Jenna Laine: The Sassy Side of Sports

NFC Championship Nostalgia: The Interception That Changed a Franchise

2011-01-24T18:55:00.000-08:00

Every year around playoff time, I start re-living 2002 all over again, the year the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached and won the Super Bowl. But getting there proved to be more of a challenge than actually winning it. You see, the Bucs' journey to a Super Bowl always reached a dead end in the frigid city of Philadelphia. But in 2002, that would change. The Bucs broke the cold-weather barrier and managed to beat their nemesis, the Eagles.

To me, Barber's pick was the biggest play of the 2002 season, and possibly one of the greatest plays in franchise history. Another key play of the game was Joe Jurevicius' momentum-shifting 71-yard reception. Read on as I recall both Jurevicious' catch and Barber's pick-six in the Bucs' 2002 NFC Championship at NFL.com Blog Blitz

Loss To Lions A Low Point For 2010 Bucs

2011-01-24T18:10:00.000-08:00

My pick: Week 15 vs. Lions
When it comes to losses this season, I’m not sure it gets much worse for Bucs fans than Detroit. Many that I’ve spoken to have described that single loss as a lingering pit at the bottom of their stomachs.

Had the Bucs won, they would have ended the season in a tie with New Orleans. Instead the 11-5 Saints marched on to face the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round, leaving the young Bucs to clean out their lockers, nevermind the fact that Tampa Bay had just destroyed Seattle 38-15 at home.

But since they lost to Detroit, they had to rely on both the Giants and the Packers to lose in Week 17, and clearly, that did not happen. But Green Bay showed it belonged.

Ah, but if you go back to the Detroit game, there was a certain touchdown catch on third-and-goal that rightfully belonged to Kellen Winslow, but was nullified due to what was deemed “pass interference” on the Buccaneers tight end. That 2-yard catch would have won the game for Tampa Bay, but instead it sent the game into overtime, and the Bucs lost 23-20.

Read more on Bucs' Worst Loss of 2010 at NFL.com Blog Blitz

Healthy Starks Making Up For Lost Time

2011-01-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

In a mere instant, James Starks’ world changed dramatically. Entering his senior season at Buffalo with 3,140 yards on the ground and 34 touchdowns, Starks already had captured the school’s all-time rushing and scoring titles.

Primed for a breakout senior season that would garner national recognition, Starks suffered a torn labrum that ended his three-year college career abruptly. He did not play a single game in 2009.

He had been on the pre-season watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the nation's best running back. He had longed to become the first running back drafted out of UB, the only school that offered him a scholarship out of high school.

“It was definitely tough," the Niagara Falls native said. "I was expecting to do a lot of things my senior year. I was there at every workout in the summer, just to show that I was ready to be a leader.

“I was trying to become more of a vocal leader than what my coaches asked of me, I tried to watch a little more film – just to do all of that in the offseason, and then have an injury like that, it hurt a lot."

So in 2009, rather than suit up with the team, Starks assisted the coaching staff by mentoring the younger players.

“I’m a quiet guy, but it made me be more vocal," he said. "I got to talk to a lot of the guys. I got to help a lot of freshman coming in."

Still, he longed to be out on the field contributing.

“It was definitely tough," he said. "I wanted to go out there every game and just play, just put on some equipment. But I couldn’t put on anything because I had just gone through surgery.”

“I went to every game and every practice, just watched them, and learned that way.”

It meant watching as his Bulls won the MAC Championship and went on to play in the school’s first bowl game. Little did he know that his NFL journey would begin much the same way – watching and absorbing information from the sidelines.

Read more on James Starks' Journey to the NFL at NFL.com Blog Blitz

Five Minutes With .... Shelton Quarles

2011-01-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

Last night kicked off the Derek Jeter Turn 2 Foundation’s Eighth Annual Celebrity Golf Classic in Tampa. The event’s Launch Party, hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, featured a Red Carpet walk with dozens of high-profile athletes and celebs, including a familiar face – Shelton Quarles.

