Ronde Barber will enter 2009 with an Antonio Bryant-like chip on his shoulder says Buccaneers Radio Network host Scott Ledger

For years Scott Ledger has done fine work hosting the pre-game and post-game shows on the Buccaneers Radio Network, and today he returns to the airwaves at 3 p.m. on 620 WDAE-AM, The Sports Animal.

Ledger will fill in for the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig.

“Ledge” also takes over The Big Dog’s chair on Wednesday.

Joe caught up with Ledger to ask him a few questions about the 2009 season. Host of The Ronde Barber Show for years, Ledger returns to the  Bucs radio network again this year.

Joe: You’ve known Ronde Barber for years. Where do you think his mind is entering this season after the other big name veterans were released?

Scott Ledger: Antonio Bryant came in with a chip on his shoulder last year. His quote was, “Last year was for the haters. This year is for the doubters. … I think you’re going to see that attitude from Ronde this year. A lot of times the press is going to harp on the the negative, that’s what sells newspapers and they did some of that with Ronde last season. …Ronde has been almost silent this offseason. I think he wants to back it up on the field …He told me a couple of weeks ago it’s a new system, new terminology. There’s a lot more bump and run,  and, yeah, he’ll be out on an island at times to make plays. But it’s not the bump and run defense of the Oakland Raiders in the 70s. And he’s confident.

Joe: Any personal Raheem Morris moments you care to share?

Ledger:  I’m kind of a rookie when it comes to Rah. I’ve talked to him on the sidelines but not much more than that. … I can tell you being around him is infectious. He reminds you to take a tremendous amout of enthusiasm into what you do … He definitely has the leadership skills and qualities …I’m looking forward to watching him. He’s done a great job of delegating authority so far. And he knows he doesn’t have to do it all himself.

Joe: Given all the question marks and talent on the Bucs, is there any possible way to make a prediction for the 2009 season? How do you see this season shaping up?

Ledger: This is going to be one of those seasons where you have a chance to have one of those Miami Dolphins-Atlanta Falcons type dream seasons. …. That surely can happen. I’ll tell you though, we”re going to need the Gaines Adams’ and the Maurice Stovalls to step it up and really earn their paychecks. You don’t expect the rookies to do it, but those guys in their third and fourth seasons, especially, they’re the ones that have to come through. …I would like to see Gaines Adams have Julius Peppers type games. …Picks and sacks, that’s what they’ve been talking about on defense all through OTAs and minicamp.

Joe: At this point, who do you consider the Bucs biggest rival? 

Ledger:  Definitely the Panthers. That’s not a slight on the Saints or Falcons rivalries. But I’ve never seen players get up more, whether home or on the road. …At this point it’s almost like the Browns and Steelers. It’s one of those ‘we hate you’ type relationships.