The Buc Subject Cupboard is Bare In times like these when your NFL team is eliminated from a post-season still in play, there exists a complete paucity of subject matter to write about and this only changes if the head coach is canned (see Oakland on a yearly basis) or several players have what is artistically defined as “legal issues” (think Cincinnati Bengals). As neither of the above exists in Tampa this January there is little or zilch to occupy the writer, unless I elected to embark on the worlds earliest NFL Draft preview or free agency circus prediction and I’m not going to go down that route, principally because I know little enough about it anyway. A change of one or two assistant coaches doesn’t particularly float my boat either and so I apologise in advance for the small amount of Buc-related content in this week’s missive. The main news of the week came with official confirmation that finally a meaningful NFL Regular season game will be played in the UK. Fun though they were at the time, the American Bowl games in London were phony wars at best with the starters pulled by he second quarter in favour of (in order) the back-ups, then the Burger Flippers (as John Davies delightfully calls them), then the Steve Careford draft picks, before finally the NFL Europe brigade. Thankfully at least we will get to see the Giants and Dolphins strut their stuff in a true contest with something at stake – and of course we can abuse the Dolphins and their UK fan brigade, who’s attachment to the team was formed out of watching either Miami Vice, CSI Miami or Ace Ventura. It remains to be confirmed that Wembley will be completed for the event, after all it's only been six years hasn’t it? Consider that this redevelopment of Wembley commenced so long ago the sadly departed World Trade Centre remained in place – and so I wouldn’t yet bank on Wembley being able to host our little shindig. Whatever the venue let’s hope tickets can be acquired and NFL fans, the statto geek brigade and the inevitable bandwagon jumpers can enjoy the game itself. The downside is the inevitable tone of the British media coverage – think Gabby Logan asking the Dolphins cheerleaders if they are dating the players, or a “Gavin Henson Could Line-up for the Giants” Sun headline. We await further news on the event with baited breath. A few things I think 1) Hey CBS, for gods sake get rid of that awful noise that blares out every time the picture cuts to a different view after a replay in the play-offs. That repeated shrill drove me mad last Sunday and sounds likes a cross between the opening of the sliding doors on the Starship Enterprise, and my old granddad farting in his armchair after a hefty Sunday lunch. Lose it please. 2) Hey CBS (II) though I think the Simms spotlight feature is a worthwhile venture must we have to suffer 46 flashes of the same picture of Phil chucking the ball as a New York Giant back in the 80’s. We all know Mr Simms is an ex-NFL player for god’s sake, and if you are not aware of this fact then chances are you aren’t that interested in “Simms Spotlight” anyway. 3) More gems from Nick Halling last week with my favourite being uttered with 3 minutes to go in the Chicago-Seattle game, tied at 24-24, Nick comes up with the fabulous analysis that “You know everybody, all Seattle needs is a Field Goal here” – thanks Nick, wouldn’t have figured that out at all. 4) Good feature by Marc Kemp on where to go and where to eat in Tampa. I think after the Twits cheerleaders shenanigans, Banana Joe’s has to be added to the list, surely. 5) Loved the list of the 14 signees the Bucs have made since the close of the season, with my favourites being Safety Tra Boger Tulane (watch out for the Boger man), and WR Jovon Bouk (at bedtime)night. Solely in the interests of piss-taking, I urge Jon Gruden to retain these two fine young men. Time for my award nomimations In kind with all the other writers on this site I'll also open up my ballot for the Bucs UK Awards this year, and in the true spirit of transparency this is the way I voted: - Offensive player – Joey Galloway. I’ll be amazed if he gets less than 95% of the vote. We were that bad on offense that Tim Rattay will probably be runner-up Defensive Player – Ronde Barber. In a season devoid of highlight plays or consistency on defense itself, Ronde was the standout for me. Special Teamer – Matt Bryant. A 62 yard field goal on the last play is the stuff of legend, and that kick alone clinches against what is admittedly crummy opposition for the award. Rookie of The Year – In the games I saw Jeremy Trueblood caught my eye. He may not be as naturally talented as Davin Joseph but I thought he showed promise and improved s the season went on. Writer of the Year – Dennis Crawford. I learn something new and insightful about the Bucs with every column I read from Dennis, and his analysis is always thoughtful and sharp. Dickhead of the Year – Terrell Owens. With a nod of acknowledgement to super-criminal Chris Henry. Nick Halling just isn’t significant enough to vote for here. Buccaneer of the Year – Phil Jones. Not only does Phil effectively give his house over to a complete rabble every July, but he also gives hours of his time organising tickets for Buc fans across the UK year after year. NFL Player of the Year – Ladanian Tomlinson. No player leads his team more than this guy – without him they are a 9-7 club. My Favourite Buccaneer – For the umpteenth year running, Derrick Brooks. The legend oozes class, both on and off the field. Play-Off Predictions Thanks to Marty Schottenheimer's fabulous play-off coaching clinic last Sunday I registered a Dr Z like 2-2 record, and am now 5-3 for the play-offs as a whole… in a word, bobbins. On to this week and in the AFC I'll vote totally with my heart. I hate the Patriots and the way the American media fawns over though so its Colts all the way for me – they deserve it, and we all deserve a Super Bowl without America’s media darlings. In the NFC can the Cinderella story go on? Yes it can. The Saints can run the ball with power and finesse and have the better all around team. Providing a blizzard doesn’t descend on Soldier Field and they don’t go behind early I'll vote for our NFC South neighbours to complete the ultimate fairytale recovery. Nod of Acknowledgement to - The Colts Defense Where have these guys been for the last four months? Play like that two more times fellas, and you get to wear the hats. Sports News Story I No Longer Give a Toss About – Anything at all connected with the LA Galaxy. I am now of course a New York Red Bulls fan as a result. Get in the Real World Award - Without meaning to dance on their grave, The San Diego Chargers All that hoopla and celebration at gaining homefield advantage, and what did it get them exactly? One more game than the Bucs in the 2006 season, and a whole lot of red faces that’s what.