Secondary a primary factor in better pressure on QBs

On Sunday, the Bucs got the pass rush they had lacked thanks in large part to good coverage.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published October 16, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [James Borchuck | Times] Bucs cornerback Phillip Buchanon celebrates after his interception of Vince Young on the Tampa Bay 5-yard line during the second quarter of Sunday's game. The pass was intended for Roydell Williams.

TAMPA - The Bucs finally got to the quarterback Sunday, matching a season high with three sacks against the Titans after barely touching Colts quarterback Peyton Manning a week earlier.

But the credit doesn't just go to the defensive line, which had been consistently unimpressive in rushing the passer.

The secondary is worthy of praise because it was largely responsible for the takedowns.

The unit's solid coverage required quarterbacks Vince Young and Kerry Collins to sit in the pocket longer than planned, allowing the Bucs' front four time to get penetration.

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon continued to play superbly in the absence of injured Brian Kelly, recording a drive-killing interception late in the first half that stole the Titans' momentum.

And Ronde Barber, the cornerback opposite Buchanon, had two interceptions overturned by instant replay but still showed a glimpse of his skills.

"Phillip Buchanon has been a real good addition here," coach Jon Gruden said Monday. "You saw Ronde Barber show up and make some big plays for us. Jermaine Phillips has really been solid back there in the strong safety position (and), clearly, (free safety) Tanard Jackson is on the rise. He's going to be a really good pro."

Buchanon and Phillips have two interceptions apiece, with Jackson adding one at Indianapolis. The Bucs are tied for seventh in the league in interceptions with seven, and opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 73.5, sixth-lowest in the NFL.

INJURY UPDATES: Tight end Alex Smith (ankle) and defensive end Patrick Chukwurah (shoulder) are questionable for Sunday's game at Detroit, Gruden said.

Smith, Gruden said, is not thought to have a high ankle sprain, which would require a longer period to heal. Chukwurah's injury is feared to be more serious. He had not been told the results of an MRI when asked Monday.

As for Kelly, he said he is likely to sit out for a while until there is noticeable progress with his strained groin.

"I don't want it to be Week12 and still be dealing with this," he said, adding that the decision has been collaborative. Kelly was injured Week1 and has played off and on since. He indicated he is likely to miss his second straight game at Detroit as he and the medical staff continue "to be smart" about the injury.

FOR THE RECORD: NBC's Tiki Barber, Ronde's twin brother, said on the network's Sunday night broadcast that he had decided to trump his brother's and mother's wishes to come out of retirement and play for Tampa Bay.

Was it just TV theatrics or did Ronde and his mother really try to coax him out of the studio? Ronde laughed off the suggestion Monday.

"Shoot," Ronde said. "Don't always believe Tiki all the time."

Whatever the case, it seems Tiki isn't Tampa-bound.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at(813) 226-3377 or sholder@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 16, 2007, 01:05:18]