SB Nation - Derrick Brooks

Legendary Linebackers: Urlacher & Lewis

Mark Saade — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:00:18 -0000

NFL middle linebackers Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis will be forever linked as two of the best linebackers of the 21st Century, maybe even two of the best football players of all time.

Urlacher has manned the middle of the Chicago Bears defense since 2000; Lewis has held down the Baltimore Ravens defense for the last 13 years. Both men taking their defenses and teams to the top of the NFL ranks. Numerous awards and accolades have been dished out to the two superstars. The total number of tackles between them running well into the thousands.

Many great athletes have put on a helmet and shoulder pads to play linebacker in the NFL. Names such as Ray Nitschke, Sam Huff and Jack Lambert are all mentioned when discussing the greatest linebackers in history. Of course, when talking about linebackers two former Bears players are always in the conversation; Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. Because of the rich history of the position within Chicago, Urlacher has had much to live up.

When looking back over the NFL’s last 10 years, only a few linebackers may be worthy of having their bust displayed in Canton, Ohio. Players such as Junior Seau, Derrick Brooks and of course the two subjects of this article.

Though Urlacher and Lewis play the same position, they are asked to do very different things for their team. Lewis, the emotional leader, stares down the opposing quarterback and is ready to pounce on anyone in a different color jersey. Urlacher, the prototypical linebacker for a Cover 2 defense, runs as fast as any player on the field and has the smarts to call his own defensive plays. No matter what they bring to the table, each of these men eat. Both are asked to do different things in order for their teams to succeed and both do it. Comparing these men’s stats is only scratching the surface of their worth to their team. Since each one is asked to do something different in different defensive schemes; comparing tackle, sack and interception numbers would only cheapen the impact these men have on the field.

Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher have both blazed through the league and left their marks for all of the future to see. Though Urlacher was picked higher than Lewis on draft day, (#9 and #26 overall respectively), Lewis was the more popular college player. Coming out one year early from the Univeristy of Miami, Lewis made an immediate impact on the Ravens by leading the team in tackles in his rookie year. Urlacher would make his draft stock soar after an impressive rookie combine showing. Playing safety at the University of New Mexico, Urlacher would bulk up after his senior year in college and quickly show the NFL that his athletic ability could not be ignored.

Over the course of their impressive careers, the two men have between them; two Super Bowl appearances, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, a Defensive Rookie of the Year award and 16 trips to Hawaii.

Urlacher and Lewis both have storied NFL careers that still have chapters left to be written. If both men were to retire tomorrow, they should be considered as two of the best the game has ever seen.

The NFL has a new crop of young tacklers eager to carry on the linebacking torch. Let’s hope they can live up to the standards set by Urlacher and Lewis.

The 2000's: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team of the Decade

Niko Houllis — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:00:27 -0000

by Chris O'Meara - AP

The one position I don't have to do any thinking about.

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As we come up on the last week of the year, it is also fitting to remember, this is the last week of the decade, one in which we won a SuperBowl. Only two NFC teams won a Superbowl in the 2000s, New York GIants and your Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So in doing this Team of the 2000s, I decided not to just pick the best player to played at any time during the decade, I will pick one of those guys if they were that much better than the others, But if someone played a position for most of the middle of the decade, even though not as good as a guy from 2000-2002, Ill go with the longer term guy most of the time. Keeping in mind "Teams of" can be subjective, so feel free to throw in your choices or correct me where you see fit.

Here you go guys...the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team of the 2000's Decade:

Quarterback: Brad Joshnson- He played from 2001 through 2003, and for those three seasons, he completed a high percentage of his passes, was very accurate, and won a Superbowl for us. Jeff Garcia and Brian Griese had good years in the decade too. In a position that has been so volatile, the guy who plays three years dominates the decade.

FullBack: Mike Alstott- For his last 3 seasons, Mike Alstott was truely a blocker, and still toted the ball with good numbers. But no matter what, no. 40 made the Fullback position famous here in Tampa Bay, and the A train is probably the most popular Buc ever. BJ Askew is a good runner up, as is Jameel Cook.

Tailback: Warrick Dunn- Just goes to show you the lack of a dominant rusher here, when a guy who played in the first two years of the decade and came back for his final year ever takes this one, but I just cant give it to Cadillac even though his 2005 year was the best of the decade. Michael Pittman was solid but saved his best for the Superbowl.

