"The Bucs have put themselves into a conversation few expected to be having around these parts. With three straight wins and 5-4 record, the Bucs are legitimately in the NFC playoff picture. Just don't expect the Bucs to participate in the dialogue. "You guys (media) take care of that," coach Greg Schiano said. "I don't need to. (The players) are very aware of what's at stake and what could potentially be. … What you can control is what happens out there on the practice field, what happens in the meeting room, how we prepare." One season removed from a stretch of 10 consecutive losses, the Bucs could be playing pivotal games as this season winds down. If the playoffs started today, Tampa Bay would be half a game out of the second wild-card spot behind the 6-4 Seahawks and Vikings. The Packers (6-3) would grab the first wild card. The Bucs are followed by a quartet of 4-5 clubs — the Saints, Cardinals, Lions and Cowboys — all of whom have displayed weaknesses and inconsistencies." Read more: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/foot...mselves-into-nfc-playoff-conversation/1261239
