McFarland keeps focus on future, not injuries

By RICK STROUD
Published April 7, 2005

TAMPA - Anthony McFarland isn't concerned about tackles, sacks or fumble recoveries. The only number that matters to the oft-injured defensive tackle in 2005 is games played.

"If I stay on the field, I'll be all right," McFarland said Wednesday.

"In this game, sometimes you get a little unfortunate and sometimes you don't. But that's part of the reality of life. Sometimes you travel a straight road, and sometimes it has curves in it. It doesn't really matter as long as the road gets you to where you want to go. ... My road has had a couple curves in it, but it'll eventually get to where we want to go."

McFarland missed the final eight games of the 2004 season with torn triceps he sustained in a 34-31 win over Kansas City on Nov.7. He finished with 28 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

The 6-foot, 300-pound McFarland has missed time because of injury three of the past four seasons. He sat out two games in 2001 with a knee strain and missed nine weeks, including three playoff games while the Bucs made their Super Bowl run in 2002, with a broken foot (two games) and forearm (seven).

"So what do you do? You pick up the pieces and move on," McFarland said. "That's the way you approach life on a daily basis, not just football. There's no way you can make a bone stronger.

"It's part of life. We play a physical game. I'm surprised there aren't more injuries."

McFarland signed a six-year, $31-million contract with a $9.5-million signing bonus before the 2003 season as the heir to Warren Sapp at under tackle.

"I say line up and go play one snap at a time. Play as hard and as well as you can," defensive line coach Rod Marinelli said. "That's what we can control, that snap. Whatever snap we have, we're going to enjoy. Ellis Wyms (shoulder) is coming off an injury, too, and they're both great players.

"You go back and watch tape on it. We were pretty good up front. I thought (McFarland) was really humming. But it'll hopefully make him even more hungry."

NOSING AROUND: Former Vikings defensive lineman Chris Hovan will move to nose tackle for the Bucs, a possible replacement for Chartric Darby, who signed with the Seahawks.

After three productive seasons in Minnesota, including a Pro Bowl appearance in 2002, Hovan lost his starting job to undrafted rookie Spencer Johnson nine games into last season. "It was a situation in Minnesota that turned sour," Hovan said. "All I know is I have a fresh start down here, and that's all that matters. I've got to come in here, prove myself and earn my spot. I think it's a privilege to play in this defense."

Marinelli said Hovan's switch from under tackle should be smooth. "I really feel his skill fits that (nose tackle) position," Marinelli said. "He is a quick, explosive guy, but he's got mass and is powerful. We've still got a nice movement guy with the ability to anchor pretty ... good. He fits this, and he knows it. He works. He's got a great motor."

ROAD TRIP: Utah quarterback Alex Smith will work out for the Bucs in Salt Lake City on Friday. Smith, who could be available when Tampa Bay selects fifth overall in the draft, worked out for the 49ers on Monday and was scheduled to visit the Lions on Wednesday.

Tampa Bay is targeting Smith, Cal quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Auburn running back Ronnie Brown, Michigan receiver Braylon Edwards, former Southern Cal receiver Mike Williams, Auburn running back Carnell Williams and Texas running back Cedric Benson.

[Last modified April 7, 2005, 01:23:19]