Breaking Down the Backfield

The Bucs defense this year was explosive to say the least. With a talented front five, their backfield was usually overlooked. Featuring one of the best linebacking corps in the game, the Bucs defense was 2nd in the league. Let’s break down the 2007 Bucs Backfield:

Linebackers

OLB Cato June- In his first year with the Buccaneers, June showed that he was no free agent mistake. After enjoying several years with the Colts, June came over to a defense first team. Excelling in the Cover Two defense, June fit in perfectly at Tampa. Playing in all 16 games, June recorded 120 tackles, 1 interception, a forced fumble, and had 2 passes defended. June was one of only 20 players to record 100 or more tackles on the season. As a specialist in the pass, June provided the depth on the field for the Bucs, even covering for veteran Derrick Brooks on several plays.
MLB Barrett Ruud- Still a youngster, Ruud enjoyed a very successful third year in the NFL. Showing veteran leadership, Ruud took control of the defense, leading them to one of their best years. Playing in 15 games, Ruud amassed 169 tackles, grabbed 2 interceptions, had 3 forced fumbles, and had 4 passes defended. Much like June, he was one of only 20 players to record 100 or more tackles on the season. With that, he was the leading tackler on the team. Showing durability, Ruud played in every game in his rookie and sophomore years, and only sat out the last game of the season this year to preserve himself for the playoffs. With Ruud’s explosive play and extreme leadership, the Bucs can only look for several more years of a talented defense.
OLB Derrick Brooks- A leader as always, Derrick Brooks was the veteran on the defensive front. The man is a machine as always, having started every game this season, for the 12th year in a row. This past season, Brooks had 162 tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 passes defended. With his fellow linebackers, Brooks is one of only 20 players to record 100 or more tackles this season. Slowing down a bit, Brooks took some extra plays off to let younger players fill the void. Despite being in his 13th year, Brooks is still playing like he’s young, and looks to have a few more years ahead of him.

Safeties

S Jermaine Phillips- Playing in every game this season for the second straight season, Phillips began to show the hard-hitting style that had been missing. Filling in the shoes of John Lynch, Phillips had a wonderful season, recording 120 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 sack, 3 forced fumbles, and defended 8 passes. Joining his teammates, Phillips is one of only 20 players to have 100 or more tackles on the season. Playing with the tenacity that a Bucs safety need, Phillips has great durability, and is poised to be a factor on this team for many years.
S Tanard Jackson- As a rookie, Jackson surprised everyone with his outstanding play. As a unanimous All-Rookie selection, Jackson was considered the steal of the draft. Playing in every game this season, Jackson had 78 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 12 passes defended. Playing in a safety position that had been hurting for a few years, Jackson provided the spark needed to get the defense going.

With a talented backfield, the Bucs defense had a great turnaround from the year before. The best part about all of this, is that the Bucs defense is young, and extremely talented. If they can all stay healthy, the Bucs defense is going to be one that is reckoned with for a long time.