What’s not to be excited about? Our first string just pushed the first string of the AFC Champs up and down the field on both sides of the ball. Wish these pretend games counted.

On the QB front, great play from both Griese and McCown. I tell you, despite Roy Cummings man-crush on Luke McCown (almost guaranteeing McCown has won the number 2 job), I still say we are in better hands with Brian Griese as Jeff Garcia’s primary back-up. We’ll see. Chris Simms? I tell you what, I was thinking he should have been traded to New England by halftime of this game. Everyone got the picture - if Tom Brady ever goes down, the Pats are sunk. If I am Bruce Allen, I’d have gone to visit the Patriots owner’s box during the game and bought them a beer. “What do you think of that Simms kid, eh? Have I got a deal for you!”

A couple of players who took full advantage of the national televised stage tonight: Michael Bennett ran wild. Elbert Mack brought the lumber.

A few others who played very well, and who caught my eye: Will Allen not only played well with the second defense, but he was a head-hunter on special teams all night. Dexter Jackson flashed some absolutely scary speed tonight. If he makes the team and if they get the ball in his hands, he will make some highlight reels. And, on a night when former Buc John Lynch was in the house, Sabby Piscitelli looked young-Lynch like.

A couple more honorable mentions: Geno Hayes played some good defense. Kenneth Darby gave a good effort, too.

Best news these two games - no mistakes! Getting away from the penalties and turnovers, this is winning football and it will take this kind of effort to repeat as Division Champs this season.

I say, Go Bucs! What did you see out there?