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For Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray, inspiration comes from an odd place

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By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

TAMPA — Aside from an eight-week stretch in 2008, an ocean of disparity has separated Aaron Murray and Terrell Owens.

One's a Dawg, the other a diva. One has movie-star looks, the other reality-star eccentricity. One is a Deep South matinee idol, a hero to dads and heartthrob to daughters, both a playmaker and honor roll maker. The other is T.O.

Put them on opposite ends of an elastic spectrum, and you couldn't stretch it far enough to illustrate their contrasts in character. Yet the story of Murray, Georgia quarterback who once hobbled his way to a state title and South Tampa lore, is incomplete without Owens.

For a two-month spell three seasons ago, T.O. was Murray's inspiration.

"Yes, he was," Murray said Thursday.

"Absolutely," Murray's high school coach, Robert Weiner, reiterated.

Does Murray make it back for this surreal homecoming, at the Outback Bowl alongside his Georgia teammates, without T.O.? Probably. Georgia coach Mark Richt said he was sold on Murray's overall makeup long before the waning stretches of his senior year at Plant High.

"When you go into a home and you meet the family," Richt said, "you just knew he was raised right, that he came from a home of a lot of love. Those guys tend to have a better start and have a chance to navigate all the things that happen throughout their careers."

Yet, who can say for sure? Had Owens not returned from a season-jeopardizing injury in less than two months to play in a Super Bowl, Murray would've had no odds-defying template off which to work in the fall of 2008.

And really, that's where the legend of Aaron Murray commences.

•••

Oct. 16, 2008. Plant High is leading Hillsborough by 17 points in the final moments of the first half. Murray, who had amassed 267 total yards in the first quarter alone, is engineering a one-minute drill when he rolls right and is pulled down from behind.

His left leg contorts one way, his left ankle another.

"The break in his leg was very clear, it was very gnarly," said Weiner, who began jogging toward Murray before the whistle stopped the play.

"His first words to me were, 'It's broken, Coach. I heard it snap.' … His next statement to me though was, 'You think they can get me back ready for the second half?' "

The diagnosis: a fractured left fibula, dislocated ankle and "a bunch of ligament damage." Murray said he initially thought his senior season was toast. He still showed up for the Panthers' film session the next morning.

"All reports were, 'You're out five, six months before you'll be able to really compete in a football game,' " Murray recalled.

Nonetheless, he set about researching his injury, attempting to unearth any pain modifier or precedent that would give him hope of returning during the playoffs.

That, Weiner says, is the Murray M.O.

He found it from the unlikeliest of sources. That was T.O.

While playing for the Eagles, Owens also had fractured his fibula (and severely sprained an ankle) when Dallas safety Roy Williams horse-collared him in a game on Dec. 19, 2004. Dismissed for the season by some, Owens returned in time to catch nine passes in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Granted, Owens had turned to some unconventional treatments during his rehab, but Murray shrugged at that detail. In lieu of a hyperbaric chamber, he had hope.

"His (injury) wasn't as severe as mine; he didn't have the dislocated ankle and ligament damage that I had, but it was very similar," Murray said.

"He was able to come back in six weeks and play in the Super Bowl, and I was like, 'Man, he's a receiver and he has to run and he's able to compete. I just have to sit back there and throw the ball.' "

Immersing himself in rehab and research on Owens, Murray privately plotted his return as sophomore backup Phillip Ely kept the Panthers winning. Before a Nov. 28 second-round playoff game at Bradenton Southeast, Murray threw with Weiner on the sideline while still wearing a protective boot.

For a comeback attempt steeped in subterfuge, this was the first hint of his intentions.

"He came up to me afterwards," Weiner said, "and he was like, 'Coach, I'm going to be ready in two weeks. … We've just got to get through this week and somehow we've got to get through Armwood next week.' "

Plant eked out a 13-7 win that night, then, behind a gritty defensive effort, stifled Armwood's daunting run game the next Friday for a 17-14 triumph. Around that time, during an in-home visit from some Georgia coaches including Richt, Murray revealed over a dinner of prime rib, roasted potatoes and broccoli that he would play in the upcoming state semifinals against Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer.

"They were like, 'It's up to you,' but you could tell they were a little hesitant when we were talking about it," Murray said. "But they were fully supportive of it."

On the first play of his comeback, 57 days after being injured, Murray connected with DeAndre Queen on a seam route for a 33-yard touchdown. Plant defeated Dwyer, 33-21.

Eight days later, in the Class 4A state final at the Citrus Bowl, he completed 18 of 30 passes for 344 yards in a 34-14 romp over Tallahassee Lincoln. Weiner estimates his quarterback was about 70 percent physically.

"We already wanted him, we already were in love with him," Richt said. "But to see him do that, it was just more confirmation that we had the right guy."

•••

Murray, whose 33 touchdown passes this season is a Georgia record, has spent the ensuing autumns reinforcing the sentiment that he's every bit as durable as he is dashing.

The vertical scar above his left ankle now is complemented by a thin one beneath his chin, the result of a blow from Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley two Novembers ago that required eight stitches. Murray also bruised his sternum that day.

"I think it happened in the first quarter, he ended up playing the whole game," said Murray's center, Ben Jones. "I remember coming into the huddle, I was like, 'Man, you all right?' He was like, 'Man, I'm fine, let's go. Next play, next play.' "

Two months ago in Jacksonville, Murray was sandwiched by two Gators defenders while running for 9 yards on third and 13 in the third quarter. He rose from the turf with a deep thigh bruise, prompting backup Hutson Mason to start warming up on the sideline — for naught.

Murray finished the 24-20 win.

"The cool thing about Aaron Murray that I really think has manifested itself in college … is that Aaron Murray loves every single part of football," Weiner said.

"He's completely driven to win and be a team leader, but Aaron Murray loves winning, he loves losing, he loves scoring touchdowns, he loves getting tackled, he loves the good parts, the bad parts. To him, it's all football and he loves it."

Somewhere, a diva beams.

Joey Knight can be reached at jknight@tampabay.com.


Ex-Armwood High star Matt Patchan will miss Gator Bowl

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

JACKSONVILLE — Florida OT Matt Patchan, an Armwood alumnus, will not play in Monday's Gator Bowl due to an injury he sustained in practice Thursday afternoon.

"He had a lat injury" Florida coach Will Muschamp said Saturday. "It's on his back, a re-aggravation of something during the season. We had a physical bowl practice and preparation for what we're trying to do to improve our football team and get ready for the game. It's an unfortunate injury."

With Patchan out, Chaz Green, Xavier Nixon, Nick Alajajian and Kyle Koehne will rotate at tackle, Muschamp said. Patchan has played in all 12 games, starting the final seven.

MEYER WHO?: It's clear Ohio State has no intention of talking about new coach Urban Meyer until it absolutely has to. Interim coach Luke Fickell, who has been hired as Meyer's defensive coordinator, declined to answer questions about Meyer or allow his players to do so during Saturday's news conference. Fickell said he and the team are solely focused on Florida and Monday's game.

When Muschamp was asked his first question about Meyer, he leaned forward and jokingly said "Who?" Muschamp went on to say he doesn't wish the Gators were facing another opponent because of Meyer and he's looking forward to playing Ohio State.

"I think absolutely none," he said when asked Meyer's effect on the game. "None. Zero. I really don't think it has any effect. He's going to be the head coach at Ohio State next year, not right now. It's about the players playing the game on Jan. 2 in the Gator Bowl."

Florida Gators put Sharrif Floyd in prime position for a big Gator Bowl

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

JACKSONVILLE — It's not the way Sharrif Floyd wanted it to happen, but because of a teammate's injury something good has emerged for him.

Sophomore defensive tackle Dominique Easley's season-ending knee injury in the final regular-season game will allow Floyd to play more on the inside of the defensive line — the place where the sophomore feels most at ease.

