Quarterbacks: We're still not sure where Chris Simms was going with the throw that was picked in the first quarter. Other than that and his other pick, which was tipped just like the first, he played well. He didn't do as good a job of avoiding sacks as he has at other times but he did pick the Washington defense apart, completing 25 of 38 passes.

Running backs: Cadillac Williams ran with hesitancy at times. He was effective on some carries but he never seemed to shift his game into high gear. Mike Alstott looked like Mike Alstott circa 1999; he ran with great abandon and power. The Bucs probably should have used him a little more.

Receivers: Joey Galloway did a good job of gaining separation from defenders, making catches and getting yards after the catch. He finished with seven catches for 69 yards. Ike Hilliard made four catches and made an incredible effort on one third-down play. Anthony Becht and Alex Smith did a good job of getting open and holding on to the ball. Edell Shepherd was on the down side of a tough call.

Offensive line: The wildly aggressive play that usually fuels the running game wasn't there. Big holes were few and far between and these guys seemed to be a split second behind at the snap. The pass protection was adequate for the most part, but this group didn't do as good a job of picking up blitzes as in the past.

Defensive line: These guys did an excellent job of staying in their gaps and shutting down the run. They got after the quarterback pretty well, too. Simeon Rice and Ellis Wyms each had a sack and Rice had a couple of pressures that led to throwaways by Redskins QB Mark Brunell.

Linebackers: They did an excellent job of filling gaps against the run and managed to apply key pressure to Brunell. Derrick Brooks had eight tackles, forced a fumble and had a few big plays in coverage. Shelton Quarles led the group with 11 tackles and came back and played well after leaving the game with an injury.

Secondary: WR Santana Moss and TE Chris Cooley made a couple of plays, but overall the secondary play was superb. Brunell seldom had open targets, and he was pressured at times by Ronde Barber blitzes. Barber had eight tackles to lead the group. Dexter Jackson recorded five tackles and broke up a pass play. Jermaine Phillips made some plays as well and Brian Kelly had an interception.

Special teams: Michael Pittman may have won himself a job as a kick returner. For the second week in a row he ran hard and made good yardage in that area. Mark Jones had a big 24-yard punt return. The kick coverage was fine but the punt coverage was weak. P Josh Bidwell dropped three balls inside the 20.

Coaching: Seeing that the aggressiveness wasn't there in the run game, Coach Jon Gruden wisely chose to go with a ball-control passing attack. Had the Bucs picked up a few more blitzes it probably would have produced more points. The defensive game plan was one of the best Monte Kiffin has put together all year.

Fans' Grades UNIT Fans' Grades Quarterbacks A | B | C | D | F Running Backs A | B | C | D | F Receivers A | B | C | D | F Offensive Line A | B | C | D | F Defensive Line A | B | C | D | F Linebackers A | B | C | D | F Secondary A | B | C | D | F Special Teams A | B | C | D | F Coaching A | B | C | D | F