The Bucs’ former All-Pro middle linebacker-turned-coordinator of pro scouting took a few minutes to chat with me about the team this year, as well as a look ahead to next year.

Quarles’ perspective is unique. He’s one of few remaining pieces of the 2002 Super Bowl-winning team and Monte Kiffin’s defense. Head coach Raheem Morris, who served as defensive quality control coach, and cornerback Ronde Barber are the others.

When asked who impressed him this year, he responded, “Josh Freeman. Even though he’s only in his second year, he did some things that were right up there with some of the league’s top quarterbacks.”

“And he didn’t start many games for us last year,” he added, noting the 23-year old passer’s remarkable improvement from his abbreviated rookie year to this year’s 10-win season.

Several rookies also impressed Quarles this season.

“Mike Williams," he said. "He made some big plays for us. Gerald McCoy, before he got hurt, he started to show some things on defense. Arrelious Benn, same thing.”

“Even some of the later-round draft picks like Cody Grimm, and going back to last year with Sammie Stroughter – those guys stepped up,” he said. “We, as a front office, feel like we’ve done a good job evaluating talent from that standpoint.” Eight of the team’s nine draft picks from 2010 saw playing time in the regular season.

When it comes to evaluating talent for 2011’s draft, obviously Quarles couldn’t reveal who the team is scoping out, but he was able to provide some insight on Barber, his former teammate. Conflicting reports surfaced this week as to whether the All-Pro cornerback would return for a 15th season.

On Tuesday, Rick Stroud of the St. Pete Times wrote that according to Morris, Barber would be back for 2011, but that same day, Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune said Barber has not officially committed to play in the upcoming season. Then Stroud came back saying Barber would return if a deal could be reached.

Quarles was optimistic that Barber and the front office will reach a deal but says the decision to sign on the dotted line and play is in Barber’s hands.

“Ultimately, [returning] up to him. But he’s a competitor and he loves football. If his body will allow him to, he’ll play.” With his signature megawatt smile, he added, “I look forward to seeing him next year.”

Also on the guest list was former Bucs All-Pro linebacker Derrick Brooks and former Bears defense end Richard Dent, who playfully shouted “Can we give the Bears some love?” as he posed for photographers. He then told me, “I think the Super Bowl will come down to the Bears and the Jets.” The event raised $19,500 in a silent auction to benefit Jeter’s foundation.

Micheal Spurlock - Most Improved Buc of 2010

2011-01-21T10:44:00.000-08:00

Prior to this season, Micheal Spurlock was merely known as a return specialist. In fact, he only played in two games last year, and prior to that, he was trying to keep his career alive in the UFL. But with the emergence of Josh Freeman as the league’s “fourth-quarter comeback king,” Spurlock’s receiving ability surfaced too, particularly when the team was behind.

Spurlock caught 17 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns. While those aren’t staggering numbers, much like his return game, when the game is on the line, Spurlock always responds to the call of duty…and then some.

Read more at NFL.com's Bucs Blog

Tanard Jackson Most Disappointing Buc

2011-01-21T10:41:00.000-08:00

I had high hopes for free safety Tanard Jackson. I always have. From the time I had a chance meeting with the quiet, unassuming fourth-round pick at a Japanese Steakhouse just before the start of his rookie season (he was with his family, “Jackson party of five”), to a breakout five interceptions last year, (two returned for touchdowns), I thought he had something special, despite a four-game suspension last year.

In fact, in Blog Blitz’s “Tapping Into the Crystal Ball” pre-season predictions, I said I thought he could be the team’s defensive MVP, with his rare ball-hawking ability providing an opportunity to re-gain some of the defense’s lost swagger from a decade ago, especially with a better, more-seasoned team around him.

Williams, Blount Stand Out In Stellar Rookie Class

2011-01-16T12:53:00.000-08:00

So we finally have a split decision on NFL.com Blog Blitz's Bucs 2010 Season Awards, with J.C. and I going in different directions on this one...

