Walking in a Spurlock Wonderland Job done, emphatically. After the wobble at Houston last week, Bucs fans might have been excused if they were a little apprehensive prior to the Atlanta game, but any nerves were quickly settled when Ronde Barber picked-off Chris Redman for his tenth career defensive score. It was pretty much all one-way traffic after that, on the back of another dominating defensive display. Tampa reeled-off thirty unanswered points and Earnest Graham continued his hot scoring streak with his sixth touchdown in consecutive games, but the real highlight for everyone was Micheal Spurlock’s 90 yard kick-off return. It took 32 seasons and 1,865 attempts, but I can’t believe how easy it actually looked: a catch on the 10-yard line, followed by a cut to the right and no Falcon really had a sniff of catching Spurlock. Mind you, no matter how many times I watch it, there’s still an agonising moment as he nears the end zone when I think he’s going to put his right foot out of play. Before Sunday, Tampa Bay's kick-off returns had covered 37,395 yards, or more than 21 miles. The Bucs have had 140 players run back kicks since 1976, but this was only Spurlock’s tenth return attempt – I think we’ll all be pretty happy if he can maintain a one-in-ten ratio! Finally, that damned monkey is off our backs and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if we manage to run another one back in the next few weeks. Season’s greetings to all Bucs fans OK, it’s hardly "The 12 Days of Christmas", but Sunday’s game did give us:- Five Atlanta First Downs, Four Tampa Touchdowns, Three Bryant Field Goals, Two Interceptions, And a Spurlock kick-off return. Very best wishes to all Bucs fans for Christmas and the New Year. Have a great one, guys. How appropriate that Phil Jones should be among the Bucs UK contingent at the game to witness a piece of team history – I can feel a range of member’s limited edition “I was there when Micheal scored” merchandise coming on. Almost lost amid the euphoria of Spurlock’s return score is the fact that we actually clinched the Division, the fifth straight season that the team winning the NFC South had finished last the previous year. With games against San Francisco and Carolina to finish, we can begin to look forward to a home play-off game. Let’s make sure we keep everyone healthy for the post-season! It remains to be seen how much further the Bucs can go this year. It could be “one and out” in the play-offs, but the Giants are very beatable and Dallas have looked vulnerable in the last two weeks against Detroit and Philly. The Vikings look to be a really dangerous outsider (remember Pittsburgh winning their last four to sneak into the play-offs as a wildcard a couple of years ago, before going on to win the Super Bowl?) and I don’t really fancy our chances if we have to go to frozen Green Bay. Bring on Sergeant-Major Coughlin’s Giants. Didn’t Devin Hester run one back from the endzone against them not so long ago? A letter to Santa Dear Santa, I appreciate that the Elves are probably putting in some overtime at the moment, but I’ve been a good boy (well, sort of) and would be grateful if you could help me out with some last-minute gifts for a few people:- Bill Belichick I know that Bill needs a new video camera, as he lost his in September. I think he’d prefer something small and unobtrusive. I’d like to get him one of those nice hoodies – do they come in any colour other than grey? Could you also bring him a personality, a sense of humour and some good grace? Jeff Garcia and Joey Galloway The Elixir of Youth, as the Bucs are screwed without those two. Joe Gibbs A nice retirement home in the sun – perhaps it’s time this once-great Coach was put out to pasture. Again. Marvin Lewis A new coat – he could be out in the cold at Cincinnati at the end of the year. Tom Coughlin Some Chill Pills – I’m worried that he’s going to spontaneously combust when Eli throws an interception, or when his team gives away another needless penalty. Michael Vick This will probably be quite a lonely time of year for Michael – perhaps you could arrange for a large man called Bubba to introduce himself in the shower room? Terrell Owens T.O. needs some assertiveness training. I think he could be a really good player, if he could just overcome his crippling shyness. Tony Siragusa Could you please find Tony a new job – get this fat fool off of my TV screen! Jerramy Stevens Something non-alcoholic. Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions Parachutes – they’re in freefall. With twenty-one straight defeats between them, they’re beginning to make the Dolphins look good! Nick Halling A new catchphrase – referring to Bengals’ wide-receiver “T.J. who’s-ya-mamma” is wearing a bit thin. Shawn Merriman A new identity – he must still be embarrassed at being pancaked by little Maurice Jones-Drew a few weeks ago. Paul Stewart Do you think that you could find him some more media work? I think the poor chap needs to find something to fill his spare time. Right, that’s everyone else sorted. There are a few things which I would like, if it’s not too much trouble:- Another NFL game at Wembley would be great, but without the crappy weather. And could you bring two decent teams this time? Could you please get someone to explain to my wife what a Tight End is – she sniggers every time she hears the phrase. Talking of tight ends, I’d like a cheerleader please. You know, one of those nice, tanned Tampa girls. Not some gaudy, Dallas minger. I would also like a Bucs UK Salary Cap Fantasy Football League title. You were kind enough to bring me one last year, but I think these things look so much better as a matching pair. Another Super Bowl would be great, but I think you may have already promised it to some people in New England. Yours sincerely, from Mike (age 41?)