Preview: Bucs’ defense slipping? Not likely

By Connor Byrne  |   Monday, August 28, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense, led by coordinator Monte Kiffin, continued its lengthy period of dominance over the remainder of the NFL, finishing tops in the league in yardage allowed and eighth in points surrendered. In 2006, the unit is hoping to either maintain that pace or, perhaps, improve upon it.

It all starts up front for the Bucs, with a pair of excellent ends. RE Simeon Rice may very well be on his way to Canton someday. Though calling himself the best end in the game was a little hasty, the 32-year-old has surpassed the 11-sack mark in all five of his seasons with Tampa. There will be plenty more where that came from in '06.

Teaming with Rice is LE Greg Spires, a ninth-year man not necessarily known for pass-rushing skills. Instead, the 265-pounder has been terrific against the opposition's running game, which is why Kiffin always has him in the starting lineup.

When it comes to the tackle position, the Buccaneers are flat-out dominant. Run-stuffing 300-pounder Anthony "Booger" McFarland returns, along with former Viking Chris Hovan, who had an outstanding year in the Bay last season. Following a down-trodden 2004 campaign in Minneapolis, the 296-pound Hovan signed an inexpensive deal with Tampa, where he thrived last year, recording 45 tackles. The 27-year-old re-upped with the Bucs this past offseason, which was excellent news for Kiffin, of course.

The linebacker position is a little more questionable this season than it has been in the past. Still, overall, it should be above average. As always, weakside 'backer Derrick Brooks (a future Hall of Famer) leads the group, with SLB Ryan Nece and MLB Shelton Quarles holding it down from there. Nece, who is Ronnie Lott's son, is hoping to emerge from his father's momentous shadow, while Quarles finished with a career-high tackle amount in '05 (129).

Who said cornerbacks lose it after they hit the age of 30? Evidently, Bucs starters Ronde Barber (31) and Brian Kelly (30) didn't get the memo. The pair combined for nine picks last year (five for Barber, four Kelly), with Barber making his second consecutive trip to the Pro Bowl in Honolulu. Barber recently signed a long-term deal with the Buccaneers, meaning he'll finish his illustrious career where it began in 1997. When it comes to '06, look for this duo to continue its ball-hawking, big-play ways.

Frankly, the safety position is a slight concern for Kiffin and the Bucs. SS Jermaine Phillips started 13 games last year and didn't pick off a single pass, while FS Will Allen took big leaps, intercepting three. The two can be vulnerable in coverage, however, which is often masked by up-front pressure and the sheer brilliance of Barber and Kelly. At the very least, look for third-year man Allen to continue improving into a respected playmaker.

Few teams in the NFL possess better defensive depth than the Buccaneers. End Dewayne White (nine sacks the last two years), DT Ellis Wyms, LB's Barrett Ruud and Jamie Winborn, and CB Juran Bolden burst to the fore as viable backups capable of starting.

Final prediction: Once again, Kiffin's "Tampa 2" defense will continue thriving. In a division including big-time offenses in Atlanta, Carolina and New Orleans, the Bucs' "D" needs to continue its dominant ways. In the unlikely event it doesn't, it will be a long season for Tampa Bay. Ultimately, the defense will lead the team near or into the postseason yet again.

--Got feedback? Send it to the author, Connor J. Byrne: cbyrne@realfootball365.com.

Realfootball365.com brings you comprehensive Tampa Bay Buccaneers coverage every week.
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