"Since I've been playing eight or nine years now, I've been at the D-tackle," Floyd said. "I know it, I know all the blocks, I know what's coming after me. It's not thinking, it's just going so I think I understand it a little bit more. And there's no need to be patient at the D-tackle."

Floyd has spent much of the season playing at defensive end because that's where the depth-depleted Gators needed him most. You might call it the ultimate team sacrifice for Floyd who now relishes the chance to play his more natural position in Monday's Gator Bowl to conclude his second season.

"I'm definitely more comfortable (at defensive tackle)," Floyd said. "I don't like the way it happened, or the reason I've moved back in, but it happens in the game of football and I can't be more excited."

If Floyd has his way, this will be a permanent move heading into spring and next season. But Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said where Floyd plays next season remains to be seen.

"We'll have to look and see who the guys are we add to the (team)," Quinn said. "One of the good things about him, I think he does play a good defensive tackle. I think he's a really strong base end though. A little bit of it will depend on the style of team and how we are playing. In the 3-4 system you really like a big guy over at end. We kind of moved him. We probably played more the 3-4 system as we went along but he can play both spots and will continue to do that."

Floyd's teammates say while he may be more comfortable at one spot, he excels at both.

"Coming in he was dominating at the tackle spot … but I'd say he's a player anywhere he goes," defensive end Ronald Powell said.

For Floyd, Monday's game against Ohio State is extra special for more than just a chance to change positions. When the Philadelphia native was trying to decide which college to attend, he ultimately went to the wire with two schools: Florida and Ohio State.

"I think that's what I'm more excited about, getting to play my second choice," Floyd said. "I'm not really looking at it like playing Coach (Urban) Meyer's school, I'm just looking at it as playing my second choice. I can't wait."

Floyd recognizes the irony in playing a school soon to be coached by his former coach, although he says Meyer was not the primary reason he chose UF.

"I can't really speak for anyone else, but me personally, I think that's good for him," Floyd said. "He's going to do what's best for him and his family — no hard feelings over here. If I saw the guy today, I would still shake his hand and talk to him with a normal conversation. That's the name of the game, it can happen anywhere. So I say congrats and good luck to him."

Floyd's season began with a two-game suspension for NCAA rules violations that occurred before he arrived in Gainesville, but he has started every game since, registering 44 tackles. The trials and tribulations this season have taught him some important life lessons, he said.

"I think through all the adversity, you learn not only football-wise, but you learn about who cares and who's really in it for the team," Floyd said. "That was a big thing for me because I like to observe and understand where people are coming from and things of that sort. I think it was good. Adversity is bad, but it's not all bad. There's some good in it. You learn from it and you keep moving forward."

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

Tampa Bay Buccaneers must make all decisions based on Josh Freeman's recovery

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, December 31, 2011

Even now, even with all of the losses and all of the interceptions and all of the chaos, it is about the quarterback.

Even now, when no one knows who will be his coach or which teammates will survive or whether next season will be any better than this one, it is about the quarterback.

Even now, with all of the doubts and all of the questions and all of the disappointment, it is about Josh Freeman.

Rescue him, and the Bucs franchise still has a chance. Fail, and the chaos is going to continue. Now, as much as ever, the futures of the Bucs and of Freeman are intertwined. They will succeed together, or they will continue to let each other down.

Soon, we will see what the Bucs plan to do about it.

In the marriage between the Bucs franchise and Freeman, this has been one of those "or worse'' seasons. By any measure, he has had an alarmingly dreadful season. His regression has been historic. His interceptions have more than tripled (from 6 to 19). His touchdown passes have fallen by 11 (from 25 to 14). He has lost 21 points off of his QB ratings.

It has been a wobble wrapped in an overthrow inside of a cry of, "Where in the heck was he throwing that one?'' There have been the times his release has been slow, times his footwork has been off and times his accuracy comes and goes. He has been hurt by slow starts, forgettable finishes and the regrettable decision to play with guns.

It is staggering when a quarterback has a breakdown season after a breakout. Of the NFL quarterbacks who have thrown at least 14 passes a game, there are 25 who have higher ratings. No one has more interceptions. No one else who has thrown 500 or more passes this year has fewer touchdowns. (For that matter, no one within 90 attempts of Freeman's 506 has fewer).

Consider this: According to NFL stats, 76 quarterbacks have thrown passes this year. No one else has five more interceptions than touchdown passes. If he had fallen any further, for crying out loud, Freeman would have landed on Rex Grossman.

Then there are the increased number of checkdown passes. Last year, Freeman's average completion gained 11.9 yards. This year, it's down to 10.5. If that doesn't sound like much, consider this. If Freeman was still at 11.9, his yardage total would be 430 yards higher.

Despite it all, the Bucs still need Freeman. Because, really, who else is there to build around? Because starting over with another quarterback takes so long.

As the Bucs contemplate their future after today's final attempt at football, Freeman should be the utmost concern. If the Bucs hire a new coach, they need to do it with the saving of Freeman in mind. If they ponder possible free agents — as good an idea as ever — they should do so with helping Freeman in mind. As they prepare for the NFL draft, they should do so with Freeman in mind.

After all, a team can't replace everyone. As bad as he has been, Freeman has still outperformed most of the Bucs players. As bad as he has been, you can at least see the possibility of highlights in his future.

Once, the Bucs had another quarterback stand in the middle of the chaos. Back in 1995, Trent Dilfer struggled along with his franchise through a tumultuous season like this one. In 1998, he was blamed heavily as his team regressed from a playoff season.

"I'm a Josh apologist, and I have no problem with it,'' Dilfer, an ESPN analyst, said. "He has the potential, the mind and the will. It's easy to say, 'The team stinks, so he stinks.' Some analysts go whatever way the wind blows. I'm probably overly sympathetic because I've been where he is. My toughest year was 1998. We just played (very poorly), and I got blamed for it.

"He's regressed a little bit. He's made a ton of mistakes. But I'll put my stamp on him right now. This is one of the jewels of the league.''

If he had to bet his house, Dilfer said, he would wager that Freeman will be a success. Not only that, but he says Greg Olson is one of his favorite offensive coordinators in the league.

So what has gone wrong? Dilfer says the wide receivers on the perimeter haven't been as good as everyone expected them to be. He also says the Bucs could use more multiple tight end formations because it gives the quarterback his easiest reads of defense. As much as anything, Dilfer said, the Bucs need to be better defensively.

"You can't be a good quarterback when you're two scores behind,'' Dilfer said. "And you can't play when you're overly conservative. You can't play from the position of fear.''

For whatever reason, Freeman has struggled. For the year, Freeman's quarterback rating is 74.9. Remember Vinny Testaverde's final year with the Bucs? His rating was 74.2. Remember the disappointment in Jack "The Throwin' Samoan'' Thompson? He was at 73.3 in his full year as a starter.

In Dilfer's final year, he was at 75.8. In Shaun King's full season as a starter, he was at 75.8. The Bucs have replaced a lot of quarterbacks who played at the same level Freeman has this year.

You probably remember the closest fall to Freeman's. It was Brad Johnson, another Buc quarterback. In 2002, the Super Bowl season, Johnson threw only six interceptions. In 2003, when the team fell to 7-9, he threw 21. Still, Johnson threw for more touchdowns and more yardage that year, so his overall rating didn't plummet as sharply. In 2006, Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a similar drop, his interceptions climbing from nine to 23 and his rating falling by 23 points. Still, his touchdown passes didn't fall off in the same way.

Yes, there are factors. Freeman hasn't had a lot of help. The offense lacks speed. It lacks playmakers. It lacks consistency. It lacks points (14 offensive touchdowns in the past 10 defeats).

This season, it has also lacked the promising quarterback it saw the year before. Remember him?

"Here's what the tape says,'' Dilfer said. "Josh hasn't played with the same energy, the same kind of life to his game. You can see some quarterbacks' body language and energy and tempo, and you feel like they're always climbing the hill. That jumps out of the tapes.

