Buccaneers’ Problem Has Always Been Cold Feat

Times NFL writer T.J. Simers poses--and answers--the burning questions for this week’s games:

1. Question: What’s the most overused but interesting stat mentioned at this time every year?

Answer: The Buccaneers’ record in games in which the temperature is below 40 degrees--0-17.

The temperature will be in the low 30s in Chicago for the Buccaneers’ finale, and a shivering Tampa Bay needs a victory to win the title in the NFC Central Division.

“We’ve got so much on the line that it doesn’t matter if we’ve got to go to Siberia to win this thing,” Tampa Bay defender Warren Sapp said.

2. Q: What did Minnesota wide receiver Randy Moss think about his 27-yard touchdown pass to Cris Carter?

A: Mr. Modesty said, “I put it right where it was supposed to be. I think in a couple of years I could be as accurate as any quarterback in the league.”

3. Q: Is there any indication that the world is about to end?

A: Yes, if the Cardinals score a touchdown on offense in the first quarter against the Packers. They haven’t done it this season, and have been outscored, 111-19, in the first quarter.

4. Q: Who has averaged more yards rushing than anyone else in the league this year?

A: Wrong. Indianapolis running back Edgerrin James is third at 100.2 yards a game and Washington’s Stephen Davis second at 100.4.

Denver’s Olandis Gary, who didn’t even suit up for the first four games of the year, is No. 1 at 101.9.

5. Q: Cleveland has the first pick in the NFL draft--who does it take?

A: It’s a no-brainer. You have Tim Couch at quarterback, now you need to get someone to catch his passes, which means Florida State’s Peter Warrick will do his “shopping” in Cleveland next year.

6. Q: How unbelievable is this?

A: Ricky Williams needs 123 yards to become the Saints’ first 1,000-yard rusher since Dalton Hilliard in 1989. Not bad for a guy who has missed four games, and played despite a sprained ankle and a hyperextended elbow.