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The Tampa Tribune, published 30 September 2002
STATS
The Bucs have won three consecutive games in September for just the fourth time in 27 seasons, the third time since 1997. The Buccaneers’ victory is their fourth in a row over Cincinnati, dating back to a 19-16 win in 1995. That four-game streak equals Tampa Bay’s longest active streak against any team; coincidentally, both of those strings reached four games in the same week. The Bucs won their fourth straight (regular season) game against the Rams on Monday.
HOME FROM HOME
The Bucs seem to like their semi-annual trip to Cincinnati. With their win today, the Bucs have won three straight games in Cincy, tying the team record for consecutive road victories in the same location. The feat has been achieved on three other occasions, but none since a streak against the Green Bay Packers from 1987 to 1989 (the first game of that stretch was actually played in Milwaukee). The other two three-game same-venue streaks were at Detroit from 1986 to 1988 and at New Orleans from 1977 to 1982. That Saints streak, by the way, began with the first win in franchise history.).
NO PICKS
Brad Johnson ran his team record streak of consecutive passes without an interception to 187 before Simmons’ pick in the first quarter.
12 NOT ENOUGH
How good was it going for the Bucs on Sunday? Near the beginning of the second half, WR Karl Williams returned a punt 36 yards to the Bengals’ 37 despite Cincinnati being flagged for having 12 men on the field.
INJURY UPDATE
The Bucs departed Cincinnati on Sunday night delighted with their performance and their good fortune. The only injury was a left foot sprain suffered by long snapper Mike Solwold.
SOME SYMPATHY
Simeon Rice and Derrick Brooks each expressed some consideration for the plight of the Bengals, who haven't made the playoffs since 1990. ``It's been tough on them for a while,'' said Brooks, who had five tackles and a sack. ``I know some of their guys, but on this given Sunday, I was trying to add to their problems.'' Rice came to Tampa from Arizona, where he was used to being out of the playoff chase by December. ``I've been there, so there's a lot of empathy from my side,'' Rice said. ``From their side, it looks like a long year.''
SURPRISE, SURPRISE
The parity in the NFL has Gruden expecting upsets on a regular basis. When the unbeaten Saints were stunned at Ford Field by the winless Lions, Gruden took the result in stride. ``There's no surprises to me whatsoever in this league,'' Gruden said after the 3-1 Bucs forged a three-way tie atop the NFC South with New Orleans and Carolina. ``It is still too early to watch behind you. Just take your rearview mirrors down and concentrate on what is in front of you or you are going to get your block knocked off. That's just a philosophy you've got to have today.''
INACTIVES
Tampa Bay's inactives were QB Shaun King, rookie CB Tim Wansley, rookie RB Travis Stephens, RB Jameel Cook, injured OT Kenyatta Walker, rookie WR Marquise Walker, WR Reggie Barlow and DT Buck Gurley.
BIONIC MAN
Kerry Jenkins, labeled ``tougher than a $2 steak,'' by Coach Jon Gruden during the week, started Sunday's game despite suffering a fractured left fibula against the Rams Monday night. Jenkins, signed from the Jets as a free agent, extended his streak of consecutive NFL starts to 52 and played the entire game as the Bucs rolled up 363 yards against the Bengals.
He also confirmed he was fined $5,000 by the league last week for a leg whip against St. Louis, joining LT Roman Oben on the NFL hit list. ``It's no big deal. This is the only way I know how to do it,'' Jenkins said of his resiliency. ``I've played with worse. I was doing what I felt I should do.''
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