CBS SportsLine
Chat Transcript
September 16, 1997

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Trent Dilfer stopped by to chat with CBS SportsLine fans on September 16, 1997.

Find out what Trent had to say in the full transcript of his chat below.

Chat Host: Thank you all for joining CBS SportsLine today for a special treat -- a live chat with Tampa Bay QB Trent Dilfer! Please welcome our guest. Trent, hello. So glad you could join us.

Trent Dilfer: Hello everyone! I appreciate your patience.

Trent Dilfer: For those wondering whether to buy a Tampa Bay jersey, I'll give you one more reason on Sunday!

Chat Host: From Timbo: Thanks! I was thinking of picking up a jersey this week!

Question: Hey Trent, good game. Do you expect Alstott to be featured more this week because of grass?

Trent Dilfer: I think because of where we're headed, on grass, Mike will be used in a larger role as RB. You'll see Alstott with more carries in the first half.

Question: Trent, how is that you've been able to turn the Bucs around?

Trent Dilfer: It's not nearly as easy as it looks. It has to do with a lot more than just me. It's taken time for our team to get comfortable with a new system. It's going to get harder as we go on.

Question: Is Warrick (Dunn) still going to used on kickoffs?

Trent Dilfer: I think he will continue to be used on special teams. But we are going to keep things simple. It's a key to our success.

Question: Did the offensive line put a bite into your wallet last night, and is the line all healthy?

Trent Dilfer: Oh, quite a bite into my wallet, and they are as healthy as they've ever been!

Chat Host: From Timbo: Hey Trent, I'm in a fantasy league. I'm thinking of trading Dorsey Levens and Shawn Jefferson for you and Horace. Are you worth it?

Trent Dilfer: Timbo, I'm not gonna put up the same type of numbers as a lot of the guys in the high-powered offense will, but I will be consistent week in and week out!

Question: Care to make a prediction for Sunday's game against Miami?

Trent Dilfer: I'll say this: I think it will be our hardest game of the year so far. Jimmy Johnson is going to have his team fired up a lot! It's a new situation for us. We need to stay focused. We need to go out there and execute. And, if we can do that, we should be able to win.

Question: Is the persona of Coach (Tony) Dungy easier to work with than (former coach Sam) Wyche? Is it a totally new offensive scheme?

Trent Dilfer: Coach Dungy is wonderful to work with, and the offensive scheme is one that I'm very comfortable with.

Question: How great is it to be on the only undefeated team in the NFC?

Trent Dilfer: It's nice, but it's so early on in the season that you can't get too excited about it.

Question: I heard (Warren) Sapp is on crutches because of the ankle. True? And will he be ready Sunday night?

Trent Dilfer: That's true. He'll be questionable.

Question: How confident are the Bucs that they can win the NFC?

Trent Dilfer: We're very confident, but at the same time, we realize that the reason we're 3-0 is because we're playing good and hard. We're cautious, because we know it comes down to execution. But we feel that we're up to it.

Question: Do you see coach Dungy building this team similar to the old Steelers?

Trent Dilfer: Yes, I truly believe that's the model he's trying to create.

Question: Does it bother you that some people say the Bucs aren't real and that so far it's just been a lucky start?

Trent Dilfer: I can see why some say the Bucs aren't real. And, all I can say is that we have to continue to play well and win. It doesn't bother me at all.

Question: What changes have you made to throw 150 straight passes without an interception?

Trent Dilfer: It has to do with just believing in what you see and throwing it. And, I know it sounds stupid, but it's true.

Question: Which of your last three opponents have been the toughest and why?

Trent Dilfer: They've all been very tough opponents. But, I think the 49ers were the hardest, because it was the first one. I think people were really surprised. But, any team in this league can beat anybody in this game.

Question: Why do you feel that you and Reidel (Anthony) weren't connecting?

Trent Dilfer: It takes time to get comfortable. He wasn't as comfortable with me as I was with him.

Question: Do you think your success has anything to do with the uniforms?

Trent Dilfer: I don't think it's the new uniforms, but maybe the new image of our franchise and the uniforms are just part of that.

Chat Host: From Barry: It seems all of the players are very businesslike and focused. Keep it up and we, the fans, will go crazy for you guys. How did the reception at One Buc Place feel after the Vikings game?"

Trent Dilfer: Barry, it was wonderful! It was a neat feeling to see all the fans come out. In our city, the fans really deserve a winner!

Question: What does the team think of its chances of beating Green Bay?

Trent Dilfer: I think this is the first team that I've been with that feels that we can go up to Lambeau field and win!

Question: What will it take to beat Miami this Sunday?

Trent Dilfer: To beat Miami, we'll need to execute and stop Marino -- period.

Question: What other teams do you think will be tough?

Trent Dilfer: I think Arizona will be good game, but a tough one. I think anybody you play on the road is tough. And, Arizona has lost some close games. Also, we have a good December schedule with the exception of having to go up to the Meadowlands.

Question: Who is the toughest Buc?

Trent Dilfer: On our defense, I'm scared of them all. But, the one guy I'd be very afraid of would be Sapp!

Question: How did you improve your game so much? Did you just wake up this year and start to play well?

Trent Dilfer: I think it has to do more with my mental state, and I've matured. I think maturity has a lot to do with it.

Question: What do you feel is the most important thing you need to do when you face Green Bay?

Trent Dilfer: With Green Bay, I think you need to sustain drives, completions and constantly put pressure on their defense.

Question: Do you believe (assistant coach Mike) Shula can provide the proper insight knowing he only has a minimum amount of pro experience?

Trent Dilfer: The combination of his experience, and the other staff, properly prepares us each week.

Question: How long did you feel it took Coach Dungy to set the team's mental attitude straight?

Trent Dilfer: I think he's still working on it. It's a process, and the more we're around him, the more we're becoming the mental team that he wants to be.

Question: Trent, will you tell us about your relationship with Jesus?

Trent Dilfer: I'm a Christian, and I'm very committed to my relationship with Jesus.

Trent Dilfer: I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. Thank you for your patience. Be confident that we're doing everything in our power to bring you a winning team. And, to all the Tampa Bay fans, we hope to bring you a winning team, because you deserve it and you've been waiting a long, long time! I hope we all can meet up again soon. Go Bucs!

Chat Host: Trent, thank you so much for joining us on CBS SportsLine! You were a great guest, and we wish you the best of luck. But first, I'd like to share these comments from our audience...

Chat Host: From Jeff: I respect you greatly and how you handle yourself on the field. Stay poised.

Chat Host: From Skinsfan: Trent, how about we put Gus (Frerotte) on the bus and ship him to Tampa, and you come up here and play for us?

Chat Host: From Bevis: Hey Trent, you have made great progress! Last year, this chat room would have said 'Trent who?'

Chat Host: From Dodge: Trent, make the most of this time. Play like you can't be beat. Best of luck to you and the Bucs.