Wide Receiver- Joey Galloway- What can you say? 3 consecutive 1000 yard seasons? Thats never happened before in Bucs history. Joey Galloway was Tampa Bays DEEP threat after his first injury plagued 2004 season, and MADE defensive coordinators plan for him in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Wide Receiver- Keyshawn Johnson- He was the dominant WR on the team from 2000 until he was let go after the 2003 season. He made the tough catches over and across the middle, and was the receiver the Bucs needed to catch the attention of defensive coordinators and players. Antonio Bryant is the default franchise receiver, and Joe Keenan McCardell would have taken this one if not for his 2 year only status as WR.

Tight End- Ken Dilger 2002-2004- With all due respect to Jeremy Stevens who I think is the Best overall Tight End we had this decade, Dilger gave the Bucs a legit weapon when we went from Dave Moore after the 2001 season. Alex Smith was a little disappointing, but again, not exactly a spot on the team that was really dominated.

Left Tackle- Donald Penn 2007- Current - I mean who else am I going to pick? Kenyatta Walker? Penn has shut down some great right ends , he will be fine there for some time, as long as the Bucs are smart enough to lock him in.

Left Guard- Dan Buenning- 2005-2006- Dan was injured in the last preseason game of 2006 and believe it or not, is the biggest cause of the poor start of that year. Cadillac Williams made a great percentage of his yards running left in 2005 behind Buenning and Anthony Davis. Aaron Sears should dominate for another decade if his comeback is successful. Special Note for Kerry Jenkins who was brought in and did well during the Superbowl year.

Center- Jeff Faine- 2008-Pres: Will more respects to Jeff Christy who Centered for the first three years, Faine in two seasons has dominated the spot that calls the protections for the QB. In between (03-07) the position was a serious weak spot.

Right Guard- Davin Joeseph 2006 Pres- Joeseph is kind of having a down year, but who isn't this season right? Davin is probably on the verge of a probowl year, or several years, but lets not forget Cosey Colman who played adequately for many seasons.

Right Tackle- Jeremy Trueblood- 2006-Pres- Trueblood and Joeseph came as bookends in 2006, and got the start when Kenyata Walker got hurt. This side of the line does not have a very dominant tackle this decade.

Place Kicker: Matt Bryant- 2005-2008- Gramatica just had too many of his best years before the decade, while Bryant had one of the best kicking years ever last season, and lets never forget the 62 yarder vs the Eagles in 2006. Very Accurate.

Punter: Josh Bidwell- 2004-Present- No other player really dominates the decade like Josh Bidwell, and in a way that is a shame that a Punter holds that honor! While Tupa punted well during the Superbowl, Bidwell came here via Free Agency from the Green Bay Packers after surviving testicular cancer.

Left Defensive End- Greg Spires- 2002-2006: The Crane he was called, Spires dominated the left side with his pressure on the QB and his attacking of the run. Marcus Jones and Chidi Ahanato were bit players until Mr. Spires came to town. SInce he left, only Kevin Carter has any kind of year there. Its a big need heading into 2010 and beyond, as is every spot on the line now.

Nose Guard- Chris Hovan- Booger McFarland was my first choice, but his time is kind of split in During Sapp and after Sapp years, when he had to play undertackle. So I take Hovan's 2005- Present years as the best Nose Guard years of the decade. This is probably Roy Millers spot to lose next decade.

UnderTackle- Warren Sapp 2000-2003: He was so good, that no matter what, he is the guy for this list. Tampa Bay is STILL trying to replace him. Chadrick Darby, Booger McFarland, Ellis Wyms, and Jovan Haye have tried. What can I say. If you don't like my pick, Suh me!

Right Defensive End- Gaines Adams- OK , just seeing if your paying attention! Simeon Rice just dominated this spot since getting him in 2001 until his shoulder gave out in 2006. Even then, he had his last monster game in week 3 vs Carolina when he tried to will the Bucs to a win.

Strong Side Linebacker- Ryan Nece- He was the Sam Backer in 03, 05 and 06. The Bucs had the no.1 defense in 2005, so you could give an argument that Nece has as much playmaking ability than Cato June there. In not for time involved, Ian Gold and Alshermond Singlton would get the nod, with Singlton coming in as the best Sam Linebacker of the decade, but were going to go with Nece, who as you probably know is long time 49er safety Ronnie Lott's son.

Middle Linebacker- Shelton Quarles- 2002-2006: Little known fact, Jon Gruden was the one who recommended to Monte Kiffin that Sam linebacker Shelton Quarles in 2001 would make a great Mike linebacker, and so he did. Barrett Ruud at times appears to be the guy...Im guessing we will find out, as he has put in as much time as Quarles did now. But Quarles played it almost as well as that Nickerson guy in the 90s.