"The biggest thing he'll learn for this year is that he didn't change the environment. He wasn't a thermostat player. There are thermometer players who just react, and there are thermostat players who change the environment. It's hard. You get beat down. You feel like it's too steep a hill to climb. It sucks the life out of you. You're watching quarterbacks who are successful, and you know that they don't have half of your talent.''

If that's true, then Freeman needs saving. The Bucs should not make a decision this offseason without considering the impact on Freeman. A new coach? How does it affect Freeman? A new quarterback coach? Can he make Freeman better? A new offense? Does it fit Freeman? A speed wide receiver? Shouldn't that help Freeman? A complete back? An offensive lineman? A better defense? All roads lead back to the quarterback.

Freeman is 24, after all. He has time to smooth out the edges. On the other hand, he is three seasons into his career. It is not too soon to expect more. It is not too much to expect it soon.

Put it this way: One of the last two seasons was a fluke, and the other was the truth. Freeman is either the leader we saw in 2010 or he is the scattergun we saw in 2011. From here on, the goal is to turn things around. The goal is to avoid this kind of misery.

That's true of the franchise, and that's true of Freeman.

No. 10 Florida Gators 90, Yale Bulldogs 70

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Times wires
Saturday, December 31, 2011

GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Billy Donovan was worried. His 10th-ranked Gators had arrived back on campus 36 hours earlier after playing their poorest game of the season.

He was concerned about his team being tired and dispirited after being upset in double overtime Thursday night at Rutgers.

Not to worry.

With Kenny Boynton scoring 26 the Gators raced to a 90-70 victory over Yale on Saturday with no signs of fatigue or the holiday blues.

"For them to come back and do what they did, I was really proud of them," Donovan said.

"I thought it was one of the best games we've played this year," Donovan said. "Coming out of the Rutgers game and as bad as we were … and on a one-day prep, I was really proud of them."

Patric Young added 19 points, Erik Murphy had 18 and freshman Brad Beal scored 11 for Florida (11-3), which hosts UAB on Tuesday before opening its SEC schedule Saturday at Tennessee.

Boynton, who came into the game averaging 18.9 points, had a big first half making 6 of 7 shots, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range.

"He's efficient, he's shooting a good percentage," Donovan said. "To me that's the sign of a great scorer. There's a lot of guys who can score if they get a lot of shots."

Greg Mangano led Yale (8-4) with 26 points and Austin Morgan added 10. Mangano's game-high 15 rebounds helped the Bulldogs to a 37-32 rebound advantage.

"We were good today, but we had to be great to win," Yale coach James Jones said. "We were not great."

Boynton, who matched his season high in scoring, had 18 by halftime as the Gators took a 46-35 lead. Florida held its biggest lead at 83-57 with 4:04 left.

Florida took the lead for keeps at 13-12 on a basket by Murphy after Yale started the game by making three straight 3-point shots to grab a 9-0 lead in the opening two minutes.

"We're figuring it out," Donovan said. "They (players) are all getting better."

Yale hit 9 of 14 from 3-point range in the opening half to keep the score respectable with the 6-foot-10 Mangano perfect on three tries from long distance. Mangano had 11 points and seven rebounds in the first half.

Both teams shot well from 3-point range. Yale connected on 11 of 21 with Mangano hitting 5 of 7, while Florida was 12 of 21 with Boynton and Murphy each good on 5 of 7.

Kickin' back with Tampa Bay Buccaneers right guard Davin Joseph

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

I know that you're a single father and you really fought for custody of your oldest son. How rewarding has the experience been?

He definitely keeps me on point. I have two boys, and Ali is the one that lives with me. Eli is turning 4 and lives in Oklahoma with his mom. They really keep me young. And it's the balance it gives me. They are the center of everything. Sometimes when you have temptations or things of that nature, I base my decisions on whether it's in the best interest of them. That definitely helps me stay centered. It's definitely taken me from being a young player in the NFL to being an adult. I went from living for myself to being home every day. That was a change. Now I have to be reliable and stick to my promises. But it's been a wonderful experience.

You have help from your mom, right?

Yes, she's staying with me during the season. She's now officially retired. I'd been telling her for a long time to do that. She told me, "If you get a new contract." Which I did, so now she's been able to be here more often. My parents are stubborn. My dad won't take anything. I finally just went ahead and bought him a truck. I had it dropped off so he had to take it, a Chevy Tahoe.

What's the most important lesson you want to teach your kids?

I think a lot of times, with the way this generation is, they take a lot of things for granted. Kids don't know what it's like to be on the other side. I really can't wait for them to get to the age where they can volunteer. I'm into giving back. (Joseph was named the Bucs' Man of the Year on Thursday.) A lot of kids grow up just knowing there's going to be a meal on the table. They don't think about how it gets there — through hard work. When I look back at my childhood, the one thing I remember about my parents was them going to work every day. I mean every day. My dad worked all night. It was a pride thing. That's just what I bring to football. That means practicing every day, being on time. That's what I want to teach them. The other thing is just having an appreciation. With the way music is and the way things are portrayed today, it's all about having stuff, materialistic things. Sometimes, you have to have an appreciation for how it gets there and for those who have less. When my boys get to the age where they can volunteer, they're going to volunteer a lot.

What's the most difficult part of being a single parent?

It was an adjustment, but after a while, I found a joy in it. When he was younger, it was harder. But now that he's older (he's 8), he bathes himself and brushes his teeth and cleans his own room. But when he was young, I had to do everything for him or with him. Now it's a little smoother sailing.

Now for my weekly questions: What's playing the most on your iPod right now?

Right now, the main thing I've been listening to is reggae. You have to have some "me" time during this part of the season. For me, it usually comes after my son goes to bed, around 8:30, 9 o'clock. I can listen to music or do what I want. The reggae puts me in a good mood.

What website do you visit the most?

Probably Yahoo.com. If I'm not on iTunes, I'm on Yahoo reading the news and whatnot. I like to see the headlines and stay up to date.

What reality show do you watch without fail?

I used to love that show Bad Girls Club. That was just nonstop entertainment. I got really into that. But when it comes to just regular TV series, I'm into Dexter and Homeland. Homeland is my new favorite show, man. I love that show. I have to give that character Carrie credit. She can act her butt off. I don't know what Season 2 is going to have in store.

Since you made the Pro Bowl again, is the rest of the offensive line going this time, too?

Yes, the difference is that last time, I had to pay for everything. We had an agreement that the first guy to go to the Pro Bowl would buy everybody's flights. So I had to buy first-class tickets for (Arron) Sears, (Donald) Penn and (Jeremy) Trueblood. And I had to pay for the hotel. Now they have plenty of money, and they have wives and all that. That's over, man.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com.

The case for and against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers firing coach Raheem Morris

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

Should the Bucs make coach Raheem Morris walk the plank?

A decision on Morris' future likely will be made by Tuesday — no later than Wednesday — when the Glazer family, which owns the team, performs an autopsy on the season.

"I know Coach Morris has thick skin and has dealt with it well,'' center Jeff Faine said of the scrutiny. "But it's one of those things where the finger is going to be pointed at you. It's one of those things you have to deal with.

"I'm still in Coach Morris' corner. I think he's going to continue to develop into a great head coach. He's gotten better, better and better since he's been here. I hope he continues to get an opportunity.''

Let's look at why the Glazers should listen to cries for Morris' job and the reasons they shouldn't.

Fire Morris

Nine straight losses (the Race to 10 concludes today at Atlanta), the past four by an average of 23.5 points, is probably why Morris will be asked by the Bucs to turn in his whistle.

There's no shame in losing games with the youngest team in the league. But you can't go down in flames like kindling wood. The word "noncompetitive" will be tossed around in the next few days.

Three times, Morris questioned his players' effort. Almost every week, he said they did not play smart. As the third-most penalized team in the league, it's fair to question the discipline of the players.

