Bodog Beat

Jeff Garcia left, then returned, then led the Buccaneers to victory. (AI Wire)

With starting QB Jeff Garcia knocked from the contest after throwing just one pass, things look bleak for the Buccaneers.

Good thing Earnest Graham was healthy.

One of the big surprise stories of the season, Graham continued his fine stretch of play as Tampa defeated Washington 19-13 at Raymond James Stadium.

Garcia left early in the first quarter with an injured back, paving the way for Bruce Gradkowski to make his 2007 regular-season debut. But after a good start, Gradkowski and the Tampa offense stalled, registering under 50 total yards in the second half. Sucking up the pain, Garcia re-entered the game late and managed to kill enough clock for Tampa to win.

Graham, who was a third-string back at the beginning of the year, looked impressive on the ground. He carried 21 times for 75 yards and a touchdown, helping the Bucs solidify their stranglehold on the NFC South.

For Washington, QB Jason Campbell had over 300 yards passing, but threw two interceptions to just one TD. The score was a 39-yard bomb to TE Chris Cooley that brought life to an otherwise listless Washington attack. Clinton Portis could manage only 68 yards rushing on 20 carries.

Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks registered nine solo tackles for the Bucs, three assisted.

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