Brooks sits out plays for first time

Jon Gruden cites the heat and Cato June for replacing the linebacker.

By JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writer
Published September 17, 2007

Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks fights to get a ball from Jacksonville's Fred Taylor in the first quarter.
	[Brian Cassella | Times photo]

TAMPA - Derrick Brooks was in an unusual position for some plays during Sunday's 31-14 victory over the Saints.

The Tampa Bay sideline.

Brooks, a 10-time Pro Bowl pick, left the field for roughly a half-dozen plays in the nickel package, in which a fifth defensive back replaces a linebacker in passing situations. At times, Cato June, known for his pass defense, stayed on the field.

It marked the first time Books was not an every-down player.

"Cato June is a great player," coach Jon Gruden said. "It is 107 heat index on the field. They're passing every down, and we're going to have a great weakside linebacker on the field. That's my message to Derrick and Cato: Between the two of you guys, we're going to have a great nickel (weakside) linebacker."

Typically, Brooks, 34, is among the last to leave after a game. But Sunday, his locker was empty when reporters entered after a 10-minute cool down period.

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, asked how difficult it was to take Brooks off the field, did not verbalize an answer, only shaking his head.

The personnel change came one week after Brooks was criticized for a handful of plays during the loss at Seattle, including a 34-yard touchdown catch by running back Maurice Morris on which Brooks lost track of the ball and Morris.

Against the Saints, the Bucs used a variety of nickel looks.

Sometimes, Brooks came off and June stayed. Sometimes, June came off and Brooks stayed. Sometimes, three linebackers stayed in and one of four linemen came out for a 3-3-5 formation.

"If we can get those two guys to work together - I know we can - that will be a real, real improvement for us because Derrick is still a real gifted player for us when he's healthy and fresh," Gruden said. "I think that proved true (Sunday)."

Brooks was credited with nine tackles, second to fellow linebacker Barrett Ruud's 11, andforced on of Reggie Bush's fumbles.

First-year linebacker coach Gus Bradley said the team did not choose which linebacker, Brooks or June, stayed on the field based on situations, rather on keeping both fresh. June first played in the nickel late in the first half.

According to Bradley, Brooks took the news in stride.

"You know Derrick. He's unbelievable, the ultimate team player," Bradley said. "It's a situation where everybody wants to be on the field. The big thing we wanted was to make sure in the fourth quarter we had as many people fresh as possible."

Joanne Korth can be reached at korth @sptimes.com or (727) 893-8810.

[Last modified September 16, 2007, 21:29:26]