Post by tucker9450 on Sept 9, 2007 19:37:04 GMT -5
years of the bucs 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999
2007
WR Joey Galloway hopes to start a third consecutive 1,000-yard season against his former team
Overheard in the Bucs' locker room this week
Sep 09, 2007 - The Joey Galloway rules weren't Joey Galloway's idea.
It wasn't Galloway's decision, two years ago, to cut his practice time in half while most of his Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates were toiling through two-a-days. Nor did he request to get occasional midweek passes from practice when the regular season began. Such moves were instituted by the Bucs' coaching staff – and since have been extended to a handful of other veterans – after Galloway missed six games during his 10th NFL season due to a groin injury.
The idea was to sacrifice some of Galloway's practice-field time in order to make sure he was on the field come game day. It has worked magnificently – the talented receiver has played every game over the last two seasons and, for the first time since he was 26 and 27 years old, has posted two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Galloway famously follows a strict and personalized workout regimen each offseason in order to maintain his world-class speed; that and the Bucs decision to lighten his practice load have kept him among the league's most productive receivers well past the age most speed merchants remain effective.
But a football player wants to play football. If there's a game going on, or even a practice, a receiver wants to catch passes. Watching every other workout from the sideline is not the ideal way to get in the flow of the season.
That is why Galloway is particularly anxious for Sunday's season opener in Seattle, where he coincidentally begin his NFL career in 2005. He knows there are no Joey Galloway rules on game day, unless you happen to be a defensive back on the opposing team. It's finally time to play 60 full minutes.
“I’m very excited," he said. "I think when you go to camp it’s a little different excitement than when you get out of camp. When you’re in this week, when you finally get to start preparing for a team, to go play them, it’s a different excitement. Personally, I feel great. I’m looking forward to this season and I’m looking forward to this game.”
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" It’s not like you bring in a Jeff Garcia and figure you’re rebuilding. You figure you bring him in to win games. We’re excited about the guys who are here, we’ve worked extremely hard and we’ll find out on Sunday."
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Galloway, who is just 442 yards shy of the 10,000 mark for his career, has "pretty much done and seen it all at this point," he says. He has caught passes in games from five different quarterbacks since arriving in Tampa, and many more over his 12 seasons with the Seahawks, Cowboys and Buccaneers. Still, he has high hopes for the Buccaneers' attack in 2007, believing in what the marriage of quarterback Jeff Garcia and Head Coach Jon Gruden can create.
"We’re looking forward to it," said Galloway. "Coach Gruden does a terrific job of moving guys around, getting guys in situations to be successful. Jeff has been in the West Coast offense for a long time. He’s a timing guy, he gets the ball off and I’m looking forward to playing in that situation.
“Jeff is different in different ways. He scrambles a lot. That’s an adjustment for us, and I’m sure it’s going to be an adjustment for defenses. With him in there, you’ve got to stay alive because plays last longer. I scored a touchdown in Miami because he made a play. You just have to stay alive longer, which means defenses will have to play longer.”
The Buccaneers had the NFL's most successful passing attack during the just-concluded preseason, in terms of touchdown passes (10) and team passer rating (104.2). Obviously, that counts for nothing in the standings or the yardage rankings during the regular season, but it felt like a concrete positive step forward to Galloway and his offensive mates.
The Bucs have ranked 22nd, 23rd and 29th on offense in his three seasons with the team, but Galloway believes the team's offseason moves and the maturation of several young players could finally have that unit on the verge of big things.
"That’s the plan," he said. "When you bring guys in, especially the caliber of guys that we’ve brought in, you expect to win games with those guys. It’s not like you bring in a Jeff Garcia and figure you’re rebuilding. You figure you bring him in to win games. We’re excited about the guys who are here, we’ve worked extremely hard and we’ll find out on Sunday.
"Whether we have to pass it or run it, we’re looking forward to finally getting our best guys on the field, going out there and seeing what happens. I think Jeff’s going to have a great effect on both.”
