By ROY CUMMINGS

rcummings@tampatrib.com

DETROIT - Bucs coach Jon Gruden has a saying: "It's not how you start that matters, it's how you finish."

His team proved his point again Sunday.

For the third time in as many games, the Bucs stumbled out of the gate, this time spotting the winless Lions a 17-point first-quarter lead. Just as they did against Kansas City and Minnesota, the Bucs bounced back, posting a critical 38-20 victory at Ford Field.

"We don't always make it easy on ourselves, and it's not always pretty," quarterback Jeff Garcia said. "But we do usually find a way to win."

The Bucs' latest win improved their record to 8-3 and moved them into a tie with Carolina for first in the NFC South, although the Bucs currently hold the tiebreaker because of their win against the Panthers in Week 6. At the same time, however, it further clarified some problems that will have to be rectified if the Bucs hope to reach or go deep into the playoffs.

Those slow starts are one problem. Fumbles are another. The Bucs, among the league leaders in lost fumbles, lost three more Sunday, including one by Garcia that was picked up and returned for a touchdown.

The Bucs also struggled to protect Garcia, who was sacked six times, and right cornerback Ronde Barber again looked vulnerable in coverage, at least in the early going.

"We're happy with the win," linebacker Derrick Brooks said. "But we can't let it disguise the fact that there are some things here that we need to get better at."

Bouncing back isn't one of them. The Bucs dominated the final three quarters, surrendering just 93 total yards, four first downs and three points during that span.

Barber, who gave up two big plays in the first quarter, was a big part of the comeback. He intercepted two passes, returning the second 65 yards for a touchdown.

The spark to the comeback, meanwhile, was provided by rookie return man Clifton Smith, who set up the Bucs' first score with a 49-yard kick return and later scored on a 70-yard punt return.

Garcia played a significant role in the rally as well. He only threw 18 times but he connected on 13, including touchdown passes of 36 yards to Ike Hilliard and 24 yards to Jerramy Stevens.

"We were sloppy at times but we walked out of here with a win and that's what it's all about," Garcia said.

(CHART) NFC SOUTH

W L Up Next

Tampa Bay 8 3 N. Orleans

Carolina 8 3 At G.B.

Atlanta 7 4 At S.D.

New Orleans 5 5 Green Bay

Bucs own the first tiebreaker (head to head) - a victory over the Panthers in Week 6; the two meet again Dec. 8 at Carolina.

(CHART) SUNDAY'S SCORES

N.Y. Jets 34, Tennessee 13

Chicago 27, St. Louis 3

New England 48, Miami 28

Dallas 35, San Francisco 22

Buffalo 54, Kansas City 31

Houston 16, Cleveland 6

Baltimore 36, Philadelphia 7

Minnesota 30, Jacksonville 12

Oakland 31, Denver 10

Atlanta 45, Carolina 28

Washington 20, Seattle 17

N.Y. Giants 37, Arizona 29

Indianapolis 23, San Diego 20

TONIGHT: Green Bay (5-5) at New Orleans (5-5), 8:30 p.m.;

TV: ESPN

Reporter Roy Cummings can be reached at (813) 259-7979.

Photo credit: Tribune photo by CLIFF MCBRIDE

Photo: Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber runs past Lions quarterback Daunte Culpepper after securing his second interception of the day, returning this one 65 yards for a touchdown and a 35-17 Tampa Bay lead.

Copyright ? 2008, The Tampa Tribune and may not be republished without permission. E-mail library@tampatrib.com