Weak Side Linebacker- Derrick Double Nickle Brooks- 2000-2008!: Well pretty much...but there is no way you could make any effort to pick Geno Hayes over Derrick Brooks, so this is the second easiest position to pick. Brooks defined the Will linebacker in the Tampa Two.

Strong Safety- John Lynch-2000-20003: Lynch has one year less than Jermain Philips, so its a no brainer here. John Lynch could have played more as it turns out, but Phlip did a great job taking over. Lynch was the cornerstone of the Tampa Two, the Safety that snuck in the box and laid the wood on ...well, anyone.

Weak Safety- Tanard Jackson- 2008-Pres: People forget how often Dexter Jackson got burned in 2001. He had a great game in the Superbowl with his two picks, but both picks resulted in a total of 3 points. Rice or Pittman should have been MVP in my book. Jackson played well when we returned in 2005 and the defense went to NO. 1 again.

Corner no. 1- Brian Kelly-2002-2007- BK never had the public's full support like corner no. 2 did. I think its because the public perception of him is his outstretched arms while Ricky Proel catches the TD against us in the Rams NFC Championship game. But Brian Kelly was a great corner, and Aqib Talib is filling the number in properly.

Corner no. 2- Ronde Barber- The Whole Freaking Decade!: Nothing needs to be said here. Even when people call him out for a few bad plays, he makes 2 for each bad one. He even did well in a new defense. Ronde Barber will forever be remembered for his run down the Vet in Philadelphia to put the Bucs in the Superbowl.

Head Coach: I wont even touch this one. Tony Dungy is a B+ Coach and an A+ Man. Jon Gruden invoked energy into a tiring franchise that needed the juice he brought...on top of replacing HALF of the offense. He did NOT win the Superbowl with Dungy's team, but he could not have won the Superbowl without Dungy either.

I hope you enjoyed this article. I had fun remembering all the players Ive enjoyed rooting for during this up, down, up and now down decade. lets hope the next ten years are fondly remembered too. Feel Free to drop in with your opinions on the players I've listed, or maybe, if I forgot one?

Why does the turnaround have to happen on defense?

Niko Houllis — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:30:37 -0000

by Chris O'Meara - AP

Could multiple offensive celebrations be a part of the near future for the Bucs?

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In 1996, the Bucs started to turn their fortunes around as the defense developed into the historically dominant entity it became. It didnt happen overnight..the first game was a slaughter. But it got better, and before you knew it, there were several games in a row where the defense didn't give up more than 13 points. The offense? well Trent Dilfer made it look like both sides of the ball were improving, but we know better. The optimistic Dilfer of 1996-97 gave way to the disapointing 1998 and the downright nightmare of 2009! It was so bad, even a rookie with less than adequate arm strength actually improved the position for a year or two. It wasnt until Brad Johnson playing in his slightly past prime part of his life was there to add some quality to Quarterbacking the Buccaneers.

So when we look for the team to start turning around again, why do we expect a direct repeat? Doesnt the law of averages say this franchise is due to have a powerful offense one day? Didn't we finally get a good successful coach when we looked away from the obvious choices like Jimmy Johnson, Steve Spurrier, or Bill Parcells. Instead a lesser known assistant named Tony Dungy came in and helped things turn around under his watch.

So maybe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally find an offense under a defensive Head Coach in Raheem Morris? Is it any stranger than the fact that this team has NEVER had an offense to even talk about? Twice the Bucs had a 10th ranked offense, in 1984 with James Wilder running the ball for over 1500 yards (still a Bucs record), and 2003. Thats right, 2003, under Jon Gruden, the year after the Superbowl, and the only year under Gruden in which he had a Quarterback who started every single game. That's moving the ball though, getting yards. As far as scoring, 2000 was the best season in Bucs history, with 388 points. While that is our best ever, in 2000 it wasnt more than top 5. Colts, Raiders, Broncos and Vikings all scored more points. Of course, the defense probably had a lot to do with that. The reward for scoring the most points ever in Bucs history; Offensive coordinator Les Steckle was fired, and Shawn King was rewarded......by being replaced with free agent Brad Johnson! Tampa Bay; where no good deed goes unpunished?

