Bucs defense snaps streak

By By Richard Dark / EMG staff writer
Dec. 8, 2003
NEW ORLEANS All good unfortunately must come to an end. Deuce McAllister knows that, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made sure of it.
McAllister's string of nine consecutive 100-yard rushing games was abruptly snapped Sunday in a tough 14-7 loss at home to Tampa Sunday.
The Bucs used a simple plan by Tampa defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin to sell out to stopping the New Orleans running game.
It worked well enough, as Deuce was held to just 69 yards on 22 totes. He did catch three passes for 19 more yards. "It's a great accomplishment based on how well he's been running and what kind of back he is," said Bucs coach Jon Gruden.
Smith gets sack
Meridian's Kenny Smith finally got the monkey off his back, recording his first sack of the season. It came on the second play of the fourth quarter, when Smith fought through a double team and dropped quarterback Brad Johnson for a 6-yard loss. It led to a Buccaneers punt.
Defensive daggers
Free safety Jay Bellamy paced the defense with 10 tackles and two passses defensed.
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