Gannon Suffers Early Knockout
The Tampa Tribune, published 27 September 2004

Rich Gannon's 20-month quest for redemption lasted all of seven snaps. Oakland's veteran QB had been looking forward to his first game against the Bucs since he threw five interceptions and suffered five sacks against Tampa Bay in a 48-21 Super Bowl loss. Gannon completed two of four passes on Oakland's initial possession before the Raiders faced third-and-goal from the 7-yard line.

Unable to find an open receiver, Gannon began scrambling up the middle when Pro Bowl OLB Derrick Brooks delivered a dynamic helmet-to-helmet hit that left the 38-year-old Gannon sprawled on the ground after a 2- yard gain. A dazed Gannon walked off on his own, but veteran Kerry Collins, obtained as a free agent from the Giants in May, made his Oakland debut under center to start the next series. The Raiders announced X-rays on Gannon's sore back were negative.

Twist of fate
Charlie Garner twisted his right knee in the second quarter and never returned. As Tampa Bay's featured back was being carted off the field, a half-dozen Oakland players came by to offer hopes for a rapid recovery. Another former Raider, Rickey Dudley, left the game in the second quarter with a fractured right thumb.

Summit meeting
The Glazers and Raiders owner Al Davis renewed acquaintances Sunday an hour before their teams met in prime time. Malcolm Glazer and his son, Bucs executive vice president Joel Glazer, approached Davis, who was surrounded by security personnel while standing on the sideline in front of the Oakland bench.

On Feb. 18, 2002, Davis and the Glazers signed off on a midnight deal that sent Coach Jon Gruden from Oakland to Tampa Bay in exchange for $8 million and four premium draft choices. The Bucs promptly won a Super Bowl by trouncing the Raiders. Oakland parlayed the picks into two starters - CB Phillip Buchanon and DE Tyler Brayton - and two backups, rookie C Jake Grove and T Langston Walker. Buchanon broke the game open by returning a third-quarter pick 32 yards for a touchdown, putting Oakland ahead 23-6.

Inactives
The Buccaneers named eight players inactive for Sunday night’s game: QB Brian Griese, WR Frank Murphy, FB Greg Comella, T Anthony Davis, G Jeb Terry, WR Joey Galloway, TE Will Heller and DE Josh Savage.