But that's it folks. Oh sure, the Bucs were a big play waiting to happen in the Doug Williams era, and were a good consistant running team during the Alstott & Dunn years. But this team has had defense as a main ingredient since the creation. In 1977 it was top ten, and number 1 in 1979, 2002, and 2005. We have had so many linebackers that were solid stars its not even funny. Richard Batman Wood, Cecil Johnson, Hugh Green, Scott Brantley, Eugene Marve, Winston Moss, Broderick Thomas, Jimmy Williams, Lonnie Marts, Shelton Quarles, Hardy Nickerson, Derrick Brooks, Just to name a few. What about secondary? Mark Cotney, Mike Washington, Cedric Brown, Ricky Reynolds, Mark Robinson, Harry Hamilton, Marty Carter, John Lynch, Donnie Abraham, and Brian Kelly just off the top of my head.

Try to name 10 offensive stars. You will struggle after 7, because the bottom line is we have not had a history of success on that side of the ball.

34 years is a long time..the Pittsburgh Steelers were a lousy team for 40 years before the Rooney family put the pieces together and now have more Superbowl rings than any other NFL team. The law of averages, and time, say there was no way the Bucs could have continued to have double digit losing seasons for too much longer than the 14 years it did. The Cardinals took that to the extreme, but even they went to the Superbowl last year, and are one of the better teams in the league for a change for this perenial bottom dweller.

So maybe the laws of averages have caught up to us. Maybe, Tampa Bay fans will finally be able to go to the stadium and watch a team that is able to light up the scoreboard. Yes, we are trained to cheer our teams D linemen, LInebackers and it's secondary. But I'm willing to bet Raymond James patrons wont have a problem watching an offense putting points on the board instead.

Throwback lesson: Accountability comes in many different colors

Niko Houllis — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:21 -0000

by Brian Blanco - AP

Would you trade these two today?

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They were told they had to wear something a little different than what they were used to this week. The players probably had different reactions when they first heard the news, that they would not be able to show up in their regular work outfits. No, this time, they would have to make a little change.

And no, for the first time in a month, I'm actually NOT talking about throwback uniforms or Bucco Bruce. As a new rule, Head Coach Raheem Morris enacted a dress code among his players. Proper attire only.

When asked during his press conference to explain why, he simply hinted that these are little punishments, and that they are not to be read into too deep.

Its hard not too Raheem. Especially when the reading ends up with the good guys winning, the bad guys going home without their little cheese hats, and some guy at quarterback thats going to have us forgetting all about the dozen or so quarterbacks that have started in this decade. But Morris took away music during workouts, and then the right to wear whatever they want to on their way to the stadium. He hints these things can be brought back once players buy into the system...or meet his requirements. In other words, it sounds like Raheem has a little more control over this team than some are giving credit for.

We've been a microwaved society for many years now, but it seems these days even that is not fast enough. We are now a broadband, 'give it to me now or I don't want it' culture that demands results without waiting through the questions.

Could Geno Hayes play? We didn't know, and fans wished Derrick Brooks was still on this team. Same fan has no answer to what would be done next season.

People on this very site had put a label on Josh Freeman and based it only on two things 2) What he did at Kansas State for the 10% who watched K State football, or 1) Because they listened to someone else who said so. Now we see that Josh Freeman does come as delivered...that is, a Quarterback with Franchise Potential. A QB who has a CHANCE to be a Marino, an Elway...right here in Tampa Bay.

He already has 4th quarter comeback number 1 on his resume, and the season just got fun to watch again...as we watch this probable Offensive leader take over a team and guide them...to wherever players like him take teams.

We have no idea where Raheem, Josh, Jim Bates and Co. are taking this team, but maybe now the journey will be a little more fun so the 'doom and gloom' personnel can give it a break for a week or two; and give Mark Dominik a chance too. In a deep draft, the Bucs have stocked themselves up for the future.

Like Shannon Sharpe once told the New England fans mockingly as he had a phone in his hands up to his ear, while the Broncos were destroying the Patriots....

" Don't worry...Help is on the way! ..Help is on the way"

Preview: Green Bay Packers at Buccaneers

Brandon — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:15:19 -0000

More photos » by Reinhold Matay - AP

2 months ago: Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tanard Jackson (36) gets a pat on the back from teammate Sabby Piscitelli (21) after returning an interception for a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009. The Panthers won 28-21. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)

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The first thing that jumps out is zero, which is the number of 2009 wins by the last remaining winless team this season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They looked very good in week 4 last season when they beat the Packers 30-21, but that seems like a long time ago. Since then they've fired their Super Bowl winning head coach, their long time defensive coordinator left for the University of Tennessee, and they've released or traded several defensive starters, including Pro Bowl LB Derrick Brooks. After an ugly loss to the Patriots in London, the Bucs are coming off the bye-week and giving their rookie 1st round QB Josh Freeman his first NFL start. As long as I'm dumping on the Bucs, I might as well mentioned how they shot themselves in the foot by firing Ron Wolf back in 1978.

