Missed Tackles Still Plaguing Bucs D
Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune, published 25 September 2006

A hallmark of the Bucs defense is now a liability. Shoddy tackling on key downs continues to undermine a proud defensive unit, contributing to an 0-3 start that, historically at least, has already effectively wrecked Tampa Bay's postseason hopes. Only three NFL teams since 1990 have overcome an 0-3 start to make the playoffs and Tampa Bay's failure to wrap up opposing players has been particularly evident the past two weeks.

"We've always been noted for being a real good tackling football team, but we've got to tackle better," said defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin after Carolina's 26-24 victory. "We're hustling, but we definitely have to do a better job. You're going to miss a few, but there's been too many missed tackles."

The problems started on Carolina's initial offensive snap, when ex-Bucs wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson spun away from strong safety Jermaine Phillips to complete a 31-yard scoring play only 59 seconds into the game.

When Johnson ran a right-to-left flanker reverse early in the second quarter, Pro Bowl cornerback Ronde Barber had an opportunity to bring him down before Johnson completed a 4-yard touchdown run to make it 17-0. "The tape doesn't lie," Phillips said. "They've got good players, but we're not executing like we should. On the first play of the game, I missed a tackle and it cost us."

Even the most sure-handed tacklers on the defense have been victimized. Last week at the Georgia Dome, nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks failed to bring down Atlanta fullback Fred McCrary near the goal line on a short reception, resulting in a touchdown.

"Yes, missed tackles have been a problem," said Barber, who finished with a game-high 12 stops Sunday, all unassisted. "We've still got a long season left. All we can do is keep digging and get a bigger shovel."

Carolina big-play receiver Steve Smith burned the Bucs repeatedly with additional yards after the catch. After sitting out the first two games with an injured hamstring, Smith caught seven passes for 112 yards, often making the first defender grasp at air.

"This guy, No. 89 [Smith] is back and this guy can make you miss," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "We did miss some tackles that certainly allowed some short gains to become big ones."

Shelton Quarles, shifted from his middle linebacker spot to the strong side because of an injury to Ryan Nece, acknowledged the ongoing problem. "Just say we missed a few tackles," he said. "But I don't think that's what led us to lose this game."

The Bucs were credited with 64 tackles as a team Sunday, but the stops that weren't made may haunt the club for the next two weeks. "We talk about good tackling all the time," safety Will Allen said. "Maybe it's a case of being overly aggressive at times. I don't think we missed as many today as we did in Atlanta, but missed tackles are unacceptable around here."