Dilfer Out, Zeier Injured, King In
(November 29, 1999)

Trent Dilfer sustained what was most likely a season ending shoulder injury Sunday at Seattle. Eric Zeier is still recuperating from a rib injury, so rookie Shaun King saw his first NFL action. Quarterback is usually a key position on winning teams, but not as much so in the Buccaneers game plan. All the Bucs ask is that the QB doesn't hurt them and rely on the old adage "defense wins championships." The quarterback position is in turmoil.

Poor Trent Dilfer. After going 3-3 over the first six games, Tony Dungy named Eric Zeier the starting quarterback. Dilfer was inconsistent at times, and even worse at others, and probably deserved to be benched. When Zeier was injured, Dilfer responded by leading the Bucs to three straight victories. Tampa Bay was leading when he was driven into the fake grass in the Kingdome. After going 7-3 as a starter this season, it is possible he has played his last game in a Buccaneers uniform.

Poor Eric Zeier. After getting a starting role, he was injured at game's end and has been the third-string emergency quarterback the past several weeks.

Poor Shaun King. Instead of being brought along slowly, his first start may be a Monday night pressure cooker with first place on the line.

Poor Scott Milanovich. The former Bucs backup, who never played in a regular season game, is the name most often mentioned as the player the Bucs will sign for depth at the QB position.

Poor Blocking. The way the Bucs offensive line pass blocks, anyone who gets in there may be running for their life. Poor blocking has made the once Pro Bowl back field seem mediocre at best. Where are the holes for Dunn and Alstott? Are the opposing defenses sack happy, or is it just against the Bucs? Two number one draft picks next year, can you say offensive line? Get rid of a high priced player (can you say Bert Emanuel?) and sign a free agent offensive lineman.

Despite the offensive woes, the Bucs have won four in a row. In the NFC, only the surprising St. Louis Rams have a record better than Tampa Bay's 7-4. Five games left, two wins mean the playoffs for the second time in three years, three wins might clinch a division title or at least a home playoff game.

The Bucs next game is at Raymond James Stadium Monday night against Minnesota. The Vikings, Detroit and the Bucs are tied atop the NFC Central Division standings. To say the least it is a big game, as is the home game against the Lions the following Sunday. The victory against the first place Seahawks was huge. Victories against the first place Vikings and Lions would be even bigger.