Sometimes a record doesn't tell the whole story. But in this case it does; the Bucs are as bad as they look.

Instead of using the official NFL stats this week, I'm going with Football Outsiders. The problem with the official stats, which are based on yards/game, is that they don't take into account that their opponents have only attempted 180 passes against the Bucs, which is the lowest total in the NFL. I don't know why teams aren't throwing the ball against them because they aren't very good at stopping them: they've allowed 16 TDs to 8 INTs while their opponents' QB rating against them is 102.1. So from Football Outsiders.com:

Team	Run Offense	Pass Offense	Run Defense	Pass Defense
Packers	13	8	6	7

Team	Run Defense	Pass Defense	Run Offense	Pass Offense
Buccaneers	30	31	20	26

While RB Ryan Grant isn't running his way to the Pro Bowl this season, the Bucs aren't stopping anyone, only holding their opponents to 4.7 yards/carry. That's similar to the Browns, who allow 4.9 yards/carry, and Grant ran over them for 148 yards and 1 TD. Packers.

As I mentioned above the jump, though teams aren't throwing a lot of passes against the Bucs, it doesn't mean they are stopping the ones that are thrown. QB Aaron Rodgers has a QB rating of 110.4, Bucs are "holding" their opponents to a 102.1 QB rating - it sounds like a matchup Rodgers should win. Packers.

If the Bucs have one bright spot, it's their running game, which is moving along at a 4.2 yards/carry. Both of their top rushers, RB Cadillac Williams and RB Derrick Ward, are over 4 yards/carry this season. But the Packers run defense has been even better, holding opponents to 3.5 yards/carry, while only allowing 3 rushing TDs and recovering 4 fumbles. The Bucs rushing attack is doing about as well as Detroit and Cleveland, and neither of those teams did much running the ball against the Packers earlier this season. Packers.

While not as good as last season, the Packers pass defense is still very good with 11 INTs and holding their opponents to a QB rating of 74.4. The Bucs have been awful the last 4 weeks with QB Josh Johnson as their starter, not that QB Byron Leftwich did much in the 3 games he started. So, as mentioned before the jump, they are turning to the rookie Freeman. It's hard to know how the rookie will play, but if he is truly better than Johnson or Leftwich (at this point in his career) you'd think he would have started before week 8. Packers.

Packers 38, Bucs 10.

Patience, and draft picks, is all that will build us a winner.

Niko Houllis — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:00:35 -0000

It was draft picks like Sapp, not Free Agents, that built the Superbowl Bucs

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The 'Fire Morris' campaign has started already, a mere half season into his rookie campaign. Coaches don't even get full seasons anymore, much less 3 or 5 year plans. Yet that is the only way a truely dominant team like the Colts, Patriots, and Steelers can be built; not overnight, not with free agents, but with smart, good drafting.

We know Bruce Allen was not one with a keen eye on talent. Yes he gets his information from scouts, but the final choice is his. Rich McKay had a better eye, but couldn't manage the cap like Allen could. Mark Dominik was around under both of them, and only time will tell if he has the knack for picking the winners, but so far last years picks are not doing too bad. Again, it takes years to evaluate a draft.

I have pointed out examples of other teams and how we are judging Morris & Dominik to harshly, So now Im going to try to hit home by, well, hitting home! Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Unlike previous regimes, this one has the benefit of successful past to look back on and emulate. The Bucs started to put some talent on the field as early as 1993 when Hardy Nickerson was brought in via free agency and made an immediate impact. It wasnt translated so much into wins, but in an attitude on the defense, and an accountability on the field. But the Bucs sucess of the late 90s leading up to the SuperBowl was started with the drafting in 1995 and 1996. For the most part, these two drafts formed the nucleus of the Bucs defense for a record run. So when you look at the 2009 Bucs, and you see the lack of talent, and you wonder where it is going to come from, do not start looking at potential free agents and 30+ million in cap space. Look instead at the draft picks the Bucs are piling up, which is the right way to do it.

