Bucs can't run from this

Yes, they were playing the Indianapolis Colts, and yes they fell behind early and yes they had to throw the ball to play catch-up, but isn’t it alarming the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gained only 17 rushing yards in Sunday’s loss?

And that’s with the Colts playing without safety Bob Sanders, their best run-stopper. Ball control is a must when trying to stop Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Your best defense is an offense that can keep him off the field with long drives. Three-and-outs is only going to allow Manning to find a rhythm while your defense runs ragged trying to chase his receivers up and down the field.

The Bucs' running game was nonexistent even before Michael Pittman was lost in the second quarter with an ankle injury.

It doesn’t appear things will get better quickly for the Bucs, and not because Earnest Graham will be the starting tailback against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

No, the key to beating the Titans will be to keep quarterback Vince Young off the field with long drives. Problem is, the Titans defense is fifth overall in the NFL, including third against the run.