Left may be just right for Carter

The Bucs want another look at the veteran at left defensive end.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER, Times Staff Writer
Published August 16, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [James Borchuck | Times] Kevin Carter removes his helmet after drills during the afternoon session at Disney's Wide World of Sports. [James Borchuck | Times] Kevin Carter, left, participates in drills during the afternoon practice session.

LAKE BUENA VISTA - For the past five months, the Bucs' exact plans for defensive lineman Kevin Carter have remained a mystery.

Having played all four positions on the line during his 13 years as an NFL ironman, Carter has been considered a candidate to play just about anywhere.

He still is, but the player who has never missed a game finally may be closer to finding a home. Coach Jon Gruden on Wednesday stated his desire to see Carter seize the opportunity coaches will give him this week at left defensive end. Carter is expected to start there for a second straight preseason game and play extensively Saturday at Jacksonville, this after taking most of the practice snaps this week with the starting defense at left end.

But before he can call the position his own, he has to go through another graybeard - Greg Spires, himself a 10-year veteran who won't easily be pushed aside. One thing is certain, however, the 33-year-old Carter will get every opportunity.

"Everybody's talking flexibility and versatility and all that on the defensive line," Gruden said. "We want to see (Carter) center in and play a period of plays in succession at the left end spot. That's what you'll see Saturday night. Here's a guy who can play any position on the defensive line and, I think, played well. But we want to get him centered here a little bit and let him square away the left end spot."

That is, of course, the same position where Spires has started nearly all of his 79 games with the Bucs. Among those games: a memorable performance at left end in the Super Bowl XXXVII victory against Oakland that included a pair of batted passes and a sack.

Spires, also 33, played a substantial number of snaps last week against the Patriots at left end. But the Bucs already know well what he is capable of there. Carter, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, was perhaps the biggest defensive addition of the offseason, signing a four-year, $25-million deal in March. For that price, the Bucs must be certain he is used appropriately.

They have experimented with him as an under tackle, particularly in the nickel defense that is used in passing situations. But there are reasons the Bucs are intrigued by the possibilities with Carter at defensive end.

"He can play inside or out, but he's a real powerful guy and that makes him a mismatch for most tight ends," defensive line coach Larry Coyer said, offering an argument for Carter to play outside.

"He still can run some and he's got over 100 sacks (971/2). There's a lot to like there."

Coyer called the competition between Carter and Spires "a real battle" and said it is "a dead heat." Carter said he has received no indication of where he stands.

"You always try different combinations on the line," he said. "This is the experimental time when you find out what's the best combination to get the job done. That's all we're doing right now."

But maybe this is a hint. A concept being stressed by defensive coaches is their plan to get the best four linemen on the field, their positions being a secondary issue. From all indications, Carter would appear to be among them.

He does, after all, possess the characteristics the Bucs have desperately been seeking. They made it a priority to get bigger up front. At 6 feet 6 and a muscular 305 pounds, Carter qualifies. Shaking his enormous hand makes one feel as though greeting a grizzly bear. And the former Florida standout has quickness and adequate speed for his age, something the Bucs hope will help stimulate their anemic pass rush that yielded just 25 sacks last season - second-worst in the NFL.

Ultimately, though, it will come down to whether his performance is as solid as expected.

"They just have to compete and we'll make decisions," Coyer said. "That's the way it should be, competitive. It goes from day to day to day. Somebody has to grab hold."

With his massive paws, don't be surprised if Carter grabs hold and doesn't let go.

[Last modified August 15, 2007, 23:52:12]