A quick observation of quarterback Josh McCown and how he played in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 34-17 loss in Week 14:

McCown took a horrible pounding from one of the league’s best defensive fronts. He was sacked six times and hit a whole bunch of other times.

McCown had no chance because the Bucs were one-dimensional, with almost no running game to speak of. The Lions knew McCown was passing on just about every down and they came after him hard. McCown clearly was hobbling in the locker room after the game.

He completed 20 of 39 passes for 250 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also lost a fumbled snap, but center Evan Dietrich-Smith took the blame for that. McCown had enjoyed good chemistry with rookie receiver Mike Evans this season. But Evans caught only four passes Sunday.

That’s because Detroit was throwing more coverage at Evans and less at Vincent Jackson. That allowed Jackson to turn in his best game of the season, with 10 catches for 159 yards.

Even if McCown is healthy after all the hits he took, he still might not finish the season as the starter. Coach Lovie Smith has been vague about the possibility of the Bucs taking a look at second-year pro Mike Glennon in the final three games.