The Bucs consider the structure of their receiving corps a work in progress, as David Boston, Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard and Maurice Stovall make their respective cases for more playing time at flanker. In the meantime, Galloway is the stalwart at split end, a man the team wants on the field as much as possible.
In fact, the Bucs could have him out there more this year than at any point in his first three seasons with the team. That's because Galloway might get a more frequent opportunity to do something he has really only dabbled in since leaving Dallas. After releasing return men Mark Jones and Chad Owens, the team may call on Galloway to return punts among a rotating cast of veterans in that role.
Count him in, says Galloway, who has a career 9.7-yard punt return average and five TDs in that role.
“I’m excited," he said. "I’ve returned punts my entire life. I’m looking forward to it. It’s another chance to touch the football. Any time you’re in a skill position situation on a team, you want to touch the ball.”
That's true for such players any time they're on the field with their teams, whether it's during training camp, a preseason game or the real thing. And that's why Galloway is thrilled the regular season has finally arrived. When game day rolls around, there are no Joey Galloway rules.
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Kids at Play
The Bucs will open their season today at Seattle's Qwest Field
NFL Game Center: Follow the action
Sep 09, 2007 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will start two rookies in their 2007 season opener, but first-round choice Gaines Adams is not among them.
As expected, second-round guard Arron Sears, the former Tennessee star, will get the call at left guard. And, as has been rumored in recent days, fourth-round safety Tanard Jackson will open the game at free safety. Jackson, a standout cornerback at Syracuse who has made an impressively quick conversion to safety, replaces last year's starter, Will Allen.
Meanwhile, Adams will come off the bench but is likely to see significant action. With designated right end starter Patrick Chukwurah out with a knee injury, veteran Kevin Carter will open at that spot while Greg Spires continues to start at left end.
The Buccaneers have also declared their eight game-day inactives, which includes two recently-added players in linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and cornerback Anthony Madison. In addition, the Bucs have deactivated Chukwurah, quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Chris Simms, tackle Anthony Davis, guard Dan Buenning and defensive tackle Ryan Sims. Gradkowski is the designated third quarterback.
Two of the three reserve linebackers active for the game are also rookies, as third-rounder Quincy Black and sixth-rounder Adam Hayward join Ryan Nece as backups. All three are likely to see extensive action on special teams, as is second-round rookie safety Sabby Piscitelli.
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" We've got some receivers who can run, a line that can protect and now a quarterback who's mobile, and is maybe even at his best in that situation."
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Fifth-round rookie defensive tackle Greg Peterson also made it onto the 45-man game-day active list ahead of the veteran Sims. Peterson is the lone reserve tackle kept active, though Carter is more than capable of moving inside. Free agent Greg White, the former Arena League star who was one of the surprises on the 53-man roster, is also active for the game.
Center John Wade is the only member of the offensive line that started last year's season opener who is still in the lineup today. Luke Petitgout, an offseason free agent acquisition, is the new starter at left tackle, and second-year men Jeremy Trueblood and Davin Joseph will start at right tackle and right guard, respectively, where they took over about a month into the 2006 campaign. The Bucs two active O-line backups are tackle Donald Penn and center/guard Matt Lehr.
The Bucs have kept all five of their receivers active. WR Ike Hilliard will start at flanker opposite split end Joey Galloway, but the Bucs also expect to make extensive use of David Boston, Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall.
And, of course, new Buc Jeff Garcia will get his first start under center for Tampa Bay. Garcia played only sparingly during the preseason but still managed to impress with his mobility and creativity.
"Jeff Garcia has clearly made things different for us," said Buccaneers Head Coach Jon Gruden. "And he's a blast, a fun guy to coach. He's got the personality to lead this team. I call him 'barbed wire.' If you're not careful with him, he'll cut you up.
"Those guys who are rare passers – the Peyton Mannings and Dan Marinos – only come along every so often. A lot of the other quarterbacks who succeed in the league are versatile guys who can move around and keep plays alive. Jeff is that type of player. We've got some receivers who can run, a line that can protect and now a quarterback who's mobile, and is maybe even at his best in that situation."
Garcia will get his chance to prove Gruden correct shortly. The Bucs and Seahawks kick off at 4:15 p.m. ET in Seattle's Qwest Field.