Tampa Bay turned the ball over 28 times during the losing streak. The Bucs were poor in the basic fundamentals such as tackling and protecting the football. The defense likely will go down as the worst in franchise history, last in the league in points allowed and sacks.

When you don't make the playoffs for three straight seasons and, record aside, play worse in the third year of the rebuilding project than your first, it might be time to go.

The Glazers also have to protect their brand. The season-ticket base is somewhere south of about 40,000. Only two games at Raymond James Stadium over the past two years sold out, and both were nationally televised affairs against what looked like marquee teams (Colts, Cowboys) when tickets went on sale.

Under this scenario, the Bucs will need to seek an experienced NFL coach, preferably with a Super Bowl ring.

Remember, the Glazers are big-game hunters. They went after Jimmy Johnson and Steve Spurrier before settling on Tony Dungy in 1996. They had a deal with Bill Parcells before he backed out and forced them to make a trade for Jon Gruden in 2002.

The Bucs can't take a chance with another first-time coach. Because former Steelers coach Bill Cowher says he's not interested in coaching, the list begins with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who will have offers from San Diego, Miami and others.

Keep Morris

The Bucs' structural plan to build almost exclusively through the draft was flawed, and the result is not entirely on Morris.

Not signing a veteran linebacker — Barrett Ruud or someone else — to mentor rookie Mason Foster was a mistake. It was also wrong to believe Kregg Lumpkin could take over as the third-down back. Not having some real veteran depth on the defensive line behind tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price was foolish.

Morris isn't in charge of personnel, and he never complained about the hand he was dealt.

Yes, quarterback Josh Freeman took a step backward this season. How could he not with those weapons and one of the slowest attacks in the NFL?

Of course, if the Bucs decide to keep Morris, they will probably insist on hiring two new coordinators. Morris failed as a defensive play-caller, and there might be too much on his plate.

Furthermore, the Glazers might not want to spend $6 million to $8 million on an established coach who, invariably, will insist they spend another $50 million on free agents.

It doesn't really fit with the business plan, anyway. Individual teams aren't required to spend a minimum of 99 percent of the salary cap on player costs until 2013.

Morris was actually just ahead of schedule when he won 16 of 22 games before the collapse began 11 weeks ago.

Some believe dismissing Morris would be like blaming the iceberg for the sinking of the Titanic.

NFL notebook

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

Power rankings

1. Packers 2. Patriots

3. Saints 4. 49ers

5. Steelers 6. Ravens

Upset special

Chiefs (6-9) over Broncos (8-7)

Is Tim Tebow running out of magic? Denver has lost two straight, and Tebow threw three interceptions against the Bills last week.

Quote of the week

"There's nobody I'd rather have than Romo."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on quarterback Tony Romo in New York's Daily News

Milestone watch

If the Patriots win today, Bill Belichick becomes the first coach with at least 13 victories in five seasons (14 in 2003, 14 in 2004, 16 in 2007 and 14 in 2010).

Milestone watch 2

The Ravens' Ray Rice needs just 27 rushing yards and 4 receiving yards against the Bengals to join Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (four times) as the only players with 1,200 and 700, respectively in multiple seasons. Rice had 1,339 and 702 in 2009.

Times wires and the NFL contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Tank or try?

The Colts are one loss away from securing the top pick in next year's draft, and the prize is a future franchise quarterback in Stanford's Andrew Luck. But if the Colts beat the Jaguars and the Rams lose to the 49ers, St. Louis would get top honors. So do the Colts take a dive? According to Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz, there's no chance. "It would be the ultimate insult for anybody to be asked to give anything less than full effort and commitment," he wrote. Colts vice chairman Bill Polian's comments to SI.com's Peter King had similar sentiment: "How can you build an organization with a culture of winning and look players in the eye and tell them to give their best effort every day but this one?"

America's Team?

With the Cowboys and Giants playing today for the NFC East title (and NFC's final playoff berth), New York has a chance to make it another miserable offseason in Dallas. New York Daily News columnist Gary Myers argues it's about time the Cowboys' long-held title as "America's Team" expires. They haven't been to the Super Bowl since January 1996 and have won just two playoff games since. "If this is America's Team, America deserves better," Myers said. Always-opinionated Giants defensive end Justin Tuck took it another step. "I don't know if they ever deserved to be America's Team," he said. "I don't have a vote on that. The only people that it rubs the wrong way are the people who don't root for them."

Stomp squashed

The last time the Lions played the Packers, on Thanksgiving Day, Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh made headlines for stomping on Packers lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith after a play. He drew a two-game suspension. But both teams say they've moved past it. Suh spoke to Dietrich-Smith on the phone to patch up the relationship, saying afterward, "There's no hard feelings." Said Dietrich-Smith: "We talked. He said, 'Sorry.' And I said, 'No big deal.' That was about it. I think we've all moved past it."

For as much hype and praise quarterback Tim Tebow has received in helping turn around Denver's season, a familiar face can give the story a disappointing end. Kyle Orton, whom the Broncos benched for Tebow earlier this season then released, has a chance to lead the Chiefs past his former team today. A Broncos loss and Raiders win would crush the hopes of a division title and Denver's first playoff berth since 2005 for the "Mile High Messiah." The Broncos enter today with a two-game losing streak. Writes Dave Kreiger of the Denver Post: "If Kyle Orton and the Chiefs win Sunday, the Broncos' releasing of Orton on Nov. 22 will go down as one of the franchise's all-time boneheaded personnel moves."


Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

The poll

Who would you like to see coaching the Bucs next season?

Raheem Morris: 13 percent

Herm Edwards: 12 percent

Rob Ryan: 7 percent

Total: 870 votes

By the numbers

19-17 Bucs' record against the Falcons

82 Passing yards needed by Josh Freeman to become the first Buc with consecutive 3,400-yard seasons

1-4 Freeman's record against the Falcons

96 Catches by the Falcons' Roddy White, fewer than only the 116 of the Patriots' Wes Welker

53 Receiving yards Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez needs to pass Torry Holt (13,382) for 10th all time

What they're saying

The Falcons are playing on a short week, and they've already locked up a playoff berth. They can get a better seed if Detroit loses to Green Bay. So there's something there. They also need to show something after the flop against the Saints. The Bucs are a disaster, and this is probably the last game for coach Raheem Morris. Atlanta will be the more focused team, and it will show.

Pete Prisco CBSSports.com

At a very young age, Raheem Morris has learned just how fickle this league can be. After being among the coach of the year candidates last season, he is now sitting on potentially the hottest seat in the entire NFL. I think he made a mistake by not hiring a defensive coordinator, but I do believe he deserves a chance to right the ship in Tampa Bay and help this young team grow along with him.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

The picks

Of all the possible wild-card matchups, Falcons-Saints would be the nastiest (and I'm not even saying I expect it to happen) and the one I'd like to see the most. This game, not so much. Falcons, 34-17.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

The Falcons get the rare second bye week. Falcons, 34-6.

Roy Green Jr. Charlotte Observer

Once a preseason Super Bowl favorite, the Falcons look like a team with a short shelf life in the postseason. Despite getting whacked by the Saints, their wild-card spot was secured. Falcons, 24-14.

Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Tampa Bay beat Atlanta 16-13 in September, back before the Buccaneers became the NFL equivalent of a car without brakes hurtling theatrically over the cliff into a rocky ravine. Yet I see it closer than the line. 'Lanta has clinched and has nothing to play for. Falcons, 24-16.

