Peterson adjusts to position, level

Rookie defensive lineman Greg Peterson has had quite a journey from the anonymity of Division II North Carolina Central to playing a key role for one of the NFL's stingiest defensive units.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published October 2, 2007

Marc Bulger is sacked for a 7-yard loss on third down in the fourth quarter by Kevin Carter and Greg Peterson during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. St. Louis Rams game.
	[Brendan Fitterer | Times]

TAMPA - Rookie defensive lineman Greg Peterson has had quite a journey from the anonymity of Division II North Carolina Central to playing a key role for one of the NFL's stingiest defensive units.

But Peterson reached a landmark on that road Sunday, notching his first career solo sack and showing another sign that he just might make good on the projections of his coaches.

The fifth-round pick, who played extensively at defensive end as a collegian, has found a home at defensive tackle for the Bucs. His effort off the bench has been one of the team's surprise contributions.

"I like it. He's got some experience now," defensive line coach Larry Coyer said. "Each week you want to see progress. That's what we're seeing. I think, in time, we could have a pretty good group. But we're a long way from where we need to be."

Peterson's journey is far from over, but he takes satisfaction in how far he has already come.

"It feels real good because nobody expects anything from you when you're a fifth-round pick, a small-school player," said Peterson, 23. "People thought the competition was too great for me. But I'm proving people wrong and I hope I continue to do that."

Young defenders like Peterson could eventually become the lifeblood of the unit.

"I feel like we're establishing something," Peterson said. "I think we're getting a little swagger. Not too much. Just a little."

COX COMING BACK: Coach Jon Gruden said on his weekly radio show the Bucs will soon activate cornerback Torrie Cox, who served the final game of a four-game suspension on Sunday.

Cox was sidelined for a violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy, in which he was enrolled because of his history of alcohol-related issues.

His return comes at a good time. Starter Brian Kelly said Sunday he is likely to miss more time with a slow-healing strained groin. Kelly aggravated the injury in practice last week, just days after he said he tweaked it against the Rams. Kelly said he needs to give the injury adequate rest so it can fully heal. Look for Sammy Davis to continue as the third cornerback while Phillip Buchanon starts in place of Kelly.

STEVE WHO?:One of Sunday's keys somewhat lost in the flurry of news was the job the Bucs did against All-Pro receiver Steve Smith. After averaging 117.5 receiving yards in his past four games against the Bucs, Smith was held to 32 yards on five catches. That was, in part, because of quarterback David Carr's obvious struggles, but also because of the Bucs' defensive gameplan.

"That's one of the things we're very proud of," Gruden said. "They're creative with how they use him. I thought defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and his defensive coaches did a great job organizing a plan and our players executed it tremendously."

[Last modified October 2, 2007, 00:41:58]