For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, opportunity knocks this Sunday. Beyond that, I would have to agree with those who say the window is starting to close.

Warren Sapp is 30. John Lynch is 31. Keenan McCardell is 33. Brad Johnson is 34. Whoever said "age is just a number" didn't have to knock helmets with the best athletes in the world for 10-plus seasons.

There's no reason players can't succeed once they become 30-somethings. At 36 and 40, respectively, the Raiders' Tim Brown and Jerry Rice have played their way into the Super Bowl opposite the Bucs. Not everyone is so fortunate.

In the Rich McKay era, Tampa Bay has done a remarkable job of grooming young players to take over key roles. The success the Bucs have had with players like CB Brian Kelly and FS Dexter Jackson could be used as the textbook example of how to sustain a winner.

Some said it would take the Bucs a year or two to thrive under Jon Gruden and the new system he installed. On the contrary. With the four high draft picks the team spent to pry Gruden from the Raiders last off-season, the Bucs' hands are somewhat tied in the years to come. They had to win now. And they have.

Fans' comments OK, so our veteran players are thirty-something. So what? the heart that has kept this team going for so long will only fuel our many next seasons. Team dynasties aren't reserved for only particular teams. Not having choice picks is not going to stop this team. The "veterans" WILL affect the rookies. Especially with Mr. Gruden as the "The Great Motivator" -- Rosa Ramirez, Mount Olive, N.C. High draft picks don't necessarily pan out. Especially in the case of the Bucs. Their best players now aren't first-rounders, except for Sapp. They'll be all right, and can get great depth out of those later rounds from Gruden's drafting expertise. - Dan Walsh, Eagle River, Alaska Yes, we can overcome the loss of high draft picks. I have confidence in Rich McKay to find a way to still build the team. Remember in the later rounds there's are a lot of prize players to be had. I'm a season ticket holder for 26 years, we will continue to be a force to get the job done in years to come. - Charley Combs, Brooksville With the salary cap what it is, proven free agents will do better than high draft choices in later rounds. - Billy Blackstock, Odessa The Bucs can overcome this matter. It is simple. It's called free agency. How many people join a team after they won or lost the Super Bowl? By the Bucs reaching the BIG DANCE has a lot of exposure. That is the dream of every NFL player, to reach that point in their career. - Angel Figueroa, San Antonio, Texas