Greg Cote Miami Herald

Bucs at Falcons

4:15 p.m., Georgia Dome, Atlanta

TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5 FM

Line/over-under: Falcons by 10½; 45½

Week 1 Week 2Week 3Week 4Week 5Week 6Week 7Week 9Week 10Week 11Week 12Week 13Week 14Week 15Week 16Week 17
Lions

Lions 27, Bucs 20

(0-1)

at Vikings

Bucs 24, Vikings 20

(1-1)

Falcons

Bucs 16, Falcons 13

(2-1)

Colts

Bucs 24, Colts 17

(3-1)

at 49ers

49ers 48, Bucs 3

(3-2)

Saints

Bucs 26, Saints 20

(4-2)

Bears

Bears 24, Bucs 18

(4-3)

at Saints

Saints 27, Bucs 16

(4-4)

Texans

Texans 37, Bucs 9

(4-5)

at Packers

Packers 35, Bucs 26

(4-6)

at Titans

Titans 23, Bucs 17

(4-7)

Panthers

Panthers 38, Bucs 19

(4-8)

at Jaguars

Jaguars 41, Bucs 14

(4-9)

Cowboys

Cowboys 31, Bucs 15

(4-10)

at Panthers

Panthers 48, Bucs 16

(4-11)

at Falcons

4:15 p.m. today, Ch. 13



Bill Cowher: 42 percent

Jeff Fisher: 26 percent

Coming weeks get interesting for Tampa Bay Rays

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

The Rays have a lot to look forward to in 2012, starting, presumably in the next couple of weeks, with a series of moves to improve the offense while filling holes at DH and first base.

The patience executive vice president Andrew Friedman and company have shown thus far has served to only increase the suspense, as they weigh trade and free agent options in what likely will be a sequence of linked moves. They seem determined to find more production than they got last season from DH Johnny Damon and 1B Casey Kotchman (a combined .282, 26 homers, 121 RBIs) since they could have re-signed both by now, and have pieces to deal and flexibility to expand the payroll.

What they ultimately will do is near impossible to predict, as they put a premium on secrecy and seem to enjoy that most of what does leak out involving them tends to not be true.

With seven weeks until the opening of spring training, here are a few things to watch for:

A big deal: With an excess of starting pitching and several holes to fill, they're going to make a trade. Most likely they'll ship out RHP Wade Davis or RHP Jeff Niemann, but if the package is overwhelming they'd have to consider trading RHP James Shields or LHP David Price. San Diego 1B Anthony Rizzo is among the hot names, with Union-Tribune writer Bill Center predicting he will be traded to the Rays, but then flipped to the Cubs. The Angels' Mark Trumbo is another.

A big name: There's a chance the Rays end up filling the two lineup spots with complementary pieces, but it seems more likely one is of some repute. 1B Carlos Peña is probably the biggest free agent bat still available after Prince Fielder, with Vlad Guerrero, Derrek Lee, Hideki Matsui and Luke Scott (coming off injury) among others.

A pen pal: The bullpen may be set but adding another late-inning reliever could make a huge difference. With closers Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero among those still on a bloated market, they could make a pitch for more proven relief.

A key catch: As much as Rays officials say they are, they really can't be comfortable going into the season with the catching pairing of veteran Jose Molina (who hasn't started more than 51 games since the 2008 season) and either Robinson Chirinos or Jose Lobaton. The overall team is too good to leave it in their hands; expect another addition.

A new pact: Manager Joe Maddon's contract is up at the end of the season, and as much mutual admiration as there has been it would seem logical an extension gets done before the opening of camp. That's if there's going to be one.

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Interest in INF Ryan Theriot, presumably as a backup, has been preliminary to this point. … Principal owner Stuart Sternberg, his family and 150 Rays staffers will gather Saturday at the Layla's House learning center in Sulfur Springs to build a playground (their third) as part of the KaBOOM program. … 3B Evan Longoria went on a juice-only diet for 10 days, losing 7 pounds and feeling "re-energized and fresh." … RHP Andy Sonnanstine moved on to the Cubs with good memories, calling the 2008 ALCS clincher "the most intense and joyful moment of my life." … SI.com's Joe Sheehan predicts a Cy Young award for Price and a push for the MVP award by CF B.J. Upton. … Maddon heads out mid month on a trip to Greece, Italy and Spain. … OF Sam Fuld hosts a sports camp for diabetics age 8-18 and friends at USF on Feb. 3-4; for info see diabetes.health.usf.edu/samfuldcamp. … ESPN tabbed Ben Zobrist's 7-for-10/10-RBI doubleheader in Minnesota its "performance of the year," and the Game 162 rally against the Yankees as top moment, plus it gave Fuld honorable mention for top defensive performance. Also, ex-Ray, now-Red Sox Carl Crawford was named "Goat of the Year."

Bat-needy Padres get Quentin

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Saturday, December 31, 2011

SAN DIEGO — Being traded from the White Sox to his hometown San Diego Padres couldn't have been any more convenient for All-Star leftfielder Carlos Quentin.

"I get a call and they said I've been traded to San Diego. I'm already here," Quentin said on a conference call after the trade was announced Saturday.

Four years after trading Quentin from Arizona to the White Sox, new Padres general manager Josh Byrnes is bringing him home.

Byrnes made his second bold move in two weeks when he acquired Quentin for minor-league pitchers Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez.

The trade is expected to bolster San Diego's lackluster offense. Quentin has four consecutive 20-homer seasons, including 36 in 2008.

"We specifically targeted Carlos because of his production and his hard-nosed style of play," Byrnes said.

Blue Jays: Left-hander Aaron Laffey, who made 47 relief appearances with the Mariners and Yankees last season, agreed to a minor-league contract.

Obituary: Don Mueller, whose hit helped set up Bobby Thomson's famed homer that won the 1951 NL pennant playoff, died Wednesday in suburban St. Louis. He was 84.

NFL predictions

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

Cowboys (8-7) at Giants (8-7)

8:20 p.m., Ch. 8Giants by 3, 47

This is exactly what the NFL had in mind when it began backloading the schedule with division games: a winner-take-all game for the NFC East. As flaky as both of these teams tend to be, we've seen quarterbacks Eli Manning and Tony Romo play in big games, and it's inarguable Manning is better under pressure. Romo is playing with a bruised throwing hand, and he'll have former USF star Jason Pierre-Paul giving chase. Giants win it, though a playoff run seems unlikely.

Giants 27, Cowboys 24

49ers (12-3) at Rams (2-13)

1 p.m.

49ers by 10½, 35½

The 49ers run the ball well, play stout defense and QB Alex Smith, above, has exceeded all of our wildest expectations. But if you want to know one of the fundamental reasons they've been so solid, look no further than their stunning plus-26 turnover margin, the best in the league. That will make up for a lot of bad days in other areas. In this game, San Francisco is playing to lock up a first-round bye, which puts them one home win away from the NFC title game.

49ers 26, Rams 16

Panthers (6-9) at Saints (12-3)

1 p.m.

Saints by 8, 54½

There are a lot of variables here that will complicate matters for Saints coach Sean Payton, above right, For one, he wants to ensure Tom Brady doesn't surpass Drew Brees, above left, for the season passing record (Brady, also playing a 1 p.m. game, is 190 yards behind). So Brees definitely will play. But what if the 49ers are pounding the Rams, which would lock the Saints into the No. 3 seed? When do you call off the dogs? Those subplots make this a difficult pick.

Saints 31, Panthers 27

Seahawks (7-8) at Cardinals (7-8)

4:15 p.m.

Cardinals by 3, 41

Can these two make the NFC West interesting next season? Based on how they're finishing 2011, we believe the answer is yes. It's too late to accomplish anything meaningful this season, but both clubs have come on strong. We're leaning toward the Cardinals here simply because the game is in Arizona. Both clubs are solid at home. Here's a good fantasy tip: Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, above, is averaging a career-high 17.8 yards per catch.

Cardinals 23, Seahawks 20

Ravens (11-4) at Bengals (9-6)

4:15 p.m.

Ravens by 2, 381/2

What's with the Ravens and their 3-4 road record? They are undefeated at home, but their road losses include the Titans (8-7), Jaguars (4-11) and Seahawks (7-8). That said, this is a tall order for Cincinnati and QB Andy Dalton. He threw for 373 yards in the first meeting, a 31-24 loss at Baltimore, and has been particularly solid lately. The Bengals make the playoffs with a win here, and coach Marvin Lewis, above, who was nearly fired last season, would look like a genius.