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First Half Report: Bucs Trail Seahawks, 10-6
QB Jeff Garcia completed 10 of 14 passes for 142 yards in the first half
Pregame Report: Rookie Jackson to start
Sep 09, 2007 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have carried their offensive proficiency of the preseason into today's regular-season opener – at least between the 20s.
Led by Jeff Garcia's sharp passing, the Bucs have posted 193 yards by the end of the first half, including 135 through the air. However, an inability to punch the ball into the end zone has allowed Seattle to rally for a 10-6 halftime lead.
With the exception of a long pass allowed to Seattle wide receiver Bobby Engram in the second quarter the Buccaneers’ defense has also played reasonably well, though Seattle has gained 158 first-half yards. Unfortunately, one Buccaneer turnover and a long Seahawk punt return has repeatedly put the defense into tough situations.
The first of those came in the initial minutes of the game after Bucs running back Cadillac Williams coughed up the ball, setting up the Seattle offense at midfield. Unfazed by the sudden turnover, the Bucs defense held the Seahawks to a three-and-out, thanks largely to an outstanding play by cornerback Ronde Barber.
Barber’s play came on third down on a pass intended for wide receiver D.J. Hackett.
Diving in the air, Barber stretched out to bat the pass down and force a Seattle punt.
Another big defensive stand came on Seattle’s opening drive of the second quarter, which began at their own 14-yard line. Resorting to some trickery from the Tampa Bay 35-yard line, the Seahawks attempted a flea flicker. The play, however, backfired as safety Jermaine Phillips came flying in for an 11-yard sack of QB Matt Hasselbeck. The takedown resulted in a third-and-18. Unable to convert, Seattle punted a play later.
Later in the half the Bucs’ defense was at it again, this time after a deep pass to Engram that had moved the ball to the Tampa Bay seven-yard line. Refusing to give ground, the Buccaneers’ defense impressively snuffed out a first-and-goal, forcing Seattle to settle for a field goal.
A 56-yard punt return by Seattle wide receiver Nate Burleson with under two minutes remaining in the half finally put the Buccaneers’ defense in a scenario they couldn’t overcome. Backed up on their own 14-yard line, the Bucs’ defense yielded a touchdown to running back Shaun Alexander, giving Seattle their 10-6 lead at the half.
Other Observations From the First Half of Sunday’s Game
S Tanard Jackson, who started the game at free safety, became only the fourth defensive rookie to make an opening-day start in the NFL since 1995.
It didn’t take long for WR Joey Galloway to make his presence felt. On the Bucs’ second possession, Galloway raced down the sideline, beating Seattle CB Kelly Jennings for an athletic catch that netted 41 yards and moved the ball to the Seattle 25-yard line.
The Bucs’ first points of the 2007 regular season came courtesy of K Matt Bryant’s leg. Bryant connected on a 38-yard field goal with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter of the game. The field goal moved Bryant into sole possession of fifth place in team history with 39. Entering the game, Bryant was tied with K Steve Christie, who connected on 38 field goals from 1990-91.
WR Ike Hilliard turned in a big play from the Tampa Bay 16-yard line on third-and-four, working his way open over the middle of the field and catching a pass for a 28-yard gain that eventually led to a Matt Bryant field goal.
On that same possession, the Bucs’ drive was extended thanks to a roughing-the-passer penalty on Seattle LB Leroy Hill. The penalty came on third down after Garcia fired incomplete to RB Cadillac Williams in the end zone.
Tampa Bay dominated the time of possession during the first quarter of the game, holding on to the ball for 11:08 as compared to Seattle’s 3:52.
Though they ultimately wound up punting from their 32-yard line, the Buccaneers’ offense did a nice job of moving the ball from deep in their own territory midway through the second quarter. Backed up on their own eight-yard line, the Bucs chipped away, moving the ball down the field and giving P Josh Bidwell enough room to get off a respectable punt. The result was Seattle started their ensuing drive from their own 21-yard line rather than from midfield.
