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When a defense has been as dominant as the Bucs’ unit over the last few years, any questions about its effectiveness, or age, are liable to inspire.
Never mind that the Bucs defeated Minnesota 24-13 in their season opener behind a defense that shut down the Vikings’ run game and forced quarterback Daunte Culpepper into three interceptions. This was a team that appeared lost without Randy Moss, with questionable coaching, and it would be premature to draw any conclusions as to whether the defense could return to Super Bowl form.
So when the Bucs opened their 2005 home schedule against Buffalo, the Bills would provide a more accurate test of just where this defense stands and whether it can return to its past championship form. Despite starting a rookie quarterback (J.P. Losman), the Bills feature one of the best young runners in the NFL - Willis McGahee, who is the type of powerful runner who has exposed the Bucs’ weakened run defense over the last two years.
It’s hard to argue with the results so far.
McGahee was held to just 34 yards rushing, and Losman had only nine completions for 73 yards as Tampa Bay dominated the line of scrimmage in a 19-3 victory. Shelton Quarles registered a safety by pressuring Losman into stepping out of the end zone on a pass attempt, and Buffalo only had eight first downs while being held to 2.8 yards per rush.
The fact the Bucs’ finally appear to have a legitimate run game could be the biggest boost for the defense. Tampa Bay controlled the clock on this hot day, keeping the defense off the field.
Although they may be a year older, the stars of this defense - Brooks, Rice, Barber and Kelly to name a few - appear rejuvenated. The fact they’re now backed by a ball-control offense may have a lot to do with it, but the early returns on the 2005 defense would indicate it’s ready to make a statement - that any suggestion its best days were behind it were premature.
WERE THE CONCERNS ABOUT THE BUCS’ DEFENSE A BIT PREMATURE?
Posted by Toy Pelaez, Tampa on 09/19 at 07:31 PM
Like Gruden is saying each game is going to get harder. the harder the players work the better they will play, and remember how the Super Bowl championship run was like.it will not be easy,but it is possible.I know I was there.
Posted by dperf, lutz on 09/19 at 04:05 PM
Look I resent the grade you gave our recievers due to the fact griese threw badly on several attempts were it was so far behind the intented reciever they would have needed a 50 ft butterfly net to catch it, so place the blame where it is due. Now congrats defense,offensive line and running backs cadillac you are great keep it up, recievers you did good considering special teams needs work too many penalities guys you correct your end of this and you can be in the super bowl you all are doing good but you can improve thanks bucs
Posted by Buc Fan, Texas on 09/19 at 12:48 PM
It’s great to see us moving forward. So how come we have to consistantly move backwards with stupid penalties. Imagine what the stats and scores would haved been if we kept our head in the game!?!?!?!?
Posted by Justin, Waycross, GA on 09/19 at 12:38 PM
I too am an Auburn fan, born in Opelika, and a Bucs fan, since birth, and kept trying to tell people that Cadillac was the real deal. I think what separates him from others, including Ronnie Brown, is not his size, its not his skill, its his heart and his drive. He wants to be the best and it was evident at Auburn and now in the first two games this year. Go Bucs!!!! Waaaaaar Eagle!!!
Posted by Joel, Atlanta on 09/19 at 11:45 AM
I second that “War Eagle” - another Auburn grad glad to see Carnell in pewter. This kid is for real.
Can’t wait to play the Falcons.... Living in Atlanta, that’s all I hear. Falcons this, Falcons that. That team is weak. #55 OWNS Mr. Vick.
Posted by Lou Brock, Delaware on 09/19 at 11:15 AM
I don’t think we’ll hear from the person who said that the win over the Vikings was a joke. This was a legitimate win and this team is gaining confidence week by week. I personally like the way Pittman and Alstott are running when they spell Cadillac. That’s what we are going to need to avoid injuries because it is a long season. Defense looks like it’s back and the O-line combo looks like a winner. “Don’t tinker with it Grudog!”
Posted by ALEX, TAMPA on 09/19 at 09:12 AM
GREAT GAME BUT WERE WHERE THE RECIEVERS AT JOEY AND ALEX SMITH THIS WEEK JUST DIDNT SEE THE WIDE GETTING ANY PLAYS IN..
