Wrapping Up Battle O'Bays

Three Leftovers from Tampa's 30-21 win over the Packers.

1. I can't believe how well Derrick Brooks played today. He had a pick that led to a score, forced a fumble that was returned for a score (although the tackling form he employed on Ryan Grant - crown of head first on the football - on that play leads to paralysis) and was the driving force behind the Bucs allowing Grant 20 yards on 15 carries. Said Jon Gruden "We had a long discussion this week with Derrick and knew he has been nursing and working through a tough injury (hamstring). What he played like today was the Derrick Brooks that everybody recognizes. He made plays sideline to sideline. There is a lot of strength left in Derrick Brooks." 

2. Initially, Mike McCarthy called Aaron Rodgers' injury a "shoulder bruise" but added that he didn't know the extent of it. Given the way he landed on it during a third-and-8 scramble - ball outstretched and shoulder kind of inverting as he hit the ground (not landing on it) - it could be an AC joint injury. And yes, I am a doctor. Rodgers said: I was not sure if I dislocated it or what. It hurt pretty bad. I was getting diagnosed on the sidelines and we got the interception so I went back out there and threw the touchdown pass to Jennings. I was in some pretty intense pain. We got the lead back and I tried to throw on the sidelines but I just couldn't do it. The doctor sat me down but, as bad as it hurt, I wanted to try and give it one more go."

3. The Packers have the Falcons next week and they took a number of injuries - Rodgers, corner Will Blackmon, defensive end Cullen Jenkins, safety Aaron Rouse and safety Nick Collins (who is very, very impressive every time I watch him). That said, Packers coach Mike McCarthy was as angry as I've seen him during this game. He said, "We're making the same mistakes which really bothers me. It's unacceptable for us to do the fundamental things wrong every week. We need to get it fixed."