Winning Is the Catch for Buccaneers

For the first time, Carnell “Cadillac” Williams was controlled this season by a defense that stacked the line of scrimmage, but Tampa Bay receivers picked up the slack to lift the Buccaneers to a 17-13 victory over the Detroit Lions Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

Joey Galloway had seven catches for a career-high 166 yards and Michael Pittman added six receptions for 96 yards as Tampa Bay recorded its first 4-0 start since 1997. Each caught a touchdown pass from Brian Griese, who also made three turnovers that resulted in all of Detroit’s points.

Williams, the first player in NFL history to begin his career with three consecutive 100-yard rushing games, was limited to 13 yards in 11 carries. He left the game late in the third quarter and did not return.

“Everything is OK. He had a mild hamstring [injury],” Tampa Bay Coach Jon Gruden said of Williams, who was limited during practice last week because of a foot sprain.

Tampa Bay didn’t seem OK with 20 seconds left when Detroit (1-2), which had driven from its seven-yard line to the Buccaneer 12, appeared to have scored on a pass from Joey Harrington to Marcus Pollard. Pollard seemed to make the catch before sliding out of bounds. The instant replay reversed the call, leaving the score at 17-13.

Harrington next found Mike Williams on the opposite side of the end zone, but the rookie came down out of bounds. Harrington overthrew Roy Williams on the last play.