makes these next six weeks somewhat intriguing, even if the standings are no longer worth studying.

Almost three years later, just how good is this team?

"I've been saying the whole time that we are not a finished product by any means. We all know that," Morris said Monday. "We're young. We play fast, we play hard, we play smart, we play consistent. We certainly could go out there and win a championship. We certainly feel that way. But this is a very talented football league. Very talented teams.

"We can compete with anybody. We've shown that numerous times, playing against the Saints, against Atlanta, against Green Bay. We can compete with anybody. And that's all that matters in this league because the pool of talent is really so tight."

In this case, the coach is seeing what he wants to see. Or maybe he just doesn't want to say out loud what he really sees because it will do his players no good.

Either way, the Bucs are not really a team that can compete with anybody. Sure, they have their good days. And they've had a small handful of impressive victories.

But their record against the NFL's upper echelon is actually woeful. Over the past two seasons, they are 3-11 against winning teams and 11-1 against losing teams. That is not a small sample size, and the numbers are not so close that they are negligible.

What that basically says is the Bucs have been the ultimate dividing line between good and bad in the NFL since 2010.

Now that doesn't mean heads should be rolling. Three years is a long time, but it's hard to build a Super Bowl contender from scratch, and that's basically where the Bucs were starting from in 2009.

On the other hand, a direction should be clearly established by the end of three years and I'm not sure the Bucs are there yet.

They've put a heavy investment in the defensive line, and it does have promise. But they've missed wildly on linebackers, and their secondary is nothing to brag about.

Josh Freeman is a quarterback worth building around, but are you completely sold on the other skill players? Do you even know what Tampa Bay's identity is on offense?

I applaud the philosophy of building through the draft. And I understand the concept of giving younger players playing time instead of bringing in retreads.

But I think mistakes have been made. For instance, I think the Bucs have erred by not having a veteran to teach the young receivers how to practice and how to put in time in the video room. Ditto on the defensive line.

I think the Bucs have zero accountability because everyone in the organization — from the top on down — seems to act as if they're above criticism when, in reality, this franchise hasn't won a playoff game in a decade.

So for the next six weeks, I'm looking for proof.

Proof that the offense is better than 25th in the NFL in points scored. Proof that the defense is better than 29th in the league in points allowed.

Proof that the future is as bright as we once hoped.

John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 21, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs have gone 37 days without a victory, all the Halloween candy has been eaten, the turkey is thawing and they're about to deck the halls.

Though his team hasn't won since Oct. 16 — losing four straight to fall to 4-6 overall and three games behind the NFC South-leading Saints — Raheem Morris and his players believe they can beat every opponent between now and Jan. 1.

'Tis the season for believin'.

"We're 4-6 and I know we still have a chance," running back LeGarrette Blount said Monday. "We split with the Saints and we beat Atlanta. We have to win out the rest of the way and that's our plan. We still have a chance of going 10-6."

Talk about a race to 10.

Considering that the Bucs are also three games behind Chicago and Detroit in the wild-card race — and own no tiebreakers since they lost to both teams — Tampa Bay would have to win its remaining six games just to match last season's 10-6 record.

The Bucs showed signs of life Sunday in a 35-26 loss at the Packers.

Also, their schedule will get easier after a stretch of six games with teams that are a combined 47-13. The Bucs won't play a team with a winning record the next three weeks — at Tennessee (5-5), Carolina (2-8) and at Jacksonville (3-7).

"I told them we have six more and … we've got to knock off one at a time," Morris said. "You've got to play each game and there's still time to get hot. We can still finish with the same record we had last year if we got our minds right and we go out and play hard and fast, physical and smart. Those are things that can happen for us. We've got to go out there and think that way every time we approach the field and every time we go out there."

Morris has demonstrated he is willing to defy long odds.

Against the Packers, he tried two unsuccessful onside kicks, one with the Bucs trailing 28-26 with 4:25 remaining and two timeouts. The decision backfired after Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson on third down for a 40-yard touchdown pass.

The Bucs had nine penalties, including six on third down.

"Obviously not the outcome or the result that the team wanted," Morris said. "They played hard. They played fast. They played physical. We've still got to play smarter — still too many penalties."

While Morris knows winning the final six games won't be easy, he believes it's possible.

"There's no doubt in my mind," Morris said. "I said to you guys early on, our goal was to win the division. We came out hot, hit a little sinkhole right here and now it's time to come running out of that thing and get ready to go play. I've got a lot of confidence in those guys in that locker room that they will. They're upbeat, they want to win, they enjoy winning more than they're afraid to lose. They're taking on the personality of their quarterback that way and that's what we got to go out there and do."

