The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have opened their 2011 season with a road victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs recorded a 25-0 pre-season victory and got a chance to look at a lot of players.

Rookie Mason Foster, who replaced Barrett Ruud at middle linebacker, turned in a stellar performance, recovering a fumble on his fourth play, and shutting down the Chiefs on a big third down play.

The Buccaneer defense had a dominant effort, forcing two first quarter fumbles, and scoring on a safety. They also held the Chiefs to 137 yards and six first downs for the game.
Bucs quarterback, Josh Freeman, was sharp with his passing, and scored the first touchdown of the game.

Freeman left in the second quarter after completing 9 of 13 passes for 73 yards and scoring on a 5-yard run.

Backup quarterback Josh Johnson also looked good, completing 7 of 12 passes for 108 yards and one touchdown. He also ran 5 times for 57 yards, and stood tall in the pocket under a tremendous pass rush from the Chiefs.

Next for the Bucs will be a Thursday night contest against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p. m.