Lets look at how a Superbowl team was built. We will concentrate on defense, as we know, that was the heart and soul of Raymond James tenants. But even on offense, Mike Alsott was a 2nd round draft pick out of Purdue.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The heartbeat of the Tampa Two was the defensive line. In the middle 3 men held down the two spots for the entire duration of our time frame, which will be from the turn-around (1996) to the SuperBowl (2002). Warren Sapp was without a doubt the furnace for this steam engine. He was drafted in the 1st round of 1995 out of Miami. Brad Culpepper was his first nose tackle, he was brought in as a free agent in 1994 from Minnesota. When 'Pep was released after 1999, Anthony Booger McFarland took his spot; who was a 1st round pick out of LSU in 99 draft. SO Booger was put into the starting rotation in his second year.

On the ends, we have a few different guys, men like Chidi Ahanato who was a 6th round pick in 1993, who gave way to Greg Spires who was a Free Agent out of Cleveland. On the other side, Regan Upshaw was another 1st round pick; 1996 when the Bucs had two choices in the first round. The other was Marcus Jones who also started on the defensive line. Totaled up, thats 7 men, 5 of which were drafted; almost all in the 1st round- high quality picks.

LINEBACKERS

As we said, Hardy Nickerson was the first impact player for the Bucs term in this debate, and he was a free agent out of Pittsburgh. To make things easier, we will just move over to the other side where Derrick Brooks joined him; 1st round draft pick in 1995.

The third guy has changed alot during the years, we can start with Lonnie Marts who was brought in as a free agent. Then we have Jeff Gooch who was also a free agent; the method that dominates the income of this position. Shelton Quarles was a free agent from the Canadian Football League, and finally Alshermond Singleton was a 4th round draft pick.

After Hardy left at the end of the 1999 season, Jamie Duncan took over his spot who was a 3rd round draft pick out of Vandy. Nate Webster was also a 3rd round pick in 2000, and then Shelton Quarles took over and we've said he was a CFL Free Agent. Totaled up, that's 8 players and half were drafted while the other half were Free Agents. Of the Best, Nickerson and Quarles were FAs, and Brooks was drafted.

SECONDARY

On the Corners, Donnie Abraham was an instant success coming in from the 3rd round in 1996. He was eventually replaced by Brian Kelly who was a 2nd round draft pick in 1998. On the other side, Lets just go with Ronde Barber who took over in 1998 from Anthony Parker who was a free agent. That 2nd round pick is STILL on the field.

Safety John Lynch didnt really start until 1996 on a regular basis, and he was a 3rd round draft pick. The other safety posistion has changed members during this period; Charles Mincy was a free agent in 1996, Damien Robinson was brought in 1997. Dexter Jackson was drafted in the 4th round and became the Superbowl MVP! So for the secondary we have 8 players, 5 of which were drafted. The main ones, Kelly, Barber, Lynch were all drafted.

So when to total it all up, that is 14 guys drafted, 9 guys brought in as free agents out of the main stars of the Monte Kiffin period of the Tampa Two which ends with the Superbowl victory. Two of the main stars were drafted in the 1st round, where you would expect to find them, but look how many are 3rd or 4th round picks. Even 2nds, which we have two of next year, are very important.

Fast forward to 2009, and you can see which of the 11 guys who start today are going to still be here in 2011, and which ones will lose their jobs to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd round picks over the next few years. Then Mr. Dominik and Mr. Morris can pick their free agents we are hammering for them to get, when they know what need we have for them.

If this blueprint looks familiar, it is. Its our own from the 1990s, and it looks pretty similar to that of the Colts, Steelers, Chargers, and Patriots. Lets hope our guys have time to finish building this house.

ON THIS DAY RECAP- 10/22/2006- Philly Cheesesteaks melting on Matt Bryant Day

Niko Houllis — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:00:23 -0000

Oh yeah, Happy Matt Bryant Day everyone. Or was that only a one year thing? Because if it isn't, Id say he is celebrating somewhere in Orlando that his wish came true, and that the Bucs are unable to kick a FG.

Three years ago it wasn't much of a different story: Still a poor team putting on Pewter uniforms with not much of a chance for victory. The team already scored its miracle of the year the week before when Michael Clayton scored what would be the first of two touchdowns scored in 4 seasons; all with under 2:00 left to win the game. Bengals Kicker Missed a 60+ yard attempt with time expiring for a little football foreshadowing. Buc hero Ronde Barber does his best 2002 impersonation and returns 2 Donovan McNabb Pick 6 passes, but the real story was the 5 missed tackes that started with Derrick Brooks and ended with a sea of bodies laying on the Ray Jay turf. But the Eagles left enough time on the clock for a good return, a first down, and , well thats it! The ball was kicked from the Bucs end of the field. Matt Bryant Became Bucs Radioman Gene Deckerhoff's hero, and the Mayor made it Matt Bryant Day for everyone to celebrate, On This Day.