Bengals 24, Ravens 21

Steelers (11-4) at Browns (4-11)

4:15 p.m.

Steelers by 61/2, 341/2

The Steelers could be in prime position if things fall into place. QB Ben Roethlisberger, above, is going to attempt to play on his sprained left ankle. If the Steelers win and the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh wins the AFC North and will enjoy a first-round playoff bye. That means Big Ben gets off his feet and the Steelers will be that much more dangerous in the postseason. Meanwhile, Cleveland gets a last look at QB Colt McCoy as they try to decide if he's their guy.

Steelers 27, Browns 17

Chargers (7-8) at Raiders (8-7)

4:15 p.m.

Raiders by 3, 481/2

Last week at Detroit, the Chargers played like a team that has checked out. With as much at stake as the Raiders have — they can potentially win the AFC West with a victory — it's not hard to determine which team will play with more inspiration. The Chargers have the more potent offense and more talented defense, but all that has failed them more than a few times this season. In his past three games, Oakland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, above, is averaging 101 yards.

Raiders 24, Chargers 23

Chiefs (6-9) at Broncos (8-7)

4:15 p.m., Ch. 10

Broncos by 3, 37

What would you have done if someone said two months ago Tim Tebow, above, would be under center for the Broncos in Week 17 with a shot to win his way into the playoffs? Laugh uncontrollably? Regardless, that's the scenario. An Oakland loss to San Diego would sew up the AFC West title, too. But Kansas City has played with more motivation since the firing of coach Todd Haley, and interim Romeo Crennel deserves credit. Look for Kansas City to pull off the upset.

Chiefs 23, Broncos 20

Lions (10-5) at Packers (14-1)

1 p.m.

Lions by 4, 43

The Packers, having clinched the top seed, have nothing to gain by winning, and there have been suggestions they will sit key players to get healthy for the postseason. If they sit QB Aaron Rodgers — a distinct possibility — the Lions would have a decided edge over backup Matt Flynn. He likely won't be able to match Matthew Stafford, above, throw for throw. And given the way the Lions thumped the Chargers by 28 points last week, it's clear their offense is humming.

Lions 27, Packers 20

Titans (8-7) at Texans (10-5)

1 p.m.

Titans by 2, 39½

The Texans say they will play this game like it matters even though it certainly does not. They are wary of going into the playoffs with three consecutive losses, which is what a loss here means. The Titans are playing for their playoff lives, needing to win and get help from elsewhere to get in. Houston has scored 13 and 16 points in its past two games, respectively, while Titans RB Chris Johnson, above, needs just 14 yards for his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

Titans 23, Texans 21

Colts (2-13) at Jaguars (4-11)

1 p.m.

Jaguars by 3½, 37

There's absolutely nothing at stake in this game. That is unless you count the fact the Colts could lose the No. 1 pick in the draft by winning. With the Rams hosting the 49ers (who are playing for a first-round bye), the Colts are likely to finish ahead of St. Louis if they win this game. That could mean missing out on Stanford QB Andrew Luck on draft day. QB Dan Orlovsky, above, has been solid in leading the Colts to consecutive wins since replacing Curtis Painter.

Colts 21, Jaguars 17

Jets (8-7) at Dolphins (5-10)

1 p.m., Ch. 10

Dolphins by 3, 391/2

Jets coach Rex Ryan, above, can talk all he wants, but he can't change this fact: His team, coming off consecutive appearances in the AFC title game, is flat-out playing terribly down the stretch. That's not the way you would like to enter a make-or-break game that will largely determine the team's playoff fate. Right now, we would take Dolphins QB Matt Moore over struggling Jets QB Mark Sanchez. And the Jets defense has given up 74 points over its past two games.

Dolphins 23, Jets 21

Bears (7-8) at Vikings (3-12)

1 p.m.

Vikings by 11/2, 41

What a lost season this has turned into for the Bears. They went from being a team we figured would be dangerous in the playoffs to one that has lost five consecutive games. Chicago is winless since the injury to QB Jay Cutler, which was compounded by the loss of RB Matt Forte. We'd pick them to lose again here except the Vikings figure to have issues on offense without RB Adrian Peterson. Coach Lovie Smith, above, will see to it the streak ends.

Bears 21, Vikings 17

Redskins (5-10) at Eagles (7-8)

1 p.m.

Eagles by 8½, 451/2

No, the Eagles won't be in the playoffs. And no, they are no dream team. But it has become obvious lately just how dangerous Philadelphia could have been if it hadn't committed turnovers like they were going out of style (tied with the Bucs for the most) and had obvious chemistry issues. This could be the last game as an Eagle for WR DeSean Jackson, above, who can become a free agent. But there's reason to believe the 2012 Eagles will need to be reckoned with.

Eagles 27, Redskins 17

Bills (6-9) at Patriots (12-3)

1 p.m.

Patriots by 101/2, 50

A couple of months ago, you might have guessed this game would decide the winner of the AFC East. But that was before the Bills went on a seven-game losing streak and watched their season go up in smoke. When Buffalo beat New England in September, it took a huge effort by QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, above, and an uncharacteristic four interceptions by Tom Brady. Today, with the Patriots playing for the No. 1 seed in the AFC, Buffalo gets Brady's best.

Patriots 30, Bills 23

Is this the last call for Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris?

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

Raheem Morris sat on the edge of an overstuffed black chair in the private, upstairs loft of a sports bar and restaurant in South Tampa. Two flat-screen televisions hung from the wall in front of him. • From this perch, he could hear laughter, the clink of beer glasses and music being enjoyed by the patrons below. • "This is my office away from my office,'' Morris said. "This is where I come after games to be absolutely miserable. When we lose, I come up here and I'm miserable by myself. When we win, I'm down there cele­brating with everyone else. • "I haven't been downstairs in quite awhile.'' • Morris hasn't been part of a celebration since Oct. 16, when the Bucs beat the Saints 26-20 to improve to 4-2. • Fresh off a 10-6 season in which his team narrowly missed the playoffs, Morris was, literally, the toast of the town.

The Glazer family, which owns the Bucs, told Morris they had anticipated only about six wins and said it was one of the most enjoyable seasons they've had in football.

But after nine consecutive losses, beginning 24-18 to the Bears on Oct. 23, Morris bashers are going hoarse, calling him a clueless coach who needs to be fired after today's season finale at Atlanta.

"Last year, you could say we overachieved,'' Morris, 35, said. "This year, you could say we underachieved. But I don't worry about what's going to happen. You've got to keep trucking. Don't worry about it. Don't blink.''

• • •

Before the start of the season, the Bucs decided not to take advantage of an unprecedented glut of more than 500 free agents. They included two of their own, middle linebacker Barrett Ruud and running back Cadillac Williams.

"I think the lack of veteran leadership across the board could've hurt us,'' center Jeff Faine said. "I admire the aggressiveness of the front office and wanting to build the right way. With that, I think there would've been some value in sprinkling in some veteran leadership and keeping around some guys who maybe don't fit in that philosophy of building organically.''

Morris said he made it clear he wanted Ruud to return for at least one more season. He said his plan was to play Mason Foster, a third-round pick from Washington, at strongside linebacker while learning from the Bucs' four-time leading tackler.

Ruud wound up signing a one-year, $4 million deal with the Titans, starting 10 games while mentoring their fourth-round pick, Colin McCarthy. Foster battled ankle injuries to start 14 games and lead the Bucs in tackles. But he also struggled in nickel situations and quarterbacked a defense on pace to allow the most points in franchise history.

Instead of re-signing Ruud, general manager Mark Dominik, after conferring with Morris and the coaching staff, re-signed linebacker Quincy Black for five years and $29 million. Black was to be used as an edge rusher on passing downs. But linebacker Dekoda Watson was better at it, and Black also got lost in coverage.