By Stephen F. Holder and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers
Monday, November 21, 2011

TAMPA — Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount received his share of praise — and highlight time — from his 54-yard touchdown run Sunday against the Packers, in which he broke at least six tackles.

But Blount's biggest compliment might have come in a post-game embrace with Packers star QB Aaron Rodgers. Blount told Rodgers he should win the league MVP. Rodgers more than returned the favor.

"He told me he thinks I'm one of the best backs in the league," Blount said Monday. "He told me I have a chance to be one of the greatest backs in this league and he said he doesn't just say that to anybody. He feels like me and one other guy have the potential to stand out and be two of the best running backs to ever play the game.

"Coming from Aaron Rodgers, it makes me feel amazing."

Blount didn't watch a replay of his touchdown Sunday night, planning to see it for the first time in a Monday film session.

"All I heard was that like I broke 4-5 tackles," said Blount, who had his second 100-yard game this season. "I didn't feel a whole bunch of people on me, I just felt two people had a legit chance to tackle me."

After Blount got into the end zone, it appeared he was going to dare to make the legendary "Lambeau Leap" into the stands. But he faked it, and tossed the ball instead.

Blount said Monday he knew he wasn't going to try it, acknowledging what might have happened had he put himself on Packers' fans laps.

"I would have come back out, but probably wouldn't have come back out the way I did," Blount said. "I'd probably have all kind of beer and everything spilled on me."

STEPPING UP: Coach Raheem Morris was impressed with how LB Geno Hayes played, two weeks after his benching against New Orleans.

"He played fast, he hustled, he took the benching personal," Morris said. "It's something I was hoping to get out of him."

NO WORRIES: Morris still wouldn't second guess calling for a second onside kick late in the fourth quarter, saying the Bucs had to steal possessions from the Packers. And his players backed him up.

"So many people (are) second guessing it, but nobody in this locker room is second guessing it,' CB Aqib Talib said. "So that's all that matters."

JACKSON IFFY: FS Tanard Jackson (hamstring) missed Sunday's game, saying afterward that the decision wasn't a game-time call after all.

"I think I kind of knew coming in," he said.

Jackson said he wasn't sure if the rest will help him return for next Sunday's game at Tennessee, saying, "It's day to day."

LONG TIME COMING: CB Elbert Mack's interception of Rodgers was Mack's first pick since Dec. 20, 2009, when he had two against Seattle.

"I was just playing within the defense, and (Rodgers) threw me one and I made a play," Mack said. "It gave our offense another chance to put some points on the board and we did. That set us up with a chance to win the game."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 21, 2011

GAINESVILLE — When they walk out on Florida Field Saturday night, the Florida seniors won't be getting hailed as the winningest senior class in program history. They will not have played for an SEC title their final two seasons.

And they must beat FSU just to end the regular season above .500.

But don't tell this group it doesn't have value. They have made their mark, they say, regardless of wins and losses.

"I'll just remember what we did around here," senior RB Chris Rainey said. "We gave a lot to the program. It's a good group of seniors."

Rainey has had personal triumphs and mistakes. He missed five games last season after being suspended for sending threatening text messages to a former girlfriend. But he said that, along with the other experiences, helped make him who he is today. And he's better for it.

"All I had to do was keep my head up and stay focused and keep looking ahead," he said. "Everybody has their highs and lows, and all you've got to do is just keep positive."

Rainey will join nine scholarship players who will play their final games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, all of whom are on schedule to graduate. They anticipate an emotional farewell.

"It's definitely going to be an emotional week for us seniors," QB John Brantley said. "Like I've said, you wouldn't want it any other way because we're going to be as focused as we can be. We know how big this win is. It's not as big as an SEC championship or anything, but just to get a win over a good FSU team like this, it'll be huge for us."

FOR THE RECORD: Okay, let's get this straight once and for all. FSU coach Jimbo Fisher and Florida coach Will Muschamp did not used to vacation together. Yes, the former Auburn and LSU assistants are good friends. And yes, they do own a beach house together in Destin. But that's it, Fisher said Monday.

"We never vacationed together," Fisher said. "We were never there together. We both wanted a place at the beach. Both were coordinators, and we didn't want to spend all that money to get a place. You wanted to be down there, so you divided it and you split your time when you were there. So we were never, ever, ever there, ever. Now Candi (Fisher) and Carol (Muschamp) may have sometimes taken the kids somewhere or something like that.''

