Star LBs work in harmony in nickel

Derrick Brooks and Cato June have put team above ego to form a solid tandem.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published December 12, 2007

Cato June, left, and Derrick Brooks, sandwiching the Titans' LenDale White, keep each other fresh by splitting time in the scheme.
	[Brian Cassella | Times]

TAMPA - The problem was obvious: two talented players, one spot. The solution, however, was less apparent.

But thanks to the cooperative relationship forged between Bucs linebackers Derrick Brooks and Cato June, Tampa Bay has found a compromise that satisfies both on those frequent occasions when the defense can use just a single outside linebacker.

The Bucs, like any team, utilize a nickel defense when offenses add an extra receiver. It calls for a third cornerback and one fewer outside linebacker.

That's where things get thorny. When the Bucs signed June in the offseason, the most perplexing question was which linebacker would play in their oft-used nickel defense: Pro Bowl player June, or future Hall of Famer Brooks?

The answer, it turns out, is both.

Ever since the Bucs first experimented with this model early in the season, Brooks and June have shared snaps in the nickel lineup. The plan has paid dividends largely because the two have allowed it to work so beautifully.

"We're winning games," Brooks said. "At the end of the day, that's what is most important, not who's playing."

The nickel defense is used extensively, as in the Dec. 2 game against the Saints, who employ a relentless passing attack and numerous receivers. That could mean longer periods on the sideline for the odd man out.

Both Brooks and June want nothing more than to be on the field. But there's a bigger picture, and the two have bought in.

"We're not counting the reps," coach Jon Gruden said, though linebackers coach Gus Bradley estimates the players have split them roughly 50-50. "There may be people who try to make it controversial, but all we care about is winning. We have a lot of guys on this football team who have checked their egos at the door and really been pros."

But there was a reason this delicate situation had the potential to become explosive. June - the strongside linebacker - is seen as the likely successor to Brooks on the weakside. When June initially began to take some of the snaps in the nickel, a natural reaction was to wonder whether it was a reflection of the 34-year-old Brooks' standing with the team.

Instead, the pair and their coaches say they merely are taking advantage of two impact players, giving them a chance to make the plays for which they are famous.

When that happens, both Brooks and June can take credit.

"Those guys are believing in each other and really helping each other out," Gruden said. "Sometimes, when you see Brooks make a play, it's almost like Cato is getting an assist from the sideline. They like sitting in the meeting room diagnosing plays, they collaborate and they really support each other."

There has been an added benefit: fresh legs. On Nov.25, Washington ran 82 plays to Tampa Bay's 51. That's a lot of opportunities for a defense to wear down, particularly one whose scheme is predicated on speed. Taking a few plays off may translate into fewer tackles though Brooks leads the team with 101 but it does wonders for your stamina.

"At the speed with which we play - all-out speed on every play - that's our whole game, speed," June said. "You want to be able to give it all you have and put the best effort on tape for each play. So we have some fresh legs out there at the end of the game for those times when you really need to make a play."

Said defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin: "Remember, when you're in the nickel, so much of that is in passing situations. So, you're dropping back into coverage and guys are hustling hard to the football."

With the 8-5 Bucs in position to clinch the NFC South on Sunday, the play of the defense and the consistency of the linebackers have been key. So, expect the plan to remain in place. Now is a bad time to mess with a good thing.

"I think we're playing as well as any group in the league," Brooks said of Tampa Bay's linebackers. "I see people making a lot of plays. We're graded on our opportunities, did you or did you not (capitalize)? Right now, it's probably the highest it's been for a long while."

[Last modified December 11, 2007, 23:15:31]