Bucs, Jags fly under radar in Sunshine State

If you talk AFC playoffs, it’s all about the Colts and they’re flirtation with history. Then it’s the Broncos and no-mistake-Jake and the always-resurgent run game. And of course the Chargers and Chiefs and their high-powered offenses, and the constant attraction that is the Patriots.
If you talk NFC playoffs, it’s all about the Seahawks and the "is this the year they finally get there" question. Then it’s the Bears and the talk about how this new group is as good as the history-making ‘85 Bears. And then it’s the Falcons and Michael Vick.
So where does this leave the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Jacksonville is 9-3 but yet finds themselves three games out of first in the AFC South because they are paired with the Colts. And the 8-4 Buccaneers have seemingly become an afterthought to chic-Super Bowl-pick Carolina and the popular Falcons. Yet both are in serious playoff contention despite their doubters.
The Jaguars have been counted out now that Byron Leftwich is done for the regular season with a broken ankle. Stepping in is fourth-year man out of East Carolina David Garrard. But it’s the defense that gets the job done for the Jaguars, who have quietly built a solid resume, beating Seattle, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh. The Jags face the Colts next Sunday with a chance to be the first team to hand Indy a loss (they lost 10-3 in their previous meeting at the RCA Dome).
The Buccaneers were 5-1 when they lost Brian Griese for the year to a torn ACL, leaving the team with third-year pro Chris Simms (exit Griese, enter Simms, how’s that for history?) After two ugly losses, the Bucs at 5-3 were officially done. The offense scored three touchdowns in losses to lowly San Francisco and division rival Carolina and were about to start a tailspin. But then came Simms’ late-game heroics against Washington, followed by a road win against Atlanta. Suddenly, the Bucs are 3-3 with the lefty at the helm and just a game behind Carolina for first place in the NFC North (they face Carolina in Charlotte next Sunday).
Jacksonville is relatively inexperienced when it comes to postseason play, seeing as how they have not been there since 1999. But lest we forget that Tampa Bay won it all in 2002 behind one of the greatest defenses of all time, and a good chunk of that defensive core is still donning pewter and black, while the offense has gotten a spark from rookie running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams.
It is fair to say these teams from Florida are longshots to be playing in Detroit in February, but their success through 12 games in 2005 should not be overlooked. Both teams are have hard-nosed, physical defenses, competent quarterback play, and strong coaching. More importantly, both teams have a number of solid young players who will continue to flourish in years to come.