Taking the mobility from McNown

SportsLine.com Report
Sept. 6, 2000

Chicago quarterback Cade McNown thinks the Bears have a better take on how to handle the Bucs defense. The Bears will need all the knowledge they can get when they play at Tampa Bay Sunday, especially considering the Chicago offense hasn't scored a touchdown against Tampa Bay's defense since 1998.

"I think that they play a very tough, very smart brand of football defensively," McNown said. "A lot of what we do well depends on how we see coverages. The Bucs are going to show you something and then another and they do it very well on the run."

Tampa Bay's plans for McNown are to keep him in the pocket because once outside of it, McNown's mobility is his biggest strength. He was the Bears' leading rusher last week against Minnesota. He rushed 10 times for 87 yards and one touchdown.

"In the past, they've moved the ball on us but they haven't scored many points," Tampa Bay defensive tackle Warren Sapp said. "That's the big thing in the game, whenever you're playing defense, keep them off the scoreboard. If you can do that, the better your chances are for winning the game."

NEW DIGS: Buccaneer fullback Mike Alstott got a new locker Wednesday. It was former left tackle Paul Gruber's old locker. Gruber officially announced his retirement Tuesday.

"I asked Paul if I could take over his locker and he said of course," Alstott said. "Now I can feel a part of Paul because he's been there throughout his career. He said I could have it, so I'm honored."

BUCS BITS: If there are any changes to the special teams units this week, it won't be because they almost cost the Bucs last week's game against New England. Injuries to return man Karl Williams (shoulder sprain) and Floyd Young (hamstring strain) could result in a lineup change. ... Strong safety John Lynch did not practice Wednesday. Lynch suffered a deep right thigh bruise against New England last week. He is listed as probable for Sunday's game.