Bucs/NFL

Defense rises to challenge

After being ripped by Jon Gruden, the unit has its best game, including a three-and-out late.

By DAVE SCHEIBER
Published October 16, 2006

TAMPA - After a tough week that began with criticism from coach Jon Gruden and questions about its reputation, the Bucs defense responded with a much-needed statement Sunday.

The calling-out by Gruden became a call to arms for the maligned unit.

"We didn't look at it as a calling-out," All-Pro linebacker Derrick Brooks said. "We looked at it as an opportunity to go out there and prove ourselves once again."

"Absolutely," echoed cornerback Ronde Barber. "You have opportunities to step up every now and then, and this was one. (Gruden) put it on us. He put it on the (defensive backs) especially because of the struggles we've had the first couple of weeks. And it's not a good feeling."

The defense turned in its best performance of the season, holding the high-powered Bengals offense to three-and-outs five times and putting the Bucs in position to win their first game of the season.

And it did so in spite of health issues. Defensive end Simeon Rice (shoulder) and cornerback Juran Bolden (hip) were questionable heading into the game. Cornerback Brian Kelly sat out with a foot injury and linebacker Shelton Quarles (sprained knee) and free safety Kalvin Pearson (abdominal strain) left the game but returned.

The defense was especially effective against the run, holding the Bengals' 1,400-yard-plus tailback of 2004 and 2005, Rudi Johnson, to 52 yards on 17 carries (and only 3 yards in the first half).

It did yield a pair of big passing plays - a leaping 33-yard second-quarter touchdown from Carson Palmer to T.J. Houshmandzadeh for a 7-0 lead and a 51-yarder to Chad Johnson in the fourth quarter that led to a field goal and 13-7 edge.

But for the most part, the defense kept the heat on Palmer and Co.

"We just knew we had to play better," said tackle Ellis Wyms, who recorded a pair of sacks, the first multisack effort of his career. "As a unit, we just knew we had to come together and start putting up some of the performances of old. Everybody had to take on themselves to play better."

"This is the way we play," Rice said. "This is the way we have to win, so we learned something."

The key sequence came when Cincinnati took over at its 10 with 6:33 to play. After holding Johnson to a pair of 1-yard gains, Kenny Watson was tackled for a 2-yard loss on a pass from Palmer, forcing a punt and setting the stage for the winning drive.

"We know what we're capable of doing," said Bolden, who started in place of Kelly. "A lot of teams are claiming to be the best in the AFC. We just wanted to come out and show that we're still the Bucs that everybody needs to respect."

[Last modified October 16, 2006, 00:51:26]