The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost their eighth straight game on Saturday night in front of a full house at Raymond James Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys came to Tampa and beat the Bucs 31-15 behind a three touchdown performance by Dallas QB Tony Romo. It has been a miserable season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but CB Ronde Barber has been a consistent force again this season. In fact, he will tie former LB Derrick Brooks for the most games played in Buccaneer history when he lines up against the Carolina Panthers on Christmas Eve in Charlotte, NC.
Ronde Barber will play in his 224th game as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer on Saturday. “It’s a reward for consistency, I guess” Barber said this week as the team prepares for the Panthers. He has 1,332 career tackles and many key interceptions throughout the years. His most famous interception is probably the pick against then Eagles QB Donovan McNabb as Philadelphia was driving late against the Bucs defense in the 2002 NFC Championship game. Barber stepped out in front of McNabb’s pass for a “Pick 6” that sealed the game and sent the Bucs to Super Bowl XXXVII.
Head Coach Raheem Morris has been on the hot seat recently because of this losing streak. The Glazers and GM Mark Dominick are remaining quiet during this difficult time leading to speculation that Morris may be fired before the end of the season. Morris took time to talk about Barber this week saying “Ronde takes care of his body. He eats the right things, he does the right things, he practices the right way”. Coach Morris went on to say that he hopes Barber returns for a 16th NFL season with the Bucs. The Bucs need to win against the Carolina Panthers this Sunday in Charlotte, NC to help improve the chances that Morris will coach Barber for a fourth season in Tampa. The Bucs cannot do anything about the last eight losses but can certainly go into the game on Christmas Eve ready to play. They just need to follow Ronde’s lead. Go Bucs!!
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