Foster showing eye for end zone
The Tampa Tribune, published 18 November 2013

Because he was experiencing concussion-like symptoms, Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster didn't talk to reporters after Sunday's victory. His play, however, spoke rather loudly. In notching his second interception return for a touchdown this season, Foster helped Tampa Bay break open a tight game against the Falcons.

“That just shows you that Mason knows what to do with the ball,'' fellow linebacker Lavonte David said. “He made his one cut, found daylight and scored. That's just a trait he's got.''

Trailing 10-3, the Falcons had just completed a defensive stand, stopping the Bucs at the Atlanta 34-yard line on fourth down after Tampa Bay recovered an onside kick. But that momentum crumbled on the next snap as Foster stepped in front of Matt Ryan's pass intended for fullback Patrick DiMarco in the flat and returned the theft 37 yards for a score. Dekoda Watson's pressure off the left edge contributed to the critical turnover.

In Week 2 against New Orleans, Foster returned a Drew Brees pass 85 yards for a touchdown. Foster is the first Bucs linebacker to return two picks for scores in the same season since Derrick Brooks brought three interceptions back to the house during the 2002 championship season. Foster, who has four career interceptions, is one of only nine players in team history to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a season.

“It was a heck of a play,'' Bucs coach Greg Schiano said. “Mason made a great catch and then, ensuing, a great run. That's the second time now that he's scored touchdowns that were not easy runs, where he made people miss and kept the ball. It was certainly a big play at that point in the game and we're grateful for it.''