Mark Barron Highlights Strong Defensive Play
December 30th, 2012
Mark Barron makes a tackle on Dixie Chicks Jason Snelling, but it was his break up of a pass targeted for Anthony Gonzalez late that may have been the play of the day.
How about that Bucs defense today? Lavonte David was a monster. Joe thinks he was on his TV screen on just about every play. Talk about a highway robbery of a second round pick by Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik.
Then there was Da’Quan Bowers and Gerald McCoy. Bowers punished Matty Ice repeatedly, and GMC was bullrushing Dixie Chicks offensive linemen play after play like the Pro Bowler he is.
Even Leonard Johnson and E.J. Biggers looked sharp.
More surprising, in a sense, was the reawakening of rookie safety Mark Barron. The first round draft pick from Alabama was a stud early on this season and was a monster against the run. There are still cold mornings in our nation’s capital where RGIII wakes up thinking about Barron.
But Barron’s pass defense hasn’t been as good. Part of that is he is a rookie still learning. But on a critical fourth down play late in the game where Matty Ice tried to go for future Hall of Fame tight end Anthony Gonzalez, Barron, playing centerfield, raced in and broke up the pass that Gonzalez had his mitts on.
That was easily Barron’s play of the year on pass defense.
Overall, maybe the Bucs best defensive play all year. Too bad it came a month too late.
December 30th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
they really looked much better today…no 93 year record I guess. lol
things really looking up for the franchise !!
December 30th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
to the point of Barron…he was drafted as a SS, why is he playing CF? That’s been a question all year, its as though they are forcing him to play FS instead of his natural position of SS. He should be the S in the box, not Barber.
December 30th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
Matt Ryan 228 yds passing, I believe wasn’t enough to make the Bucs the worst ever right???
December 30th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
The falcons didnt look like they cared or eve wanted to play.
Doug Martin looked great as usual, as did Vincent. Freeman continued to show he’s nothing more than an average QB but since he’s 6’6 240lb he has to be a franchise QB. Just my opinion but not being able to hit a timing route, having poor accuracy, and tunnel vision are unlikely to change anytime soon.
I hope this win didnt save some DBs jobs that shouldn’t be saved
December 30th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Was a great play and probably his most meaningful of the year, but still like his last-second diving deflection against the Skins better. Believe it was the Skins, but can’t be certain.
December 30th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Interesting when you consider Bennett’s comments in the article above….MB’s effectiveness, as with the remainder of the secondary, relies heavily on the success of the D-Line. According to Bennett, the coaches have been making the DLINE do stunts and tickles that may be too nuanced for the intended purpose. If the tricks and stunts result in zero pressure, any secondary in the league will be torched – much less our group of 3rd and 4th string guys that wouldn’t be starting on any other team. Recall GMAC’s big game earlier this year. He said he approached the coaches and asked out of the stunts. It worked and he and the DLINE had one of their better games. Perhaps this more direct approach should be the standard for the Bucs while we seek more experience/depth in the secondary.
December 30th, 2012 at 9:35 pm
Some Splash plays on defense for a change, was the difference today. Have some solid players on defense but need to add a pass rusher, a couple corners and a LB to go with L. David.
December 31st, 2012 at 2:45 am
Nice article, but could have ended 8 words sooner.