Tampa, Florida					Thursday, September 09, 2010

They Are Dangerfields No More, These Surprising Bucs
Sunday, December 11, 2005
TAMPA—I wrote here a week ago that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the Rodney Dangerfields of the NFL—that they “get no respect,” as the great late comedian used to say—and it was a fact. “I guess we were a little unappreciated,’’ said unpretentious Buc quarterback Chris Simms. They were. Emphasize the “were.’’ They beat the tar out of the favored Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon in Charlotte 20-10 to take the lead in the Southern Division of the NFL’s National Conference. The score did not tell you how complete the game was. Tampa Bay led 20-3 in the final period and assured of victory let down a bit so the Carolina team that had beaten them five straight games, and was heavily favored in this one to beat up on the Dangerfields who were not so physical nor talented as they. Carolina also was atop that Southern Division with a 9-3 record with Tampa No. 2 in the standings at 8-4. One National TV announcer working the game for Fox said he didn’t think anyone thought the Bucs could, or would, win over Carolina. It was clear early in the game that the Bucs played with more verve and determination, not to mention, better. The game was very, very physical, and the Bucs took it to Carolina, shutting down a fine offense featuring quarterback Jake Delhomme. The Buc defense in this game was villainous, the offense guarded but effective, playing that short-gain Buc offensive superbly, with Chris Sims perfect on the short passes, and hitting a couple of middle distance ones to swift Joey Galloway, with sensational Cadillac Williams scoring two touchdowns in effect running the ball against the proud Panthers who are hard to push around. The Buc line did push the Panthers enough for drives to two touchdowns and two field goals by Matt Bryant, who missed one against Chicago Nov. 27 in Tampa, to deny Tampa overtime to seek a victory the Bears. The Bucs were solid overall, including outstanding punting by Josh Bidwell. They deserved this win. The Panthers did not, and said so. They not only did not crank up their customary offense, or better, could not. The Buc offensive was standout, allowing only one sack of QB Simms, and clamping shut that Carolina offense. Buc heroes were plenty, but none stood out more than the hero last week of the News Orleans Saints 10-3, versatile cornerback-nickel back Ronde Barber, the eloquent, chiseled nine-year veteran and twin brother of Tiki Barber of the New York Giants. In this one, when it was still close in the fourth period 13-3 and Carolina driving inside the Tampa 20, the ball hawking Barber jumped in front of QB Delhomme’s receiver, leaped and intercepted, then ran the ball yards from the goal line to shut the scoring door on the Panthers. The Bucs went on to score, completing a fine march to the second touchdown	of Cadillac Williams. His interception not only stopped the Charlotte late drive and late revival but set the Bucs out on their final touchdown march. Now, this is the same the Ronde Barber that had three interceptions last Sunday in Baton Rouge against New Orleans to be the hero of that one. In this game against Carolina Sunday, Barber also sacked Delhomme for a big loss. Barber was clearly a star of the game, as was Cadillac, Simms and the entire defensive side of the ball. Might add punter Josh Bidwell and place-kicker Bryant to that list, and of course, Head Coach Jon Gruden for his preparation of the team for this pivotal game, his play-calling in it, and the work of defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. This win puts the Bucs in command of their division with two last division games at home, New Orleans and Atlanta, after a trip next Sunday to New England, a hot team but a cold venue. The Bucs are on track to win their division, unless they fall into a funk, go to the playoffs with a first round pass and home field advantage, and all that means to their fans and their area. Yes, these Bucs have come farther than anyone could have expected, but now that they are in a contending position for a genuine shot at a Super Bowl spot. Believe it. That win Sunday puts the Bucs at 9-4, a surprise to the football world. And that win produced super play by many, other than Barber. QB Simms, pressed into starting when Brian Griese, had another solid game, as did Cadillac Williams at running back, who gets better with every game now, despite this being his rookie year. That is important because it is the first time he has played so many games, and of course never at this level. Many rookies hit a wall about now. Barber explained that he is in a better position for sacks and interceptions because on third down he is usually moved from cornerback on the outside, to inside to serve as a “nickel’’ back. Another corner back is substituted to work the outside and he is moved inside the area near the line of scrimmage, or on it if called upon to seek a sack of the opposing quarterback. The inside position also allows him to patrol the passing lanes in there and that is what he was doing when he made that key interception against Carolina Sunday. He is a sure All-Pro again and on track for the NFL Football Hall of Fame. I served on that selection committee for 22 years, resigning two years ago. He’ll get in, I’d predict, but after linebacker Derrick Brooks. So, they are the Rodney Dangerfields no more, emerge into the role of Comeback Kids of the season, well-trained so far by their guardian coaches, led by the sometimes enigmatic Gruden and the intrepid Monte Kiffin. They are also very hard on their fans’ nervous system, ##
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