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2007
WR Joey Galloway hopes to start a third consecutive 1,000-yard season against his former team
Overheard in the Bucs' locker room this week
Sep 09, 2007 - The Joey Galloway rules weren't Joey Galloway's idea.
It wasn't Galloway's decision, two years ago, to cut his practice time in half while most of his Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates were toiling through two-a-days. Nor did he request to get occasional midweek passes from practice when the regular season began. Such moves were instituted by the Bucs' coaching staff – and since have been extended to a handful of other veterans – after Galloway missed six games during his 10th NFL season due to a groin injury.
The idea was to sacrifice some of Galloway's practice-field time in order to make sure he was on the field come game day. It has worked magnificently – the talented receiver has played every game over the last two seasons and, for the first time since he was 26 and 27 years old, has posted two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Galloway famously follows a strict and personalized workout regimen each offseason in order to maintain his world-class speed; that and the Bucs decision to lighten his practice load have kept him among the league's most productive receivers well past the age most speed merchants remain effective.
But a football player wants to play football. If there's a game going on, or even a practice, a receiver wants to catch passes. Watching every other workout from the sideline is not the ideal way to get in the flow of the season.
That is why Galloway is particularly anxious for Sunday's season opener in Seattle, where he coincidentally begin his NFL career in 2005. He knows there are no Joey Galloway rules on game day, unless you happen to be a defensive back on the opposing team. It's finally time to play 60 full minutes.
“I’m very excited," he said. "I think when you go to camp it’s a little different excitement than when you get out of camp. When you’re in this week, when you finally get to start preparing for a team, to go play them, it’s a different excitement. Personally, I feel great. I’m looking forward to this season and I’m looking forward to this game.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" It’s not like you bring in a Jeff Garcia and figure you’re rebuilding. You figure you bring him in to win games. We’re excited about the guys who are here, we’ve worked extremely hard and we’ll find out on Sunday."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Galloway, who is just 442 yards shy of the 10,000 mark for his career, has "pretty much done and seen it all at this point," he says. He has caught passes in games from five different quarterbacks since arriving in Tampa, and many more over his 12 seasons with the Seahawks, Cowboys and Buccaneers. Still, he has high hopes for the Buccaneers' attack in 2007, believing in what the marriage of quarterback Jeff Garcia and Head Coach Jon Gruden can create.
"We’re looking forward to it," said Galloway. "Coach Gruden does a terrific job of moving guys around, getting guys in situations to be successful. Jeff has been in the West Coast offense for a long time. He’s a timing guy, he gets the ball off and I’m looking forward to playing in that situation.
“Jeff is different in different ways. He scrambles a lot. That’s an adjustment for us, and I’m sure it’s going to be an adjustment for defenses. With him in there, you’ve got to stay alive because plays last longer. I scored a touchdown in Miami because he made a play. You just have to stay alive longer, which means defenses will have to play longer.”
The Buccaneers had the NFL's most successful passing attack during the just-concluded preseason, in terms of touchdown passes (10) and team passer rating (104.2). Obviously, that counts for nothing in the standings or the yardage rankings during the regular season, but it felt like a concrete positive step forward to Galloway and his offensive mates.
The Bucs have ranked 22nd, 23rd and 29th on offense in his three seasons with the team, but Galloway believes the team's offseason moves and the maturation of several young players could finally have that unit on the verge of big things.
"That’s the plan," he said. "When you bring guys in, especially the caliber of guys that we’ve brought in, you expect to win games with those guys. It’s not like you bring in a Jeff Garcia and figure you’re rebuilding. You figure you bring him in to win games. We’re excited about the guys who are here, we’ve worked extremely hard and we’ll find out on Sunday.
"Whether we have to pass it or run it, we’re looking forward to finally getting our best guys on the field, going out there and seeing what happens. I think Jeff’s going to have a great effect on both.”
The Bucs consider the structure of their receiving corps a work in progress, as David Boston, Michael Clayton, Ike Hilliard and Maurice Stovall make their respective cases for more playing time at flanker. In the meantime, Galloway is the stalwart at split end, a man the team wants on the field as much as possible.