Offensive coordinator Greg Olson lobbied for the return of Williams, who signed a one-year deal with the Rams. But the Bucs opted to give the job to third-year pro Kregg Lumpkin, acquired by Dominik off waivers from the Packers in 2010.

Lumpkin wasn't ready to make that leap, and Earnest Graham moved from fullback to tailback until he tore his right Achilles' against the Bears.

"It's hard to come into this league as a rookie and know how to do it, know how to win,'' Faine said. "I look at that running back room. I look at that wide receiver room. There's some talent there. Is there a voice in there that's been through some ups and downs, that knows how to handle winning, knows how to handle losing?''

Season-ending injuries to Graham and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, occurring a week apart, also contributed to the tailspin.

Faine said Graham's injury had a devastating impact on running back LeGarrette Blount, who was benched last week after fumbling the Bucs' first offensive snap of the game at Carolina. It was his fourth lost fumble of the season.

"I called (Graham) the MVP of this team before," Faine said. "He was a great voice of reason and leadership for LeGarrette Blount. I know how much that guy meant to LeGarrette Blount personally. And I saw how much that injury affected him in England on the sideline. To lose a guy like that is a great example of how valuable veteran leadership is in each room.''

• • •

Also glaring was a lack of depth. Too often, when players such as McCoy or Brian Price became injured, the Bucs were forced to go with waiver claims or guys off a couch.

But Morris said once the Bucs decided on how to structure the team, he didn't look back.

"It's not about doing anything (front office executives) say. It's about what you agree on and what you want to do,'' Morris said. "I have a job just like everybody else has a job. You've got to go out, and you've got to execute it.''

Morris' fingerprints are all over the Bucs' record.

Tampa Bay has committed 28 turnovers during the losing streak, is third in the league with 121 penalties committed and — perhaps most damning for Morris — has lost its past four games by an average of 23.5 points.

"I'm sure there are things I'd do differently,'' Morris said. "Obviously, when the season ends and it's all said and done, that's something I'll go back and reflect on and think about.''

• • •

Sometime early this week, Morris will have to face the Glazers and, maybe, make an argument for why he should return for the fourth and final year on his contract.

"I'll tell them you've got the same young guys that won 10 games,'' Morris said. "You've got guys coming back off injured reserve. You've got guys you're going to add to your roster through the draft and, hopefully, through free agency. Let's go out here and try to do it again. Hopefully, we can build this team the way we wanted it to be, a lasting contender.''

In the meantime, Morris can't help but feel isolated.

He was alone for Christmas. His 20-month-old daughter was in Iowa visiting grandparents, and Morris' parents spent the holiday in New Jersey.

"I had to go home and lay on my couch and be miserable,'' Morris said.

Fortunately for him, his friend, Lee Williams, challenged him to a one-on-one basketball game on Christmas Day.

Morris won 8-4.

"I had to get a win against someone,'' Morris said.

Morris hopes for another celebration this afternoon. He'd like the good times to roll again.

But what if they don't? What if the Glazers tell him they've decided to go in another direction?

"I'll shake their hands,'' Morris said, "and tell them it was the best opportunity of my life.''

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @NFLStroud.

Captains corner: Fish deeper water, slowly, for seatrout

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By Doug Hemmer, Times Correspondent
Saturday, December 31, 2011

What's hot: Today marks the start of trout season in the South Zone, which is the area south of a line extending west from the Fred Howard Park Causeway in gulf waters. The statewide slot limit is 15 to 20 inches. South Zone anglers can keep four trout per day with one of the four being more than 20 inches. It's best to not keep the trout longer than 22 inches. The larger trout are breeder females full of roe. They are the ones that will restock the area.

Where to look: The recent cold front dropped the water temperature enough to push the trout into deeper water. We have been finding good numbers of big trout in 4 feet of water. Normally these large trout will stay closer to the drop-off of the flats. When the water temperature drops fast enough it will push the trout into deeper water that's more comfortable to stay in. Look for areas that have a mixture of grass and sand. Fish the 4-foot depths early in the day. In the late afternoon fish the 3-foot zone.

Tackle, tactics: Use light rods rigged with a small motor-oil or strawberry-colored jig. Keep the jig close to the bottom and slowly retrieve it until you feel the bump of a strike. Even if you think you're working the lure slow, slow it down some more.

Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 347-1389.

Steven Stamkos' hat trick lifts Tampa Bay Lightning past Carolina Hurricanes 5-2

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

TAMPA — The Lightning began Saturday honoring a big part of its past, unveiling a statue of founder Phil Esposito outside of the newly renamed Tampa Bay Times Forum.

And star center Steven Stamkos ended the calendar year by coming oh-so-close to accomplishing something that hasn't been done since the franchise's first game.

Stamkos racked up a hat trick in a 5-2 win over the Hurricanes in front of a New Year's Eve crowd of 19,204. He had a chance to join Chris Kontos (Oct. 7, 1992) as the only Lightning players to score four goals in a game, but Carolina goalie Cam Ward stopped a late breakaway.

"That was icing on the cake," Stamkos said. "I think I'm still trying to get over how I missed that breakaway. I'm sure I'll be able to get over that tonight."

Stamkos has 10 goals over his past eight games and a league-leading 26 on the season.

"He's pretty hot," Marty St. Louis said. "He's flying."

So is the Lightning (17-17-3), which is at .500 for the first time since Nov. 30 after sweeping a three-game homestand. It capped it with "that 60-minute, consistent, relentless effort on both sides of the ice that we were waiting for," coach Guy Bou­cher said.

Tampa Bay set the tone with one of its better first periods in recent memory. However, the Hurricanes, who entered with the third-worst power play in the league, scored two with the man advantage to take a 2-1 lead.

Stamkos brought the Lightning back with back-to-back goals, a highlight-reel one in the second in which he split two Hurricanes then a familiar one in the third, a one-timer from the left circle on a power play. Stamkos' third was extra special as St. Louis picked up his 500th career assist.

"He'll remember that forever," Stamkos said. "And I'll remember that forever."

Teddy Purcell scored 22 seconds later, and Steve Downie added another insurance goal. It seemed like everything — and every line — clicked for Tampa Bay, including Mathieu Garon making 24 saves in winning his third consecutive start.

The defense, without Victor Hedman (concussion), came through with Boucher saying, "We can't ask for more."

Boucher said he could see a complete effort building. And the Lightning needed it, entering Saturday six points out of the final playoff spot.

"We need to make a push," Downie said. "We can't wait until after the All-Star break. We have to make a push now. These points are crucial."

Lightning1135
Hurricanes1102

First Period1, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 24 (St. Louis, Downie), 3:22. 2, Carolina, Faulk 2 (Bowman, E.Staal), 16:12 (pp). PenaltiesPurcell, TB (hooking), 16:00.

Second Period3, Carolina, Harrison 3 (E.Staal, McBain), 4:29 (pp). 4, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 25 (St. Louis, Downie), 8:17. PenaltiesClark, TB (tripping), 1:09; St. Louis, TB (holding), 3:08; Jokinen, Car (slashing), 9:04; LaRose, Car (hooking), 19:57.

Third Period5, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 26 (St. Louis, Malone), :43 (pp). 6, Tampa Bay, Purcell 7 (Malone, Clark), 1:05. 7, Tampa Bay, Downie 6 (Malone, Pyatt), 6:51. PenaltiesBrent, Car (roughing), 7:52; Ward, Car, served by Nodl (roughing), 7:52; Lecavalier, TB (roughing), 7:52; Moore, TB (goaltender interference), 7:52; Stamkos, TB (hooking), 8:31; Ponikarovsky, Car (boarding), 14:18. Shots on GoalCarolina 7-11-8—26. Tampa Bay 13-10-9—32. Power-play opportunitiesCarolina 2 of 4; Tampa Bay 1 of 3. GoaliesCarolina, Ward 13-15-5 (32 shots-27 saves). Tampa Bay, Garon 11-9-2 (26-24). A19,204 (19,204).