NightLink II: Pisa Tinoisamoa May Be Gone for Year

Adam T — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:26:39 -0000

Pisa Tinoisamoa suffered cartilage damage. It is not known how bad the injury is yet, but some are calling it a significant MCL injury and he may be gone for the year.

Queue up the Derrick Brooks rumor mill again. If Pisa is gone and with Hillenmeyer still not back on the field, the depth at linebacker is getting pretty thin around Bears town.

Panthers vs. Bucs: Blogger Q&A

Jaxon — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:37:49 -0000

More photos » by Mel Evans - AP

2 months ago: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Johnson (11) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Chris Gocong (57) in the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)

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It's Wednesday Panther fans and that means its time to move past last weeks game and onto the match-up at hand. This week the Panthers travel to the Big Sombrero that is Tampa Stadium, home of the Buccaneers. The blogger team from SBN’s Buc ‘em blog joins us this week for the next installment of blogger Q&A. Providing the answers to my five questions is Niko, BucWild and UNFNole who blog quite robustly about the Tampa Bay Bucs. Be sure to check out my answers to their questions over at Buc em.

If you should have a question or two as well feel free to post it in the comments and we’ll see if we can get one of the guys to come over and answer it by the end of the week.

Let’s get this party started:

Question 1: We might as well start at the top. So what is your impression on new HC Raheem Morris at this point? Is there anything about him that has surprised you? Still happy?

Buc ‘em: I'm one of the people who actually knew about Raheem Morris before February of 2009. When he came back from one year at Kansas State, he immediately repaired a great deal of damage from the 2006 secondary, which became a fantastic 2007 defensive backfield. Has Morris made mistakes? Yes. The Training Camp, OTAs, Preseason battle between McCown and Leftwich, all wasted. The Offensive coordinator shambles, and perhaps even the choice of defensive coordinator, which we won’t know for some time if that was a mistake. Cutting Derrick Brooks and his leadership could be another one. There are many Bucs fans who want him removed ASAP. But the knowledgeable football fans understand that the real problem of the Bucs is a lack of experience and talent. Instead of retooling, Jon Gruden and Bruce Allen repaired holes with band-aids, aging veterans and castoffs that are no longer in the league.

It doesn’t sound an ideal first season for the Morris regime.

Question 2. So is your offense now a passing offense or are you still a running offense? Which should the Panthers plan for the most?

Buc ‘em: It depends on how fast and much of a lead you get on us! The Bucs have been passing a lot because they have fallen behind a lot. Also, they have run the ball well at home. You can expect a heavy dose of Cadillac and Ward, but if you get 14 points spotted on us early that might change that prediction. Or if you’re able to shut down the run like Philly Was, that too could put the ball more in Josh Johnson hands.

The Panthers will certainly want to force the Bucs to play catch up and throw the ball. SS Chris Harris has a big match-up with TE Kellen Winslow.

Question 3. Tell us about the QB situation. Are you happy with Josh Johnson at QB? Do you expect rookie QB Josh Freeman to get a start soon?

Buc ‘em: Josh Johnson has really shown remarkable improvement in just the two games he has played in so far. Bucs fans know Josh Freeman is supposed to be the future of this franchise, but Coach Morris has said this is Johnson's team until Freeman is ready. Freeman has the physical tools to be successful, but Johnson has the ability to stretch the play with his feet, and has a quick release and accurate/ strong arm. As long as he is not part of the problem, Bucs fans are cheering for JJ.

For those Johnson fans it sounds like this kid could become available in the future. He is just the kind of player the Panthers would target in free agency.

Question 4. How have the big Free Agent acquisitions RB Derrick Ward and TE Kellen Winslow met expectations? How do you rate those moves so far?

Buc ‘em: They came after the failure to secure arguably the biggest prize in free agency, Albert Haynesworth. They were met with immediate applause, which turned to some little boos as K2 got a contract extension and did not show up for all the OTAs. However, with his 100+ yard game last week, Bucs fans got to see that K2 can be Josh Johnson's best friend in the passing game, and Derrick Ward simply hasn’t had a chance because quick 14 point deficits have had the Bucs offense more in passing mode. When he has gotten the chance, Ward has made the best of it, and Bucs fans know that no matter what, the running back position is the deepest on the team, and not a major cause for concern.

We know that Derrick Ward and Warrick Dunn can hurt us so there’s even more emphasis on getting an early lead.