Posted by Buck from Birmingham, Savannah, Ga on 09/19 at 02:54 AM
I’ve been a Bucs fan since I knew what football was (After all, my name is Buck). But I’m also an Auburn graduate. My favorite Auburn player becoming a Buccaneer? Priceless.
Way to go, Cadillac. We’re all proud of you. Go Bucs! And Waaaaaaaaaar Eagle!
Posted by Thomas Peluso, Floral Park, NY on 09/19 at 12:29 AM
There is no question that the naysayers’ doubts about our defense were premature. Hell, to hear them talk, it was as if all the playmakers were going to hit the wall at the same time. Not only has that not happened, if anything, the defense has gotten better. That’s the first time since the Super Bowl that I’ve seen our boys totally bottleneck an offense like that - and featuring just the type of runner we’ve struggled against in the past, to boot.
This win is far more impressive than last week’s to me. Cadillac moved the ball with precision throughout the game (as opposed to padding his stats at the end with a long run) and Griese played smart and made things happen when they needed to. The penalties and the coverage units on special teams were the only things that dragged this game down for us, and even then, only slightly.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Green Bay does look weak this year, but that doesn’t mean they should be taken lightly.
Posted by Adam Locascio, Tampa on 09/18 at 09:06 PM
Every time the defense has been questioned, they’ve stepped up to the challenge and proved the pundits wrong. “How will the Bucs stop Michael Vick?” “How will the Bucs stop a big running back?” “How will the D play in Philly in the winter and win?” The Bucs have answered the call each time because they are now playing with pride.
The critics jumped on the “Bucs D is Washed Up” wagon because they looked at the records of 7-9 and 5-11. They just had to reload after shedding Sapp and Lynch. Now, it appears that the offense is now capable of giving the D a lead.
Watch out… the D could be getting BETTER.
Posted by Carl, Burlington, NC on 09/18 at 08:34 PM
The defense looks better than even during the Super Bowl run. Opposing teams have not been able to generate any running game at all. The Buc offense is really helping them out controlling the clock with Cadillac. It’s all about avoiding injuries...something which has really hurt the team the last two years. Can Booger hold up? Cadillac? Galloway? It remains to be seen.
Posted by Al, Atlanta on 09/18 at 06:50 PM
Driving that Cadillac car!!!!!!!!!!!! 
Posted by Shut 'em Critics, on 09/18 at 05:57 PM
Last week, the Bucs defeated the Power Ranking #4 Vikings. Today, the Bucs defeated the #3 Power Ranking Bills.
I haven’t heard the Critics giving the credits yet to the Bucs’ excellent plays but instead to the poor performances by Daunte Culpepper, Vikings, etc. I guess a couple of more wins by the Bucs against Green Bay, Detroit, Jets...and the Critics will jump onto the Bucs’ Bandwagon, just like they did in the Bucs’ Super Bowl year.
Monty has the Bucs’ Defense focused on one thing: shut down the opposing team Offense.
Gruden now has an Offense that is only going to get better with time. Cadillac Williams is showing the skills and he is becoming the spark that the Bucs’ Offense has been looking for.
The Bucs are playing as a Team and winning as a Team. That is how the Bucs won the Super Bowl in 2002, as a Team.
Posted by Chris Bugden, Brisbane Australia on 09/18 at 04:51 PM
After two years of poor run D and giving away leads, any critical comments were justified. A healthy McFarland and and Chris Hovan have brought a spark to the line, as well as toughness inside, something that had perhaps been lacking. The front four is setting the tempo, just as it did when the Bucs D was in its prime. A second straight 100+ game for Cadillac tells me the run game is for real to. Go Bucs!!
Posted by T.S., on 09/18 at 04:38 PM
A solid win against a great defense. Cadillac is a godsend. He’s all that was advertised and more. We have to clean up the penalties though. If we can improve on that area, this team could be playoff bound. Griese just needs to not make mistakes. Defense was excellent but we dropped three possible interceptions. Gotta get those gifts when the opposition gives it to you. All in all, great to be 2-0 for first time since 2000. Let’s go beat up Favre and the Packers next week and make it 3-0.
Posted by C.T., on 09/22 at 07:09 PM
the field vs. GB ("You call that")Defense.