Muschamp said the families became close when he and Fisher worked together, but the two men don't talk much these days. But they still co-own the house. And if you want the house, give either of them a call.

"It's still there," Fisher said. "If you want to buy it, it's for sale."

Added Muschamp: "You seen the market up there? You want to buy it? Jimbo'll cut you a heck of a deal."

NATIONAL FINALIST: Junior Caleb Sturgis is one of three finalists for the Lou Groza Award, presented to the nation's top placekicker. Sturgis is the first Gator finalist for the award since Judd Davis in 1993. Davis is the only UF player to win the Groza. The other finalists are Randy Bullock of Texas A&M and Dustin Hopkins of FSU.

DID YOU KNOW: This is the first time since 1986 that Florida and FSU will meet when neither is ranked in the AP poll.

Antonya English can be reached at aenglish@tampabay.com.

Monday, November 21, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Amid growing criticism after a home loss, Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher is comfortable with how his team is progressing and believes the Seminoles are well on their way to success.

"I love the direction we're going," he said Monday.

The Seminoles dropped to 7-4 with a 14-13 loss to Virginia. "I don't like the fact that we lost," Fisher said. "I'm not happy with what happened. We had some (bad) things, but they're very fixable and you can flip it around in a heartbeat."

Answering fan complaints, Fisher defended the development of his program.

"We had a drastic number of injuries," the second-year coach said. "We've had a bunch of young guys having to play. That's not an excuse, that's a fact. … We're not that far away from winning."

UM: Shock subsides

CORAL GABLES — The morning after finding out they would not be playing in a bowl game because of a self-imposed ban by the university, Miami players showed "good focus" during practice, coach Al Golden said.

Some of the sting from the news, which athletic director Shawn Eichorst delivered in an emergency team meeting Sunday, subsided overnight. At the time UM players were told, though, they were overwhelmed by emotion.

"My heart just dropped," freshman CB Thomas Finnie said. "I saw all the seniors put their head down like they were about to cry. Everybody just had a sour feeling inside."

Senior QB Spencer Whipple admitted he shed some tears, as did some teammates.

"Just thinking you're going to go to a bowl and then all of a sudden you have four games left," Whipple said. "It's more the time cut down with your teammates and coaches than anything else (that hurts). Maybe we foresaw a little bit that it might happen, but when they actually said it, it kind of shocked us a little bit."

Steve Gorten, Sun Sentinel

UCF: Struggles puzzle

ORLANDO — UTEP coach Mike Price said he was startled by the tumble UCF has taken this season.

The Knights won the 2010 Conference USA title and Liberty Bowl, but the team's loss at East Carolina assured it of finishing 2011 with a losing record.

Price said it is unusual to see a George O'Leary team rack up penalties and turnovers.

"I'm sure he's as frustrated as anybody," Price said. "It's surprising that their record is what it is when their statistics show everything else."

Iliana Limón, Orlando Sentinel

Around the nation

COACH CONTRITE: Suspended Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said he "failed miserably" as a role model after his drunken-driving arrest and guilty plea.

"As you know, I've taken full responsibility for my lack of judgment and poor decision," Pinkel said on the fifth day of a weeklong unpaid suspension handed down hours after the Nov. 16 incident. "I've hurt and disappointed a lot of people … I've always tried to be a good and positive role model.

"Now it's up to me to begin earning everyone's trust and respect back. This will never, ever happen again."

MEYER DENIES OFFER: Former Florida coach Urban Meyer said he still has health-related concerns about returning to coaching, but "right now there are no decisions to be made." Meyer told The Sun in Gainesville that he hasn't been offered the Ohio State job.

PLAYER MOURNED: More than 500 people turned out to Little Rock's Catholic High School for Boys to pray for Arkansas TE Garrett Uekman, who died Sunday at 19. The school had planned a rosary service for no more than three dozen people.

UMASS: Coach Kevin Morris was fired after going 16-17 in three seasons.

TEXAS A&M: RB Cyrus Gray has a stress fracture in a shoulder and is day-to-day before Thursday's game against Texas.

WASHINGTON ST.: QB Connor Halliday will miss the Apple Cup against Washington this weekend because of a lacerated liver. Marshall Lobbestael will replace him.

Times wires

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 21, 2011

TAMPA — USF's uncertainty at quarterback will likely continue for a few days as coach Skip Holtz said Monday that starter B.J. Daniels has an "AC joint bruise" in his throwing shoulder. And though his staff will leave the door open for Daniels, it will prepare sophomore Bobby Eveld as if he is starting Friday morning against Louisville.

