Ronde Barber Vs. Donovan McNabb Once Again
December 10th, 2010
It was perhaps the signature play in the Bucs’ run to the Super Bowl. It may be the signature play in Bucs history: Ronde Barber taking a Donovan McNabb pass 92 yards to the house to send the Bucs to their first Super Bowl.
Joe is confident every Bucs fan knows exactly where he was at, what he was doing, what he was drinking at that very moment Barber crossed the goal line.
Barber has always tormented McNabb. If there is one player that has haunted McNabb the most, it has been Barber.
The two meet again, as Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune points out, likely for the last time. The two are in their mid-30s and Barber has not yet made a decision on whether he will return for a 2011 season (if there is a 2011 season).
Richardson offers proof that Barber is in McNabb’s head.
It could be their final meeting. McNabb is 34; Barber is 35.
“Ronde has made some plays, obviously, as we all know,” McNabb said. “He’s a talented guy, one that might possibly find himself in the Hall of Fame. Maybe I’ll do his speech.”
McNabb might have a lot to say after the game. Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib sustained a season-ending hip injury during last Sunday’s 28-24 loss to Atlanta, meaning Barber’s responsibilities are expected to increase.
Joe thinks it’s a safe bet that given Barber’s domination of McNabb and the fact the Bucs will be using a number of young defensive backs due to injuries, McNabb will rarely throw Barber’s way.
If nothing else, it’s a sign of respect for a guy that has cost McNabb more than a few sleepless nights.
December 10th, 2010 at 10:26 am
“May” be the signature play in Bucs history? No may about it, it is. Scott Brantley, in that redneck drawl “He’s Gone!”
December 10th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Hi lightningbuc:
Reason why Joe qualified it as “may” is that a good argument could be Derrick Brooks’s pick-six to seal the Super Bowl win.
December 10th, 2010 at 10:41 am
I was at my friends house .. The Eagles were getting close to the endzone and the second Ronde picked it I was jumping up and down like a girl and screaming .. I actually missed the return to the endzone during the all the Ruckus cuz I knew the second he picked it .. He Was Gone and we were going to San Diego
December 10th, 2010 at 10:47 am
McNabb and Aaron Brooks have a lot to talk about whenever they see each other…
December 10th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Joe,
I think that its safe to say that it IS the signature play in Bucs history.
THe Super Bowl was great but that was such total domination that one play doesn’t really stand out.
There are two plays that I will always remember from that Philly game.
Joe’s catch and run and Ronde’s pick.
Joe Jerivicus(SP?) catch, because thats when I realized this game wasn’t going to be like all the other trips to Philly and we could beat them.
Ronde’s pick was the point where every Bucs fan realized that we were fianlly going to the Super Bowl. I think that game was really the Super Bowl for a lot of Bucs fans.
December 10th, 2010 at 11:34 am
Super Bowl dagger
Donovan’s personal devil
Let’s not forget the two Ronde picked for the lead when Matt Bryant had a Monday named after him!
December 10th, 2010 at 12:52 pm
I was in college during this sitting on the top bunk watching the game. When Ronde picked it off I jumped up (not realizing the ceiling was not too far away). Thought I was gonna break my neck the way my head twisted and I had a huge knot on my head for awhile. With that said it was totally worth it.
December 10th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
I smell # 41 & 42 on the old tally.
December 10th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
I was lucky enough to be there live for that one. Was a great night….until gf and I got off at the wrong subway stop in Buc gear heading back to the hotel lol.