In fact, the Bucs could have him out there more this year than at any point in his first three seasons with the team. That's because Galloway might get a more frequent opportunity to do something he has really only dabbled in since leaving Dallas. After releasing return men Mark Jones and Chad Owens, the team may call on Galloway to return punts among a rotating cast of veterans in that role.
Count him in, says Galloway, who has a career 9.7-yard punt return average and five TDs in that role.
“I’m excited," he said. "I’ve returned punts my entire life. I’m looking forward to it. It’s another chance to touch the football. Any time you’re in a skill position situation on a team, you want to touch the ball.”
That's true for such players any time they're on the field with their teams, whether it's during training camp, a preseason game or the real thing. And that's why Galloway is thrilled the regular season has finally arrived. When game day rolls around, there are no Joey Galloway rules.
____________________________________________________
Kids at Play
The Bucs will open their season today at Seattle's Qwest Field
NFL Game Center: Follow the action
Sep 09, 2007 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will start two rookies in their 2007 season opener, but first-round choice Gaines Adams is not among them.
As expected, second-round guard Arron Sears, the former Tennessee star, will get the call at left guard. And, as has been rumored in recent days, fourth-round safety Tanard Jackson will open the game at free safety. Jackson, a standout cornerback at Syracuse who has made an impressively quick conversion to safety, replaces last year's starter, Will Allen.
Meanwhile, Adams will come off the bench but is likely to see significant action. With designated right end starter Patrick Chukwurah out with a knee injury, veteran Kevin Carter will open at that spot while Greg Spires continues to start at left end.
The Buccaneers have also declared their eight game-day inactives, which includes two recently-added players in linebacker Jeremiah Trotter and cornerback Anthony Madison. In addition, the Bucs have deactivated Chukwurah, quarterbacks Bruce Gradkowski and Chris Simms, tackle Anthony Davis, guard Dan Buenning and defensive tackle Ryan Sims. Gradkowski is the designated third quarterback.
Two of the three reserve linebackers active for the game are also rookies, as third-rounder Quincy Black and sixth-rounder Adam Hayward join Ryan Nece as backups. All three are likely to see extensive action on special teams, as is second-round rookie safety Sabby Piscitelli.
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" We've got some receivers who can run, a line that can protect and now a quarterback who's mobile, and is maybe even at his best in that situation."
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Fifth-round rookie defensive tackle Greg Peterson also made it onto the 45-man game-day active list ahead of the veteran Sims. Peterson is the lone reserve tackle kept active, though Carter is more than capable of moving inside. Free agent Greg White, the former Arena League star who was one of the surprises on the 53-man roster, is also active for the game.
Center John Wade is the only member of the offensive line that started last year's season opener who is still in the lineup today. Luke Petitgout, an offseason free agent acquisition, is the new starter at left tackle, and second-year men Jeremy Trueblood and Davin Joseph will start at right tackle and right guard, respectively, where they took over about a month into the 2006 campaign. The Bucs two active O-line backups are tackle Donald Penn and center/guard Matt Lehr.
The Bucs have kept all five of their receivers active. WR Ike Hilliard will start at flanker opposite split end Joey Galloway, but the Bucs also expect to make extensive use of David Boston, Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall.
And, of course, new Buc Jeff Garcia will get his first start under center for Tampa Bay. Garcia played only sparingly during the preseason but still managed to impress with his mobility and creativity.
"Jeff Garcia has clearly made things different for us," said Buccaneers Head Coach Jon Gruden. "And he's a blast, a fun guy to coach. He's got the personality to lead this team. I call him 'barbed wire.' If you're not careful with him, he'll cut you up.
"Those guys who are rare passers – the Peyton Mannings and Dan Marinos – only come along every so often. A lot of the other quarterbacks who succeed in the league are versatile guys who can move around and keep plays alive. Jeff is that type of player. We've got some receivers who can run, a line that can protect and now a quarterback who's mobile, and is maybe even at his best in that situation."
Garcia will get his chance to prove Gruden correct shortly. The Bucs and Seahawks kick off at 4:15 p.m. ET in Seattle's Qwest Field.