"How much (Daniels) will be able to play or practice at this point, I don't know. He is a question mark," Holtz said. "At this point, there is a possibility that he could handle treatment and play, but I would not expect him to practice (today). … We'll wait and see how he responds to treatments, and we're going to get ready to go with Bobby Eveld."

Eveld, a former walk-on from Jesuit, played the final 24 minutes of Saturday's 6-3 loss to Miami, going 5-of-9 for 36 yards and struggling to move the ball consistently in the five possessions he played. Holtz said even a short week of repetitions as the team's No. 1 quarterback would make him better prepared for Friday's game.

"He should be ready to go, and I would think this team would rally around that," said Holtz, whose team needs one victory in its final two games to become bowl eligible for the seventh year in a row.

Eveld said Daniels was "making a lot of progress and … feeling pretty good" Monday compared with how he was two days earlier.

HAPPY HERE: Holtz, whose name has been mentioned as a target for the opening at North Carolina, addressed that speculation Monday, saying he hasn't talked to anyone from UNC and is focused on getting his team to wins in its next two games.

"It's this time of year when speculation goes on everywhere, who's going to take what job," Holtz said.

"I have not talked to anybody about the North Carolina job. I've got my head in my dungeon here, trying to do what we have to do to find a way to win. I think we have that obligation to the senior class and to the underclassmen as we're trying to build a program. I'm excited about what we're building here, excited about the progress we're making, excited about the team I'm coaching here."

Asked if he would always listen to offers from other schools — new UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham has been a good friend of Holtz's since the two were classmates at Notre Dame 25 years ago — Holtz didn't specifically deny anything but made his current focus clear.

"I'm not looking to go interview all over the country. I was offered a couple of jobs last year," Holtz said. "It's not a fanfare thing. It's not an advertising thing. It's flattering your name is mentioned. I have a great job. I have one that I chose to be here two years ago. This was a choice I made. It's where I want to be, it's what we're trying to build here, what we're trying to develop here.

"Right now, I'm going to do everything I can to find a way to get these last two wins. That's where my focus is, that's where my concentration is, that's where my efforts are going right now."

NOT PLAYING: Holtz said that backup RB Marcus Shaw and DB Spencer Boyd were suspended from Saturday's Miami game and will be suspended from Friday's Louisville game because of "in-house things … things within the team."

Times wires
Monday, November 21, 2011

NASHVILLE — Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has no structural damage to his right forearm and elbow. Whether he plays against Tampa Bay will be determined by how comfortable the veteran is throwing the ball.

Coach Mike Munchak says Monday's tests were negative and Hasselbeck's injury is more of a muscle strain. Hasselbeck was hurt during Sunday's 23-17 loss in Atlanta when he hit his arm on a defender's helmet.

"He'll be smart about it to tell us where he's at," Munchak said of Hasselbeck.

Munchak says he isn't expecting Hasselbeck to practice Wednesday. If Hasselbeck cannot make all the throws, rookie Jake Locker would make his first career start Sunday.

Cassel out for season

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Chiefs ended quarterback Matt Cassel's season before Monday night's game against the Patriots when they placed him on injured reserve. Cassel injured his passing hand late in last week's loss to Denver. He had surgery, and Chiefs players were told last week that Cassel would not return this season.

CUTLER SURGERY: Jay Cutler needs surgery for a broken thumb on his right (throwing) hand and the quarterback will miss "an extended time," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. Smith would not say when the operation would be, and provided few details. Smith said it was not a season-ending injury. Also, Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly (torn ACL) is out for the season.

JETS: The league fined coach Rex Ryan $75,000 for using profanity while angrily responding to a fan during his team's loss to New England on Nov. 13. Ryan said he wouldn't appeal.

PACKERS: Running back James Starks has a sprained knee and a sore ankle after Sunday's game against the Bucs, and his availability is in doubt for Thursday's game at Detroit.

STEELERS: Ben Roethlisberger (fractured right thumb) practiced with a splint and admitted there's a twinge when he takes a snap, but he said he expects to play Sunday at Kansas City.

VIKINGS: Running back Adrian Peterson (high left ankle sprain) will wear a walking boot and his availability is in question for Sunday's game at Atlanta. Coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson has a Grade 1 sprain, the least severe of the three categories, with "a little bit of" ligament damage.

FLEX SCHEDULING: For games of Dec. 4, Lions-Saints will be in primetime on NBC, replacing the Colts-Patriots matchup, which moves to 1 p.m. Also, Ravens-Browns moves to 4 p.m. and Broncos-Vikings shifts to 1.