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Ultimate test for Bucs run defense

Posted Sep 14, 2010 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Sep 14, 2010 at 09:42 AM

By IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—After finishing last in NFL rushing defense last year, the Bucs vowed they would be stout at the point of attack in 2010.

We’ll soon know.

Despite tightening up against the run in Sunday’s season-opening victory against Cleveland, Tampa Bay’s revamped defensive line faces a far different challenge heading to Charlotte, where the Panthers come off a 31-18 road loss to the Giants.

Carolina’s ground attack has embarrassed Tampa Bay in each of the past three meetings, averaging 241 yards per game. The barrage began on a Monday night in December, 2008, when the Bucs and Panthers met on national TV in a matchup of 9-3 clubs vying for NFC South supremacy.

The Panthers ran for 299 yards that evening, triggering a shocking 4-game slide that ultimately cost Coach Jon Gruden and GM Bruce Allen their jobs.

Tampa Bay’s inability to match Carolina’s physicality up front the past two years was a key factor in shaping the Buccaneer draft board this spring as they selected defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price with their initial two picks.

The Browns ran successfully while building a 14-3 advantage, but Tampa Bay made a few adjustments and tackled more effectively after intermission while limiting Cleveland to 17 yards in 12 carries. Second-year nose tackle Roy Miller, who had been lining up over the center, shifted his stance a bit and the Bucs were more disciplined on their run fits.

Shutting the Panthers down on the ground is a more daunting task. John Fox prefers a run-oriented offense that chews up yards and clock and Carolina’s attack may be even more tilted toward the run Sunday because rookie QB Jimmy Clausen could start for Matt Moore, who suffered a concussion in the Meadowlands.

McCoy, the third overall pick, played well in his pro debut and he’s anxious to see how he fares against one of the NFL’s premier rushing attacks.

“McCoy looked good,’’ said Bucs coach Raheem Morris. “He started the game off with a big tackle for a loss and he gave us a great pass rush in those 2-minute situations. He really looked stout against the run. I thought he was very productive and around the ball.’‘