Jenna's pick: RB LeGarrette Blount
Bucs wide receiver Mike Williams may be up for NFL Rookie of the Year honors, but his teammate, running back LeGarrette Blount, gets the Blog Blitz honors. Williams, who surpassed Joey Galloway’s single-season touchdown mark, would have been a fine choice for Bucs Rookie of the Year. In fact, I predicted him to be, long before Blount arrived in Tampa.

But Blount’s contributions to the team – he took one of the league’s worst rushing attacks and made it one of the best – cannot be overlooked. In fact, I’m a bit bewildered as to why the league seems to have done so. Perhaps Blount is continuing to pay for his misconduct in college and with his former team, the Tennessee Titans. Whatever the case may be, Blount has won over his share of fans in Tampa Bay, and for good reason.

Read on to learn why I chose LeGarrette Blount as Bucs Rookie of the Year

Agree or disagree? Give me a shout on Twitter

Setting The Barth High

2011-01-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

When you consider that five of the Bucs’ victories this year were won by three points or fewer, it’s clear that kicker Connor Barth wins this one. It becomes even more apparent when you look around the league and see how many kickers got canned for missing easy PATs.

With a young offense that struggled early on to find its way, at times Barth WAS the team’s only source of points. Of course you never want to trade touchdowns for field goals, but a win is a win, and in two years with the organization, Barth is cementing himself as one of its best kickers.

Read More at NFL.com's NFL Bucs Blog

Respect Your Elders: Barber Is MVP Of Bucs' D

2011-01-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Blog Blitz contributors Jenna Laine and JC De La Torre began reviewing the Buccaneers' season yesterday with a look at why Josh Freeman was the team's offensive MVP.

Today, we move to the other side of the ball, with Jenna and JC's picks for defensive MVP.

Jenna's pick: CB Ronde Barber
For the Bucs’ defensive MVP, I asked my followers on Twitter for some input. While the winner of offensive MVP was obvious, the winner of defensive MVP wasn’t so clear-cut due to injuries.

Cornerback Aqib Talib, with his team-high six interceptions, was a solid second place. Geno Hayes, in his second year at the WILL position was another popular choice. Middle linebacker Barrett Ruud, once again the team’s leading tackler, got some votes too. But this year’s award goes to the guy who’s had not just one or two solid seasons. He’s had 14 of them.

The eldest member of the team, cornerback Ronde Barber, could have called it quits after a dismal 3-13 season in 2009. He already got his Super Bowl ring, countless records for cornerbacks, and a seat waiting for him in the Hall of Fame. But the 14-year vet decided to return in 2010, and in the process, he resurrected his career and re-invented himself.

Read on to hear my take on the Bucs Defensive MVP for 2010

'The Freechise' Is Bucs' Clear-cut Offensive MVP

2011-01-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Despite beating the New Orleans Saints on Sunday to finish the regular season at 10-6, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just missed out on qualifying for the playoffs. Now that Tampa's 2010 campaign is over, Blog Blitz contributors JC De La Torre and Jenna Laine will review the team's season in a series of posts that will take a look at the best, worst and most memorable from an exciting season.

There was a lot of agreement about the first category, offensive MVP.

Read on to hear my take on the Bucs Offensive MVP for 2010

Special Teams, Coaching Help Bucs Beat Saints

2011-01-16T12:13:00.000-08:00

Special Teams
Micheal Spurlock had another monster kickoff return – a 69-yarder at the beginning of the third quarter. Quarterback Josh Freeman and receiver Dezmon Briscoe failed to convert on third-and-2 at the New Orleans 15, so out came the field goal unit, with kicker Connor Barth nailing it straight down the pipe.

Barth was 3-for-3 on field goals against the Saints and made both of his extra points. His longest, a 48-yarder, sealed the Buccaneer’s 10-point lead in the fourth quarter with 3:10 remaining. Barth finishes the season 23-of-28, making 82.1% of field goal attempts, including a season-long 53 yards. Barth made all 36 PATs.