__________________________________________________
First Half Report: Bucs Trail Seahawks, 10-6
QB Jeff Garcia completed 10 of 14 passes for 142 yards in the first half
Pregame Report: Rookie Jackson to start
Sep 09, 2007 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have carried their offensive proficiency of the preseason into today's regular-season opener – at least between the 20s.
Led by Jeff Garcia's sharp passing, the Bucs have posted 193 yards by the end of the first half, including 135 through the air. However, an inability to punch the ball into the end zone has allowed Seattle to rally for a 10-6 halftime lead.
With the exception of a long pass allowed to Seattle wide receiver Bobby Engram in the second quarter the Buccaneers’ defense has also played reasonably well, though Seattle has gained 158 first-half yards. Unfortunately, one Buccaneer turnover and a long Seahawk punt return has repeatedly put the defense into tough situations.
The first of those came in the initial minutes of the game after Bucs running back Cadillac Williams coughed up the ball, setting up the Seattle offense at midfield. Unfazed by the sudden turnover, the Bucs defense held the Seahawks to a three-and-out, thanks largely to an outstanding play by cornerback Ronde Barber.
Barber’s play came on third down on a pass intended for wide receiver D.J. Hackett.
Diving in the air, Barber stretched out to bat the pass down and force a Seattle punt.
Another big defensive stand came on Seattle’s opening drive of the second quarter, which began at their own 14-yard line. Resorting to some trickery from the Tampa Bay 35-yard line, the Seahawks attempted a flea flicker. The play, however, backfired as safety Jermaine Phillips came flying in for an 11-yard sack of QB Matt Hasselbeck. The takedown resulted in a third-and-18. Unable to convert, Seattle punted a play later.
Later in the half the Bucs’ defense was at it again, this time after a deep pass to Engram that had moved the ball to the Tampa Bay seven-yard line. Refusing to give ground, the Buccaneers’ defense impressively snuffed out a first-and-goal, forcing Seattle to settle for a field goal.
A 56-yard punt return by Seattle wide receiver Nate Burleson with under two minutes remaining in the half finally put the Buccaneers’ defense in a scenario they couldn’t overcome. Backed up on their own 14-yard line, the Bucs’ defense yielded a touchdown to running back Shaun Alexander, giving Seattle their 10-6 lead at the half.
Other Observations From the First Half of Sunday’s Game
S Tanard Jackson, who started the game at free safety, became only the fourth defensive rookie to make an opening-day start in the NFL since 1995.
It didn’t take long for WR Joey Galloway to make his presence felt. On the Bucs’ second possession, Galloway raced down the sideline, beating Seattle CB Kelly Jennings for an athletic catch that netted 41 yards and moved the ball to the Seattle 25-yard line.
The Bucs’ first points of the 2007 regular season came courtesy of K Matt Bryant’s leg. Bryant connected on a 38-yard field goal with 8:56 remaining in the first quarter of the game. The field goal moved Bryant into sole possession of fifth place in team history with 39. Entering the game, Bryant was tied with K Steve Christie, who connected on 38 field goals from 1990-91.
WR Ike Hilliard turned in a big play from the Tampa Bay 16-yard line on third-and-four, working his way open over the middle of the field and catching a pass for a 28-yard gain that eventually led to a Matt Bryant field goal.
On that same possession, the Bucs’ drive was extended thanks to a roughing-the-passer penalty on Seattle LB Leroy Hill. The penalty came on third down after Garcia fired incomplete to RB Cadillac Williams in the end zone.
Tampa Bay dominated the time of possession during the first quarter of the game, holding on to the ball for 11:08 as compared to Seattle’s 3:52.
Though they ultimately wound up punting from their 32-yard line, the Buccaneers’ offense did a nice job of moving the ball from deep in their own territory midway through the second quarter. Backed up on their own eight-yard line, the Bucs chipped away, moving the ball down the field and giving P Josh Bidwell enough room to get off a respectable punt. The result was Seattle started their ensuing drive from their own 21-yard line rather than from midfield.
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