Game 1: Bucs 24, Vikings 13

Beginners' Pluck

MINNEAPOLIS - For Bucs defenders such as Derrick Brooks, Simeon Rice and Brian Kelly, it has long been a way of life. The team leans on them, and they usually don't fall. They did it again Sunday. Against an opponent that was expected to kick-start a playoff run, they stood strong and tall and served notice yet again that they can carry a team. Guess what? They may not have to. Full story
Final game statistics | Soundoff | Bucs report card | Postgame reaction
Roy Cummings: Team Effort Overwhelmed Minnesota

MORE TRIBUNE STORIES:

Beginners' Pluck
Fennelly column: Bucs Let Secrets On Offense Out Of The Bag
Notebook: Healthy Galloway Makes Difference
Linemen Justify Faith
Smith Gives Bucs An Added Dimension In Opener
Cadillac Shows Tice, Vikings What Might Have Been
Fox Announcers Were Prepared For Bucs-Vikings