December 1, 2003

JAGUARS DEFEAT BUCCANEERS IN ALL-FLORIDA MATCHUP

The Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-10 on Sunday night in a game that saw two wide receivers reach the milestone of 700 career catches.

Jaguars WR JIMMY SMITH had 10 receptions for 136 yards, including a decisive fourth-quarter touchdown catch from QB BYRON LEFTWICH, who threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns.  Smith had three receptions in the first quarter to give him 700 for his career, making him only the 16th player in NFL history to reach that milestone.

Buccaneers WR KEENAN MC CARDELL, a friend and former teammate of Smith’s, followed shortly after with his 700th career catch, finishing the night with eight receptions for 74 yards.

Jacksonville RB FRED TAYLOR ran for 118 yards on 29 carries as the Jaguars improved to 3-9.  The loss dropped the Buccaneers to 5-7 and virtually eliminated them from playoff contention.