Question 5. Has perennial Pro Bowl LB Derrick Brooks been adequately replaced? Who's your defensive MVP to date?

Buc ‘em: There is no way to replace a sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer like Derrick Brooks. You just try to do your best to refill in the position. Geno Hayes was Brooks’ protégé last season, and still gets text pointers from ESPN's newest member. Hayes, like Brooks, is considered a little on the small size, but what Hayes mostly lacks is the experience Derrick brought to the position. One such example is the Slow It Down play you can see on our site from Wednesday. Brooks would have sniffed that play out; instead the Eagles used it to trick Hayes. Defensive End Jimmy Wilkerson had three sacks vs. the Eagles, and has been the lone standout on the Defensive line which needs a complete overhaul in the offseason.

I’m still surprised Brooks hasn’t landed somewhere else. I’m also surprised to hear the DL needs an overhaul. It sounds like RT Jeff Otah may have his hands full with Wilkerson.

Score prediction:

Buc ‘em: Probably a close game as most Carolina/Tampa Bay games seem to go. Probably not a whole lot of defense, nor offense either for that matter. 50 total points seems about right any way you want to slice them up. 23-21 should be the score, and for the last time this season, I will pick Tampa Bay.

I'm thinking its more like 31-17 Panthers.

With game 5 coming up, a look at some Top 5's.....

Niko Houllis — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:00:19 -0000

game 5

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Some Top 5 things from our 5th game of the season, at the Linc in Philadelphia!

5 BEST PLAYERS ON THE FIELD FOR THE BUCS-

The new 2009 Cadillac Williams looks BETTER than the 2005 model!
Tanard Jackson returns to help out at safety. Is he just sticking his thumb in the dyke?
Chris Hovan is becoming a vocal leader on the defense.
Geno Hayes and Quincy Black are quickly catching up to Barrett Ruud. Linebackers are becoming best unit on the team.
Ronde Barber's body is in a state of temporal flux. His body is in his 30's, while Barber's legs are in his 20s.

5 PLAYERS STRUGGLING TO KEEP THEIR JOBS BASED ON PERFORMANCE-

Gaines Adams received a stay of execution from the govonor last week, but one quarter does not a season make. He may not get a chance this week with an injury bug.
After week one, Michael Clayton had Raheem Morris and Steve Duemig daring anyone to call and ask why the Bucs resigned him. Both signed up for unlisted numbers this week.
Kellen Winslow has 5 catches for 35 yards over the last two games. Young Quarterbacks best friend my BEEP!
Jeremy Trueblood is supposed to be part of the strongest unit on the Bucs. Instead he is becoming the weakest link with 4 false starts in 4 games. This after leading the Bucs in penalties last year.
Josh Johnson may not exactly deserve to be on this list as he only has one start for the team, but this team has already got a QB that it expects to have to deal with growing pains for. Johnson looked sharp on his first pass, but looked every bit the roll of the young first start QB afterwards. Going against the Eagles defense will not be J.J.s fault, but a very poor outing could bring Leftwich back up to 1 on the depth chart; at least until Faine returns and/or the bye week when we could see Josh Freeman. more after the jump...

5 WAYS THE BUCS CAN WIN THIS SUNDAY-

Eagles veterans get 2002 NFC Championship flashbacks and drive to the Veterans Stadium location instead of the Linc.
Matt Bryant releases the Matt Bryant Day Curse and new kicker Shane Andrus makes all his kicks.
Josh Johnson is able to find K2 and Jeremy Stevens 7-10 yards downfield consistantly.
Our fully restored 2005 Cadillac Williams is featured by Morris in the run & short passing game.
Bucs defense continues to show improvement and faith buying into Jim Bates' system.

5 REASONS TO WATCH THE ENTIRE GAME-

Your a Bucs fan, die hard, and you dont miss a single game.
Your a glutton for punishment.
You were the one screaming for J.J. to start this preseason, and here he is.
You enjoy watching the 2 guys who make the most money on the team get overpaid to not do their job.
Your part of the 10% that does NOT root for the underdog, and will scream "NO MERCY" in the 4th Quarter.

and last but not least...

5 THINGS WERE TIRED OF HEARING FROM THE FOX BROADCASTING TEAM

How the Bucs don't have Derrick Brooks on the team anymore.
The fact that fantasy football players pick every opponent vs the Bucs to win.
Our 28th or 31st rankings in either catagory.
That Monte Kiffin isnt on the team anymore. And finally...
Anything from Tony Siragusa!