Buccaneers Stagger Into Philly

Call the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lowly and you'd be elevating their stature in the world. When it comes to lowly, the Buccaneers have made it an art form through the first quarter of the NFL season. If four losses in a row isn't enough to make you a non-believer, then how about this week's visit to Philadelphia? In previous years, the Buccaneers have tormented the Eagles. They've been a nemesis for Philly-fan. But not this time. With Donovan McNabb back at quarterback and Brian Westbrook good to go, the Eagles are armed and ready. The Buccaneers? They are playing without using arms most of the time, especially when it comes to tackling. Now you'll find that coach Raheem Morris couldn't stop talking about the "positives" from that 16-13 loss to the Redskins last week. He told us about how great Gaines Adams looked with that sack of Jason Campbell and a couple of tackles by the previously lifeless Adams. Raheem talked about how Josh Johnson managed the game well. If 106 yards passing is managing the game, then look out, things could get ugly on Sunday. The fact is that now that Johnson has made an appearance on film, Philly's defense should be licking their chops. Basically Johnson's biggest weapon is running for his proverbial life. Life in the pocket isn't good and he'd rather run than anything else. That won't hack it on the road at Philly. There is no talk of winning outside One Buccaneer Place. What Buccaneer fans are hoping for is their team to "compete." The Buccaneers made it competitive last Sunday in Washington. That was the good news. Bad news is that Redskins team is going nowhere and don't look for Jim Zorn to be head-coaching for owner Daniel Snyder next season. Just compete. That's what hopes are when teams start 0-4. Next question -- what are the hopes for an 0-5 team?