Colts vs. Buccaneers: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

The Indianapolis Colts (0-3) travel south in search of their first win of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) on Monday Night Football. The Colts are coming off a 23-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers while the Buccaneers upended the Atlanta Falcons 16-13 on Sunday.

Indianapolis has clearly missed quarterback Peyton Manning, who could miss the remainder of the season with ongoing neck issues. Kerry Collins was signed to fill the void and hasn't been able to find a rhythm with the Colts' talented receiving corps. Curtis Painter will likely start on Sunday.

As for Tampa Bay, a seven-point loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1 looks better every week as the Lions continue to assert themselves as a contender. It was also good to see a young team like the Bucs bounce back by winning two close games, including the division clash with Atlanta.

Where: Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla.

When: Monday, Oct. 3 at 8:30 p.m. EDT

Watch: Monday Night Football on ESPN

Listen: WFNI 1070 AM (Indianapolis) and WDAE 620 AM (Tampa Bay); Sirius Satellite Radio – XM 92 or Internet 861 (Indianapolis) and XM 93 or Internet 862 (Tampa Bay)

Live Streaming Audio: NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line: Buccaneers -10

What's at Stake?

It's become clear during the first three weeks that Manning was not just the biggest part of the Indianapolis offense, he was the Indianapolis offense. Without him the unit has fallen apart, turning the Colts into one of the worst teams in the league.

The Colts defense, more specifically talented defensive ends Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, have been trying to prove the team is more than just Manning. They haven't received enough help from their supporting cast, though. The Colts need to win a game soon before the winless season talk starts.

The Bucs will try to keep building on the positive momentum they have built over the past few weeks. Josh Freeman has completed 68 of his passes, but will be to improve upon his touchdown-to-interception ratio and yards per attempt average to keep Tampa Bay on winning track.

This game looks a lot easier now for Tampa Bay than it did when the schedule first game out, but they can't afford to take the Colts lightly. With as many as nine teams fighting for six NFC playoff spots, the Buccaneers can't let lose a gimme.

Colts' Injury Report

QB Peyton Manning (out), QB Kerry Collins (doubtful), DB Justin Tryon (questionable), LB Gary Brackett (questionable), DB Melvin Bullitt (questionable), DT Fili Moala (questionable)

Buccaneers' Injury Report

WR Sammie Stroughter (doubtful), LB Quincy Black (questionable), LB Geno Hayes (questionable)

What They're Saying

Mike Chappell of the Indianapolis Star emptied his mailbag and answered some of the most pressing questions from Colt fans. Here's what he had to say about what Indianapolis should do if both quarterbacks are healthy.

"

I’ve never been a huge Painter fan, but it might be time to see what he can do. I’ve been disappointed in Collins. Not with how he’s operated the offense, but with his inefficiency throwing the ball. Maybe that has something to do with how spoiled we’ve all become by Peyton Manning’s accuracy.

"

Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune discusses the Bucs rise on defense, especially last week against the Falcons. Especially impressive is how well they played in man coverage throughout the game.

"

With their ground game limited to only 30 yards, the Falcons threw on 51 of their 66 snaps Sunday and Matt Ryan was sacked four times. Tampa Bay's secondary played man coverage for most of the game as cornerbacks Aqib Talib, E.J. Biggers and Ronde Barber matched up against Ryan's primary targets—Roddy White, rookie Julio Jones and tight end Tony Gonzalez.

"

Colts Player to Watch: TE Dallas Clark

Clark caught 100 passes for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns two seasons ago before missing most of last season with a hand injury. Through three weeks, he's only caught 10 passes for 83 yards and hasn't been a big focus of the lineup. He should see more targets if Painter starts.

Buccaneers Player to Watch: CB Ronde Barber

Father Time still hasn't caught up with the seemingly ageless Barber. Although he might have lost a step or two over the years, he continues to be a solid cover corner in man coverage and has drawn rave reviews from head coach Raheem Morris.

Key Matchup: Dwight Freeney vs. Donald Penn

If the Colts have any chance of pulling of the upset on Monday night, Freeney and the rest of the front seven are going to need to put some pressure on Freeman. Penn went from undrafted free agent to dependable left tackle within four seasons, but you never get used to facing Freeney.

On the Hot Seat: Colts coach Jim Caldwell

Starting with the New York Jets' timeout debacle in last season's playoffs, Caldwell has caught a lot of flak in the media. The Colts brass seems dedicated to him after being the successor to Tony Dungy, but we are getting a good look at his coaching acumen without his star quarterback leading the way, and it isn't looking very good.

The longer the Colts go without a win, the hotter Caldwell's seat becomes.

Prediction: Buccaneers 27 Colts 14