Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LANDOVER - A season-long drought in the red zone struck the Washington Redskins again, but it was a breakdown on special teams that ultimately eliminated them from the NFC playoff race yesterday. The Redskins failed to cover Brian Urlacher running in motion from field-goal formation in the fourth quarter, and his unchallenged, 27-yard touchdown catch stood up for the winning points in the Chicago Bears' 20-15 victory at FedEx Field. "We have a couple people that are assigned to take that thing over there," Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer said of the game's turning point.

EastPhiladelphia coach Andy Reid wasn't happy when Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Mora challenged an Eagles touchdown with a 44-3 lead last week. "Jim has to do what Jim has to do. We'll keep it in mind," Reid said. Mora defended the move, saying, "Why let them score if they don't deserve a score? I don't care if we're behind by 30 points or ahead by 30 points. To me, every play's important." The call wasn't overturned. Former Giants quarterback Dave Brown will make his first start against his old team when New York plays host to the Arizona Cardinals.

The Leffler Agency Inc., a Baltimore advertising and marketing firm, has won the $1.2 million account for AmeriLife, described as America's largest senior life insurance company.The television advertising campaign for the Clearwater,Fla.-based company, rolled out this week in markets in Florida, Virginia and North Carolina. Using direct-response, the campaign focuses on the Ameri-Plus benefit program through which seniors receive a coupon book of discounts on items including prescriptions, airline tickets and groceries.

SAN DIEGO -- As much as each of the Ravens' players would benefit from the distinction that comes with a winning season, one has more to gain than the rest.For Vinny Testaverde, it's a personal matter.That doesn't mean the Ravens' quarterback wants to win any more than the rest of his teammates; they'll all feel more than enough motivation against the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium today when they try to continue their surprising run of success.But Testaverde is fighting another battle with implications could resonate for years, long after he has taken his last snap.

Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell said last night that he still plans to move his team to Baltimore and has had no discussions with NFL officials about changing the team's nickname or colors."

BaseballCalifornia Angels -- Acquired P Jim Abbott and P Tim Fortugno from the Chicago White Sox for OF McKay Christensen, P Andrew Lorraine, P Bill Simas and P John Snyder.Colorado Rockies -- Placed P Joe Grahe on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 18. Recalled P A.J. Sager, from Triple-A Colorado Springs.Kansas City Royals -- Placed P Kevin Appier on the 15-day DL. Outrighted P Dave Fleming to Triple-A Omaha. Purchased the contract of former Orioles P Gregg Olson from Omaha. Called up OF Joe Vitiello from Omaha.

Gov. William Donald Schaefer said yesterday that he believed the NFL's opposition to a move of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Baltimore reduces the chances of the team coming here, an eventuality the governor gives odds of "less than 50-50."Schaefer, in a meeting with executives of The Sun, called Peter Angelos' $200 million offer for the team "outrageous" and called the Orioles owner "an amazing man."However, he said of the Bucs moving to Baltimore, "I think it's doubtful. I think it's less than 50-50."

The Washington Redskins probably will start guard Ray Brown at left tackle Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after tackles Jim Lachey and Tre Johnson were injured in Sunday's 17-15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.Lachey was hospitalized yesterday with a severely lacerated left calf after his leg was stepped on, and he probably will miss the final two games of the season.Johnson is doubtful for this week after suffering a sprained ankle.Vernice Smith and rookie Joe Patton will fill in for Brown at guard.

When the Cincinnati Bengals signed quarterback Jay Schroeder a year ago, Ron Lynn had heard all the stories about the quarterback's stormy past.That's why Lynn, who was the Bengals' defensive coordinator and now holds the same job for the Washington Redskins, was surprised to find Schroeder such a mature player who was more than willing to tutor young David Klingler."

If Baltimore is going to return to the NFL, it seems that Peter Angelos' attempted purchase of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the best shot. Today, in the second of two articles, The Sun examines how keeping the Bucs in Tampa likely depends on what can be done to improve Tampa Stadium. TAMPA, Fla. -- With its graceful, u-shaped lines and open end zones, Tampa Stadium looks to passengers flying into the nearby airport like a giant, tan potato chip or, as it's known to locals, a "Big Sombrero."