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Hustle is a staple in Bucs diet

Posted Aug 17, 2011 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Aug 17, 2011 at 11:15 AM

By IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—Buccaneer coaches realize mistakes will be made over the course of a 16-game season, and that’s alright, as long as they are made at 100 mph.

With a young coach in Raheem Morris and a roster that is likely to be even younger than last year, the Bucs pride themselves on outhustling the opposition. Anyone who watched last week’s 25-0 humbling of Kansas City in the preseason opener couldn’t help but notice the huge difference in energy level between a pair of 10-6 clubs with lofty ambitions.

Tampa Bay players were flying all over Arrowhead Stadium from the opening whistle as the Bucs posted their first preseason shutout since the 2002 championship season.

“That’s who we are,’’ said Morris, who turns 35 next month. “That’s a core belief for us. It’s ingrained in us all, that we’re going to physically be more conditioned than our opponent. That’s part of forcing your will on your opponent, part of taking them out in the deep water and drowning them. That’s part of going out here in the heat and absolutely taking advantage of people.’‘

The Chiefs are 1-8 in the preseason under Coach Todd Haley and most of Kansas City’s players appeared disinterested against the Bucs. That lack of passion by the home team was in marked contrast to the enthusiasm displayed by the “youngry’’ Bucs, and that’s a credit to the coaching staff and the steely determination of a group of players with an NFC South title on their agenda.

“That’s pride, that’s a must-have,’’ Morris said.

The Bucs will assuredly lose games this fall, but they are unlikely to lose the hustle contest very often. And by giving maximum effort, they may energize a dormant fan base in the process.