The Bucs were penalized a total of four times against Carolina for unnecessary roughness, taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct.

The flurry of calls left coach Jon Gruden and players wondering whether rules were being interpreted too strictly, with each of the calls coming in the emotional moments following a big defensive play. And to be fair, each of the calls seemed legitimately questionable.

Today, at a gathering of NFL owners in St. Petersburg, league officials maintained their stance on such matters.

"I think we've struck a very good balance between spontaneous
celebrations and those that are rehearsed (or) designed to either
create a reaction from opponents," commissioner Roger Goodell said. "Those, we oppose vigorously."

League executive vice president of operations Ray Anderson echoed those sentiments, saying, "We are taking an elevated view to enforcing those rules. So, if players feel like we're being a little more aggressive on things like unsportsmanlike conduct or taunting, then that's okay. The officials are instructed that we want to enforce those rules to try and clean up our game.

"We sometimes have to remind (players), 'Hey, this taunting stuff, or any disrespect for your peers, it's not what we're about, so be cognizant.' So, yes, you may be seeing that. And we hope players get the message."

See Wednesday's newspaper for the full version of the story.