Looking on bright side, role fits Kelly

Bucs CB Brian Kelly is healthier and happy to play, even if mostly in nickel sets.

By RICK STROUD
Published November 14, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT For now, Brian Kelly is okay with his limited role.

TAMPA - He has missed 19 of the past 25 games, temporarily lost his starting left cornerback job in the process, and could be wearing a different uniform next season.

Against that gloomy backdrop, Brian Kelly has never felt better - about his health, about the defense and about the Bucs' playoff chances.

"I'm not that frustrated. Because you know last year, I couldn't play," Kelly said. "But this year, it's been one of those things you've got to deal with because it's part of the game. But the fact that I'm healthy now and we're playing good ball and we've got a chance to be in the playoffs, that's what makes it more exciting."

You remember Kelly, for 10 seasons the Bucs' other bookend cornerback? Last season, he played just two games and was eventually placed on injured reserve to have surgery to repair a chronic turf toe.

Nobody could blame him. Even if he could have gutted it out for a few more games, the Bucs were 2-4 and their season was circling the drain.

This season, Kelly's comeback was aborted after the opener at Seattle when he suffered a groin strain.

Kelly attempted to return two weeks later against the Rams before aggravating the injury. Two after that, he gave it a go at Indianapolis and had three tackles but was worse for it.

"He got hurt the first game and probably came back a little soon," defensive backs coach Raheem Morris said. "I appreciated what he did against the Rams, he sucked it up played most of game. He tried to force the issue in Indianapolis and he wasn't ready. He came back before the bye (against the Cardinals) and looked pretty good. He got a week off and I can't wait to see him this weekend."

How much Kelly will play is uncertain, primarily because he is being used as nickel cornerback in passing situations when teams use three receivers. At 31, Kelly has taken a back seat to Phillip Buchanon, the former Raiders first-round pick claimed off waivers from Houston last season. In 19 games with the Bucs, Buchanon has four interceptions.

For now, Kelly is okay with his limited role.

"I'm fine with that," Kelly said. "I have plenty of opportunities to make plays, you know. If I was sitting over there twiddling my thumbs and doing nothing, I'd be upset. But I'm in 42 snaps, 30 of them were nickel last week. I'm fine with that. I know at the end of the day, I know what's going on."

What's going on is that at 27, Buchanon could have a longer future than Kelly in Tampa Bay. Both are signed through 2008, when Buchanon is scheduled to earn $1.9-million and Kelly $3.2-million.

"Over the years, we've never had a problem playing the best guy," Morris said. "The whole (defensive backs) room knows it. The best guy is going to start. We're going to play the best players with the first 11. But if you play that nickel back, you play lot of football. It's great seeing the competition between those guys. Brian has helped Phillip by competing and being a mentor.

"What (Kelly) brings, we don't have in our room, one of the better off corners who you can put in space and he can transition and make plays on football."

At 5 feet 11, 193 pounds, Kelly always has been one of the most physical corners in the NFL. His 20 interceptions and 99 passes defended can stand up to the best corners in the league.

There have been periods of frustration for Kelly throughout his career, mostly with his contract and injuries. But there's no discounting his value to the team. His best years have been the Bucs' best years.

"Brian's a great player, you know?" cornerback Ronde Barber said. "We're definitely a better team when he's suited up. Nothing against Phillip because Phillip is playing good for us. Brian is a great player, he adds to what has been a pretty steady secondary all year. It's good to have him back."

[Last modified November 13, 2007, 23:52:51]