The Buccaneers have everything right there for the taking.

   A playoff spot.

   Back-to-back division titles.

   Homefield.

   And an opening round bye.

   As the playoff drive hits high gear, the NFC South has become the class of the conference.  All 4 teams can win the division.  All 4 teams can make the playoffs.

   The Buccaneers are in the driver's seat at 8-3 and with wins over Carolina and Atlanta.  These next 3 games will make or break their postseason fortunes. 

   They'd love to get revenge on the Saints Sunday at Raymond James. -- the Saints beat them on opening day.  From there, trips to Carolina and Atlanta.  And the Buccaneers have shown they can rally on the road.  But unlike comeback wins at Chicago, KC and Detroit...the Buccaneers had best not spot the home team a big early lead.

   The Buccaneers' offense still has to find a regular route to the end zone.  But Clifton Smith has given them spark on special teams.  He's giving the Buccaneers an added dimension.  He's also giving Jeff Garcia a shorter field. 

   Bottom line, the Buccaneers learned last season that manipulating your lineup to get healthy heading into the playoffs..doesn't cut it.  They should want everything. 

   A playoff spot.

   Back-to-back division titles.

   Homefield.

   And an opening round bye.

  Al Keck