Michael Clayton News

Wearing one of those ghastly creamsicle jerseys that are an ugly reminder of Tampa Bay's past, rookie Josh Freeman gave the struggling Buccaneers plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future.

Falcons WR Roddy White should be active in all fantasy leagues today. White has been battling a knee injury, but a league source has told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that Falcons WRA White will be active and start against the Redskins.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Josh Freeman may not have wide receiver Antonio Bryant to throw to on Sunday, and it's all because of that long plane ride back from London last week.

Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas We'll start today's mailbags off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers , who have a bye this weekend.

A Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleader performs during the NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct.

If defense wins championships, then there was no team that could have ever stopped the 2002 Buccaneers.

So I gave it a day to collect my thoughts on another Buccaneers debacle - now the entire world knows how bad this team is after the 35-7 drubbing by the New England Patriots.

Published: Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. Last Modified: Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 1:26 a.m. On paper, it appears to be one of the biggest mismatches of the season when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the New England Patriots.

Sammie Stroughter approaches his role as a kick returner the way he views his career.

Pro Bowl kick returner Clifton Smith practiced Thursday for the first time since sustaining a concussion Sunday, saying he was feeling good after a "rough couple of days." Smith said he hoped to play against the Patriots on Sunday in London but understood why the team is being cautious with him.

The travel itinerary leaves little time for sightseeing, which is fine with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

Michael Clayton of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted the 1st annual 2009 Casino Gala Night.

The Buccaneers signed WR Yamon Figurs on Tuesday, according to reports. Figurs, a third-year veteran, spent the first three games of the season with the Lions and made one catch for seven yards.

Thank you, Chicago Bears. Thank you, Lovie Smith. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

During an interview this week, Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said the team wouldn't be afraid to shake up its lineup if that was deemed necessary.

Typically, many 0-5 teams do not face "must win" games. These types of games are usually reserved for teams on the brink of playoff contention or trying to save a lost season.

The instant the Tampa Bay Buccaneers embarked on that veteran purge in February, this 2009 season became a referendum on the club's draft prowess during the past decade.

Midway through the first quarter of Sunday's game against Philadelphia, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced fourth-and-2 at the Eagles' 26-yard line.

Bucs receiver Michael Clayton sits on the field after not coming up with a catch on fourth and 2 against Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown in the first quarter.

Rookie coach Raheem Morris insists he's holding up well under the weight of Tampa Bay's worst start in 13 years.