Read on to hear my take on the Bucs' Special Teams Against the Saints

Bucs Defense Stands Strong vs. Saints

2011-01-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Buccaneers defense gave one of its best performances of the season Sunday against the Saints, finally beating an opponent with a winning record, something the team’s critics pointed at all season long.

They got some help in the process, with Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, and Pierre Thomas all sitting out with injuries, while tight end Jimmie Graham, who scored the Saints’ first touchdown in the first quarter, also left the game with an injury.

Still, the Bucs D had its hands full with Drew Brees, wideouts Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Adrian Arrington, and running back Reggie Bush.

The Buccaneers defense forced three turnovers, with two resulting in scoring drives. The first came in the second quarter, on third-and-1 at the Tampa Bay 3-yard line, when Bucs’ linebacker Barrett Ruud stuffed Saints running back Julius Jones for a 1-yard loss, knocking the ball loose. Defensive tackle Frank Okam recovered it, and the offense then charged 96 yards downfield to score.

The second turnover for the Saints came just before halftime, on third-and-10, when Bucs safety Larry Asante intercepted a deep pass from Brees intended for Moore at the Tampa Bay 4-yard line. It prevented the Saints from scoring and kept the Bucs’ 3-point lead intact going into halftime

Read More at NFL.com's NFL Bucs Blog

Bucs Offense Caps Off Record Year In Style

2011-01-16T12:06:00.000-08:00

Josh Freeman and the Buccaneers offense finished off a record-setting season Sunday.

Rookie running back LeGarrette Blount broke the 1,000-yard rushing barrier with 66 yards on the ground, becoming only the second undrafted running back in NFL history to reach that milestone.

Rookie wideout Mike Williams broke the Bucs’ single season scoring record for receivers with his 11th TD of the year, breaking a previous mark set by Joey Galloway.

Game Rewind: Freeman, Young Receivers Excel

2011-01-16T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Bucs did what they could to qualify for the playoffs Sunday, beating the New Orleans Saints 23-13 to finish the season 10-6. However, with the Packers and Giants also winning Sunday, the Bucs are left out of the playoff picture.

But for now, let's rewind and take a look at Sunday's win.

Player of the Game
Josh Freeman completed 21 of 26 passes for 255 yards, two touchdowns and zero INTs. More importantly, his prime target, Dezmon Briscoe, was a rookie claimed off the Cleveland Browns practice squad earlier this season, and scored a touchdown in only his second NFL appearance. Did I mention it came against the reigning Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints?

Briscoe’s touchdown came after a forced fumble by Barrett Ruud and an offsides penalty on a field goal by Tracy Porter. The penalty gave the Bucs three more shots into the end zone, which gave Briscoe the first TD of his NFL career – a 2-yard pass into the corner of the end zone.

Then in the third quarter, Freeman hooked up with Mike Williams on fourth-and-1 for an 18-yard jump ball into the end zone. Williams’ catch not only gave the Bucs a 10-point lead – it shattered a Bucs single season touchdown record for receivers, besting a mark set by Joey Galloway in 2005.

Briscoe and Williams each caught four passes, Briscoe for 65 yards and Williams for 40, but it was their fearless playcaller, Freeman, who wins the game’s MVP. Freeman did it without the blocking efforts of fullback Earnest Graham and the receiving talents of Arrelious Benn.

He finished the game with 133.2 passer rating, just below his personal best of 144.2 against Seattle last week. The Bucs finally beat a team with a winning record this season. Need I say more?

Read More at NFL.com's NFL Bucs Blog

Bucs Reach Magic Number, But Is It Enough?

2011-01-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fulfilled head coach Raheem Morris’ wild “Race to 10” prophecy for the 2010 season with a 23-13 win at New Orleans. Now they must watch and wait to see if it’s enough to earn a playoff berth.

“We [got] 10 wins, but the rest of it is out of our hands,” said third-year cornerback Elbert Mack of the Bucs’ playoff scenario, which now requires wins by both Chicago over Green Bay, and Washington over the New York Giants. Both games are underway.