Barber's interceptions

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published January 12, 2002

No. 1

Sept. 30 at Minnesota

10 and counting
Ronde Barber enjoyed a breakout season in 2001, tying for the NFL lead in interceptions. But the standout cornerback insists he will get even better.
Barber's interceptions

Famous ahtletic twins
In addition to the Barber brothers, there have been many accomplished twins in the world of sports. Here are some notables with the help of Twinstuff.com.

The Bucs are clinging to a 16-13 lead and the Vikings are driving inside Tampa Bay territory when, on second-and-4, Ronde Barber steps in front of a Daunte Culpepper pass intended for Cris Carter in the flat and returns it 12 yards to midfield with 8:56 remaining. FINAL SCORE: MINNESOTA 20, TAMPA BAY 16

Nos. 2 and 3

Nov. 11 at Detroit

On the first series of the second quarter, Barber makes a one-handed interception of a Charlie Batch pass intended for Larry Foster at the Tampa Bay 20. On the first series of the fourth quarter, Barber picks off a pass intended for Bert Emanuel at Tampa Bay's 10-yard line. FINAL SCORE: BUCS 20, LIONS 17

Nos. 4 and 5

Nov. 21 vs. Pittsburgh

On the Steelers' first drive of the game, quarterback Kordell Stewart tries to go deep to Plaxico Burress, but Barber leaps and intercepts the ball at the Tampa Bay 6.

With the Bucs trailing 17-3, Barber strikes again, intercepting another pass intended for Burress and returning it to midfield with 1:58 to play in the third quarter. FINAL SCORE: STEELERS 17, BUCS 10

No. 6.

Nov. 18 vs. Chicago

On the first play of the game, Barber intercepts a pass from Jim Miller intended for David Terrell at the Chicago 27. FINAL SCORE: BEARS 27,BUCS 24.

Nos. 7, 8 and 9

Dec. 23 vs. New Orleans

In a game the Bucs desperately need to retain control of their playoff destiny, Barber sets a club record with three interceptions. His first pick comes at 12:29 of the first quarter when he intercepts Aaron Brooks at the Saints 27-yard line and returns it to the 12.

The second interception comes as time expires in the first half when he grabs a pass deflected off the hands of Ricky Williams, who makes a touchdown-saving tackle.

The record-breaking interception comes late in fourth quarter and is returned for a 36-yard touchdown. FINAL SCORE: BUCS 48, SAINTS 21.

No. 10.

Dec. 29 vs. Baltimore

The defending Super Bowl champions get a taste of Barber's brilliance when he snags a pass from quarterback Elvis Grbac that is deflected off Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks. FINAL SCORE: BUCS 22, RAVENS 10.