Defensive headsets pass; Bucs opposed

NFL defenses finally will have an in-helmet communications system next season after a measure proposed by the league's Competition Committee passed by a 25-7 margin. A minimum of 24 votes were required for passage.

But the proposal did not have the support of the Bucs.

General manager Bruce Allen just took a timeout from the day's sessions at the owners meeting to answer a few questions and cleared up the Bucs' position on the coach-to-defense system.

"You're adding a technology to the game that's unnecessary," he said. "Most teams have defensive calls on their (armbands), and if the signal is Play 21, it's not that complicated.

For the Bucs, the most likely position to have helmet speakers installed is middle linebacker. Barrett Ruud, the starter there, does not leave the game even on passing downs as the outside linebackers sometimes do. And players on the defensive line rotate much too often. It's also feasible to have a safety use the speaker if that was a preferred option.