LeGarrette Blount is the league's premier power back

Five observations from watching the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the Indianapolis Colts 24-17 on Monday night:

LeGarrette Blount is the league's premier power back. The Bucs are at their best when pounding away at defenses with their stout offensive line. They have talented young playmakers around Josh Freeman in the passing game, but everything is set up by Blount's no-nonsense downhill running. Few backs can carry such a load while consistently breaking through contact for tough yardage between the tackles. The Colts learned the hard way that Blount dishes out more than he takes with his big body.

Indianapolis quarterback Curtis Painter kept it close Monday night in a 24-17 loss to Tampa Bay

Curtis Painter did the best he could do given the limited pass protection in his first NFL start. The Colts' quaterback saw plenty of blitzes and also couldn't overcome front four pressure because his linemen and other blockers crumbled. It was clear, however, Painter has a much better grasp of the offense than Kerry Collins, and wisely put his faith in Peyton Manning's usual trusty targets. When not under duress, Painter displayed a good arm in getting the ball to Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, and also in helping spring Pierre Garcon for big plays after the catch that accounted for both touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Colts' shoddy work in the trenches will hamper Painter's development as a downfield passer.


Freeman does all the smart little things to win games. In just his third season, the Bucs' QB has a savvy air about him, and it shows in the fact that he makes good, quick decisions and is always aware of what plays to make based on the situation. He will be a winning passer in the league for a long time.

There is no quit in the Colts' defense. With old reliable defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis among the last men standing healthy on their line, they didn't fold until the fourth quarter. Although Indianapolis' front seven was battered by Blount, its prideful effort was represented by middle linebacker Pat Angerer, who continued to be a relentless tackler until the final gun.

Youth is serving the Bucs' defensive line well. The key to Tampa pressuring Painter effectively was the inside-outside combination of first-round picks. Second-year tackle Gerald McCoy and rookie end Adrian Clayborn are both power-based upfield players, and they have helped awaken a pass rush that was dormant last season.