Colts at Buccaneers
THE STORY: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t had a home game on Monday Night Football in eight years. The then-reigning Super Bowl champions played in prime time twice that season, and one of the games was among the most memorable in franchise history – for all the wrong reasons. Tampa Bay gets a chance to avenge possibly the most stunning comeback in league annals when they host the winless Indianapolis Colts on Monday night. The good news for Tampa Bay this time around is the absence of four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning, the primary reason why Indianapolis has a zero in the win column.
TV: ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET. LINE: Buccaneers -10, O/U 41
ABOUT THE COLTS (0-3): Indianapolis turned in an inspired defensive effort last week, twice erasing deficits before losing to Pittsburgh 23-20 on a last-second field goal. With Manning sidelined for perhaps the season with a neck injury, the Colts’ offense has shown little juice, ranking 14th in the AFC with 46 points. Defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis sparked a unit that harassed Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger into three turnovers. Curtis Painter may get the start at QB after Kerry Collins was knocked out of the game with concussion-like symptoms. One bright spot was RB Joseph Addai, who had 86 yards on 17 carries.
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (2-1): Tampa Bay rebounded from a season-opening loss to join New Orleans atop the NFC South. The Buccaneers churned out a 16-13 victory over Atlanta last week in workmanlike fashion, holding the ball nearly 36 minutes while their defense registered four sacks and forced three turnovers. LeGarrette Blount had 81 yards on 24 carries, but the passing game continued to struggle, with QB Josh Freeman throwing for 180 yards and two interceptions. WR Mike Williams is averaging a mere 8.9 yards on 10 catches – down nearly six yards from last season. CB Ronde Barber had an interception and fumble recovery last week.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. In October 2003, the Colts shocked the Bucs with a 38-35 overtime victory, erasing a 35-14 lead with three touchdowns in the last four minutes of regulation. It was the first time in league history a team won after trailing by at least 21 points with four minutes to play.
2. Indianapolis has gone 9-1 in its last 10 games on MNF. Of course, that was with No. 18 under center.
3. With Manning sidelined, Barber is the league’s active leader with 186 consecutive games started. He’s the only player in NFL history with 40 interceptions and 25 sacks.