Shining Stars

As I was watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers today I saw a ray of hope. Actually, I saw several – the young defense and Luke McCown. Yeah, I know, they stunk up the place at the end of the game but at least they gave it a real try. You have to remember that many, if not all starters were out at that point. Plus I wonder if Monte Kiffin stops paying attention by the 4th but that’s a different story…

In the first half I noticed that there are some really strong young guys that are following in the footsteps of that great, Super Bowl winning D. Barrett Ruud has over 100 tackles for the year. Phillip Buchanan has about 59 tackles on the year and an interception today (his second this season). In addition, Jermaine Phillips has 83 tackles for the season. Don’t forget Jovan Haye and Gaines Adams with 6 sacks apiece. I was so excited when the broadcasters were announcing those stats that I almost tripped on my way to the kitchen! Luke MCown is proving to be a viable backup as well. While he does make some rookie mistakes, he completed 21 of 28 passes against Carolina. Overall, his completion percentage is just over that of Jeff Garcia. I sit in excited anticipation for the game next week. I only wish I could fly out and actually be there! Fire them cannons!

I really have to mention someone else that impressed me this weekend, the last of the NFL regular season. While I have never been a New York Giants fan, I have to give them and Eli Manning a lot of credit. They refused to go quietly and I really thought they had a realistic shot at winning Saturday. I have always been of the opinion that Manning was in the league due to nepotism, but he has silenced much of my doubt. I grudgingly admit that he made me a believer in his skill. Next week’s game in Tampa should be interesting.

One last note – how about those Jacksonville Jaguars? They are the epitome of impressive and I’ll be pulling for them in the AFC. They’ll need all the support they can get in that tough conference.