I've waiting long enough on the status of Bucs Quarterback Jeff Garcia for Sunday's game against Atlanta.  Am I convinced he will start against Atlanta Sunday?  No.  Am I convinced Luke McCown will be the backup QB to Garcia?  No.

      I am concerned about Garcia's calf injury.  We saw the affect it had on Garcia in the opener against New Orleans.  So here's the way we see it.  Garcia will likely start, but will be on a short leash Sunday if that injury in any way inhibits his throwing or running ability.  Who will step in?  Everyone is pointing to McCown.  He took a large portion of first-team reps this week.  I would not rule out Griese.  We are in crunch time here folks, and you know Gruden - If he thinks Griese is ready to backup, he will go with the veteran that covered for them when Garcia was injured earlier this season.  THAT'S WHY HE WAS SIGNED IN THE OFF-SEASON.  Besides he was the starting QB that beat Atlanta earlier this season.

      Now that we have this QB situation thought out.  let's get to the real meat and potatoes of what TB must do Sunday to win.  RUN THE FOOTBALL.  Bucs must run for over 100 yards to win this game.  Two: Get Cadillac or Dunn in open space with inside or outside screens, or quick flares to get them one on one with Atlanta's linebackers.

      Defensively, I am worried about Atlanta's running game, even without looking back on that horrific performance by Monte's crew vs. Carolina Monday night.  I have to stress again, that this defense, just like last week, needs to pull off a home-like performance.  I did not like hearing what Ronde said earlier this week that Carolina's duo-backfield of Stewart and Williams wore the Bucs down in the 4th quarter.  What do you think Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood will do?   I believe the cold weather had something to do with the poor tackling by Bucs "D" Monday night.  That will not be a factor this Sunday in G-Dome.

      By the way, Atlanta is averaging 32 points + at home this season.  You even take away the blowout again Detroit and KC at the Georgia Dome, it's still averaged out to 30. Defensively, Atlanta is allowing 21 points a game at home this season, 23 if you discard the Lions, KC matchups.  Either way you look at it, Atlanta has outscored their opponents, at the least, by 7 points a game at home on average.  That figure includes home games against NO, DEN, CAR, CHI.

     Here's the X-factor for Bucs this week.  Special Teams.  Did not expect much from that group last week vs. Carolina.  I do this week, because the Bucs can't win this game without ST making an impact. 

     So, without further delay.....TK's Bucs pick this week is..........

                                          Bucs +3 (counting on Special Teams)

                                              TK's pick  vs. Spread  9-2-1