Indoor team woos Owens

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Times wires
Saturday, December 31, 2011

ALLEN, Texas — Terrell Owens has another offer from an indoor team.

In October, the Chicago Rush of the Arena League said they offered the six-time Pro Bowl receiver a contract. Now the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League said they offered a package that includes part-ownership and is worth up to $500,000 for one season starting in February.

"We're very close," said Drew Pearson, the ex-Cowboys receiver and general manager of the team based in suburban Dallas. "Jon Frankel, our owner … thinks it's at the point where it's about 70 percent done."

Most IFL players earn $225 per game plus a bonus for winning. Pearson said the offer is within league rules.

Owens, 38, had 72 catches and nine touchdowns for the Bengals last season. But he had offseason knee surgery, and no team signed him. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, was unavailable for comment.

Chiefs: Former Gator linebacker Brandon Siler signed a one-year extension. He missed all of 2011 with a torn Achilles' tendon.

Tampa Bay Lightning Nuts & Bolts

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

Five Questions D Bruno Gervais

How'd you spend your Christmas?

I went to Disney World. It was 80 degrees, sunny, flip-flops and shorts. We wanted to make it really different.

What's been your favorite gift?

I was 4 or 5 and a big Ghostbusters fan growing up; had all the figurines. And one year, I got the big house or building where they worked and the car. That was the best. My parents lost me for a good month straight.

Your least favorite/unique gift?

Three years in a row, I got the same DVD of a stand-up comic (Martin Matte). We make fun of my parents sometimes for that.

Favorite Christmas song?

Jingle Bells.

Favorite Christmas movie?

Christmas Vacation is up there. These days, I'd say Elf.

Go Green

RW Adam Hall had a bit of a college flashback last week. The Michigan State standout from 1998-2002 was invited to a Spartans football practice before Monday's Outback Bowl in Tampa. "It was kind of cool seeing some of the people you've seen over the years and hadn't seen in a while," Hall said. "I was really proud of how hard those people work."

All-access pass

The Lightning could find itself in a few highlights of this week's episode of HBO's 24/7, which has been following the Flyers and Rangers this season leading up to Monday's Winter Classic. Tampa Bay star center Steven Stamkos said Tuesday, before his team hosted Philadelphia, he wouldn't mind his team being featured in the all-access show one year. "I think it's been great for the game of hockey," Stamkos said. "I watched it last year and this year. I think it's great for fans to see a different side of the players. They don't get to see what happens in the locker room. They don't get to hear what the coaches say when things are going good and when things aren't. It's great for fans to get a taste of what we go through on a day-to-day basis."

What they're saying

C Steven Stamkos was asked what his New Year's resolution would be. He said, for the team, it would be to "get back to playing the hockey we know we can and make it to the playoffs. We owe it to ourselves, the organization, the fans after what we experienced last year. We want to get back into that mix and feel what it's like to play meaningful games at the end of the year."

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

New York Islanders might supply Tampa Bay Lightning with a goalie — again

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

It is one year to the day since the Lightning acquired goaltender Dwayne Roloson from the Islanders in one of two trades that changed its 2010-11 season.

Funny, then, the team again is looking for a goalie and again the most reasonable name, Evgeni Nabokov, is with the Islanders.

It should be stressed that as bad as the numbers are for Tampa Bay's goaltenders, they have not gotten much help from a defense that has been hurt by the absence of injured veteran Mattias Ohlund and is not as quick or consistent as needed.

That is not to let Roloson and Mathieu Garon off the hook. You don't have one of the league's worst goals-against averages if the goalies are doing their jobs.

So what are the pluses and minuses of acquiring Nabokov?

• He would be cheap with an annual salary of $570,000 prorated over whatever portion of the season remains.

• He would be motivated. Nabokov, 36, is probably looking for one more good contract on next summer's free agent market.

• He would give Tampa Bay flexi­bility in that it will not be locked into a contract for next season.

• Nabokov can play. Even in 14 games (13 starts) for lowly New York, he is 4-8 with a 2.46 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. Tampa Bay's combined numbers are 3.13 and .896.

The downside?

• The Islanders can sit back and wait for the price to go up as teams get more desperate.

• Nabokov has had a nagging groin problem this season.

• It has been a while since Nabokov played regularly. Since playing 71 games for the Sharks in 2009-10, Nabokov, because of contract disputes and injuries, has played just 36, including 22 in 2010-11 for St. Petersburg of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League.

• While Nabokov has kicked butt during the regular season — he is 297-186-51 with 29 ties, 50 shutouts, a 2.39 goals-against average and .912 save percentage — he never led some very talented Sharks teams to the Stanley Cup final in nine trips to the playoffs.

Then again, the way the Lightning is going, the playoffs might not even be a consideration.

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

College men's basketball: USF Bulls vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

USF men vs. Rutgers

When/where: Noon, Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa

TV/radio: BHSN; 1250-AM

Records: USF 7-7, 0-1 Big East; Rutgers 8-5, 0-0

Notable: If there were any chance of USF taking the Scarlet Knights lightly, that ended with a double-overtime win against No. 10 Florida. Rutgers is led by freshman G Eli Carter, averaging 12.8 points, with 6-foot-8 Lithuanian Gilvydas Biruta close behind at 11.0. USF is getting solid 3-point shooting from G Jawanza Poland (41.7 percent) and F Toarlyn Fitzpatrick (42.9 percent). It's the kind of home Big East game the Bulls need to win if they're going to be relevant in the conference this season.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman out indefinitely with concussion

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, December 31, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning D Victor Hedman is out indefinitely with a concussion, GM Steve Yzerman said Saturday.

Hedman, 20, suffered the injury during Tuesday's first period when he hit his head on the boards. He hasn't worked out since, and while his symptoms have gotten better, he said he still doesn't "feel right."

Hedman missed just one game after sustaining a concussion as a rookie in 2009-10, but this one is different, he said.

"This is a new feeling for me; a new type of injury," Hedman said. "And concussions, you have to be careful with. You just have to make sure I'm symptom-free when I get back on the ice."

Yzerman said the injury was the result of a good, clean body check, with Hedman pointing out he was off balance and skating fast. Hedman is second on the team in average ice time and a key penalty killer. But Yzerman said his absence doesn't mean a move is coming.

Evan Oberg, recalled from AHL Norfolk on Thursday, will remain as the seventh defenseman. And Yzerman said others have stepped up.

"We're kind of limited," Yzerman said. "Everybody is getting more ice time, and they're all playing pretty well."

That doesn't make it easier for Hedman to sit out.

"It's, obviously, tough. You have to battle through it," Hedman said. "I just have to stay calm and stay even-keeled."

More Medical Matters: C Nate Thompson (lower body) was scratched for the fifth consecutive game and put on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 17. But Thompson could return as early as Tuesday depending on how his skate goes Monday.

"I want to be more than ready to go instead of coming back too early and putting myself back at square one," he said.

Yzerman said W Ryan Shannon is 2-3 weeks from returning from a sprained right knee.

WITH HONORS: The Lightning, literally, rolled out the red carpet for founder Phil Esposito, unveiling a bronze statue of him in front of the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Fans chanted "Thank you, Espo!" as Esposito, joined by friends and family (including brother Tony), addressed the crowd. There was also an in-game video tribute.

"This," Esposito said, "is the icing on the cake."

MILESTONE: RW Marty St. Louis was proud to rack up his 500th assist on C Steven Stamkos' third goal, something Stamkos said he'll remember forever. Fans gave St. Louis an ovation after the milestone was announced.

"When you come into the league, you don't think about that. You just try to find your way," St. Louis said. "And along the way, you reach certain marks. It's flattering, but it's an honor to play in this league."

MISCELLANY: Boucher said RW Steve Downie, who has seven points over his past three games, has been "incredible" in practice and "is getting the results he deserves." … On a night in which the arena was renamed, Times CEO Paul Tash dropped the ceremonial puck and was joined by Lightning owner Jeff Vinik.

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