Quarterbacks: Brian Griese threw up a couple of costly picks but he showed a lot of poise under pressure and found a way to make plays when it mattered most. Griese did an especially good job of connecting with his targets on the quick hitters and he moved the team efficiently when penalties didn't derail it.

Running backs: It was almost all Cadillac, and while he probably had more carries of the 1- and 2-yard variety than big gainers, he broke free just often enough to keep to keep the offense in high gear. Mike Alstott was given a couple of short-yard opportunities down near the goal-line but he did nothing with them.

Receivers: Alex Smith proved he will indeed be a strong red-zone target, catching two balls for touchdowns. Joey Galloway regularly won his matchups, which were often against nickel corners. Michael Clayton wasn't as sure-handed as he usually is, but he made some big plays.

Offensive line: These guys struggled early on but seemed to jell as the game went on. At times, such as on Cadillac Williams 71-yard touchdown run, they controlled the trenches. This group committed a few too many penalties but it was a good start for a young line that should continue to improve.

Defensive line: The fact that the Vikings ran for an average of just 1.6 yards per carry tells you that these guys got Job 1 done. Anthony McFarland and Simeon Rice each had a sack while Chris Hovan and Dewayne White each recorded a fumble recovery. The effort here Sunday was a sign that this unit could be dominant once again.

Linebackers: Derrick Brooks knows better than to try and scoop up a fumble, especially when the Bucs opponent is driving toward what could be a game-winning score. Other than that mistake, Brooks was his usually solid self and so were the rest of the linebackers. Shelton Quarles may have been the best player on the field, with seven tackles and two forced fumbles.

Secondary: Brian Kelly had two the Bucs three interceptions and were they ever clutch. He made both picks inside his own 10-yard-line, each time snuffing out a sure scoring chance. Juran Bolden chipped in with six tackles as a nickel back; Dexter Jackson had five and Jermaine Phillips four. Ronde Barber was as disruptive as always with some key pressures and a pass breakup.

Special teams: The punt coverage wasn't up to the standards you like but the kickoff coverage was solid. Matt Bryant's kickoffs flew past the 10 on all but one try and he was perfect on field goals and PATs. Mark Jones was strong on punt returns but the Bucs are used to getting a little more distance out of Josh Bidwell on his punts.

Coaching: The play-calling on offense was very balanced and more often than not Coach Jon Gruden seemed to get the matchups he wanted in the passing game. The Bucs defense did a good job of confusing Daunte Culpepper with its looks, especially in the first half. That unit seemed to lose its aggressiveness for a small stretch late but it recovered with a big play when it needed to.