Breaking Down the Cornerbacks

With everything else the defense has going for them, the Bucs also boast a superb secondary. Although they are mainly older, the secondary still provided trouble for all of their opponents. Let’s break down the 2007 Bucs cornerbacks: 

Cornerbacks

CB Ronde Barber- Another strong season from Barber equaled success for the Bucs defense. Barber ran his consecutive starts streak to 135 by starting every game this season. Aside from his crazy durability, Barber posted Pro Bowl caliber numbers as well. In 2007, he posted 87 tackles, 2 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown), 1 sack, and 16 passes defended. Always showing his veteran leadership, Barber was one of the few veterans on the defense that carried the young team. Although snubbed by the Pro Bowl, Barber is still playing as if he were young. With his durability, the Bucs can expect him to stick around for several more years.
CB Philip Buchanon- Showing that he could handle the job, Buchanon took over the starting job for Brian Kelly following an injury, and kept it even after Kelly returned. After a contract extension in March, Buchanon showed why it was a good idea for the Bucs to keep him. He recorded 63 tackles, 3 interceptions, and had 11 passes defended. He showed his wide range of ability by returning 16 punts this year. Still young, Buchanon looks poised to keep the starting job of corner for several more years.
CB Brian Kelly- Always a veteran leader, Kelly stuck around this year even through injuries. He played in only 11 games, but still put up decent numbers in the process. In 2007, he collected 25 tackles, 2 interceptions, and had 9 passes defended. Although he lost his starting job, Kelly remained on the sideline rooting for his team. He is now in contract disputes, but hopefully he will return to the Buccaneers backfield in 2008.

With talent and depth in the secondary, the Bucs can be dangerous when a pass is thrown. With all of the corners showing their versatility and durability, the Bucs backfield looks as if they’re going to be giving receivers problems for a long time.