Bucs right tackle Jeremy Trueblood, who has two personal foul penalties in the last two weeks, acknowledges its a fine line between playing on an edge, and not going over it, especially with all the physical play up front.

But Trueblood says he has to get better as he doesn't want to hurt the team.

On Sunday, the Bucs were driving inside the Panthers 20 when, after an Antonio Bryant catch, Trueblood came barreling into CB Richard Marshall. Because the unnecessary roughness penalty came after the whistle, the Bucs faced second and 22 at the 32 instead of second and 7 at the 17. Trueblood said there was no intent on his part.

"I know that wasn't a smart move on my part," Trueblood said. "And I just have to go out there and played with controlled intensity.....

"You have to be like that. Unfortunately, two times in the last two games it's happened. But we've played 12 games. Not to say that's all right, but you just got to (play with controlled intensity). It's just part of the game. If it doesn't happen, then it's hurting your team. I want to be accountable to all my teammates. I expect them to be there for me, so I'll be there for them.'

Trueblood acknowledged that in the physical battles up front, things can blow up at any time.

"It's always very close, especially between two physical teams," Trueblood said. "I think we're a pretty physical team, we like to be physical. You can't be physical without someone taking exception to it, really. To tell you the truth, you're walking a fine line most of the time, but part of being a professional is being able to do that."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com