INDIANAPOLIS -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were poised to move into serious playoff contention, but showed with their tendencies toward self-destruction that they aren't yet ready for prime-time competition.
The Bucs entered the game as the fourth-most penalized team in the NFL, and no doubt will move "up" in that undesirable category after being called for 12 penalties for 95 yards in their 25-12 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Bucs led 12-6 at halftime but were unable to contain the Colts' 40-year-old quarterback, Matt Hasselbeck and their own mistakes. Hasselbeck, the backup to injured starter Andrew Luck, picked apart their defense for 315 yards and two touchdowns, while the Bucs found ways to beat themselves.