One Of The Great Defensive Plays In Bucs History

September 17th, 2012

Yesterday’s late second-half interception by Eric Wright, who turned into an extraordinary 60-yard, 12-second return for a touchdown, was one of the greatest defensive plays in Bucs history.

Joe must take a moment to give the play the love it deserves. You can soak up the video via this NFL.com link.

Wright’s pick-6 had all the elements, including Wright having the presence of mind to understand that he caught the ball with 21 seconds left in the half and the Bucs needed a big return to ensure a chance at a score before halftime.

Wright makes a savvy, athletic, leaping catch on the ball, then bolts forward for five yards only to pull back to set up his blockers — twice — before darting to daylight and the end zone.

Just an extraordinary play, one of the best efforts in a Bucs uniform that Joe’s seen in years.

15 Responses to “One Of The Great Defensive Plays In Bucs History”

  1. big007hed Says:

    Great return, smart play by him. He had a pretty good game until he was hurt.

  2. Mavsmoney Says:

    Great play.

    I blame the offense for not keeping our defense off the field more in the fourth quarter. Eli Manning is a great quarterback and if you give him enough chances he is gonna make you pay.

    The defense didn’t even get enough time to sip some water before they were thrown back on the field.

    What happened to enforcing our will through our running game? 3 great quarters and we blow it in the 4th. I’m PISSED off!

    Thank God I am PISSED off again!! GO BUCS

  3. Chris FWC Says:

    @Mav Yeah, I agree. Being PISSED means we care again.

  4. blackmagic00 Says:

    My opinion is this will all get fixed by year two of this staff. Even with the loss I feel confident this team is on a huge rise. Unfortunately it will take time to build depth. Hopefully not too much time. This is the grittiest bucs team we have had in a decade. Gooo Bucs!!!

  5. Panama city, Panama Loyal Bucs Fan! Says:

    Since we lost it will become irrelevant in a couple of months…

  6. Snook Says:

    Couldn’t agree more. I haven’t seen a run-back like that in a long time. I didn’t watch any highlights last night — was it all over them? If that were a Jets game, this play would be on rotation all week.

    Great vision by Wright. I was blown away that he scored.

  7. Richard Says:

    At first, I was screaming, “Just go down! Just go down!” because the last thing I wanted to see was Wright fumble the ball back to the Giants. I figured we stopped them, we’d get the ball to start the second half, the pick was enough. Glad I was wrong!

  8. jim Says:

    Did McCoy play yesterday?

  9. Miguel Grande Says:

    I’m glad Joe highlighted this play, for an interesting perspective don’t follow the ball, follow #93. Then replay and follow #94.

    I believe it was the illustrious former Buccaneer Ian Beckles who said, ” That dude, #93, he’s got NO dog in him!”

    Warren Sapp said, “You can’t live soft and play hard!” How many times did we see Warren leading the blocking down the field and knocking the QB into the cheap seats?

    Free Thomas 2.2, he would have loved to comment on this play.

  10. Tom Says:

    Yeah, great play. Regardless of whether we win another game this season, it doesn’t take away what a great football play and exceptional demonstration of athletic and football talent that was. Nice job E Wright.

  11. JBUC24 Says:

    That was an unbelievable return. The guy is shifty, but he still concerns me in coverage against w/r’s. I am not sold on him, but that return was ridiculous!

  12. Orlandobucfan Says:

    @miguel
    So I can’t believe I’m saying this and I wouldnt have said it since it was an excellent play overall but you brought it up and I agree ughhh I can’t believe i just wrote that but yes sapp was a different player than McCoy he didn’t give a sh!t what people thought and would hit anyone in front of him. I’m pretty sure the defenseless player rule was developed because of him after the green bat game I believe? McCoy needs more fire and aggression and not be so happy all the time

  13. AtlBucsFan Says:

    Sorry Joe. Rhonde Barber’s pick 6 in the NFC championship game against the Eagles beats this by far because of it’s impact on the outcome of the game.

  14. teacherman777 Says:

    It was a sick play.

    Wright has looked solid in these two games.

    I am happy we invested in him.

    Talib looked totally outclassed by Hakeem Nicks( who also looked great btw)

  15. JoeBucsFan.com » Blog Archive » Eric Wright Returns - Tampa Bay Bucs Football Says:

    […] from one of the greatest interceptions in team history, Wright offered little to celebrate — unless you want cheer how Wright’s […]