Safety Is A Breeze For Barber
June 11th, 2012
- New Bucs secondary coach Ron Cooper weighed in on Ronde Barber changing positions
Many Bucs fans might be concerned about Ronde Barber’s move to safety.
But laid back Bucs secondary coach Ron Cooper wants everyone to know it’s no big challenge for the Bucs icon. Cooper said today at One Buc Palace that Barber’s experience and professionalism make it a truly seamless transition.
“[Barber] understands. There’s only a few different coverages. People think it’s a lot and it’s difficult, but you know you can only run so many different coverages, ” Cooper said. “And, you know, after being in the league 15 seasons going on 16, he’s been playing DB all his life, there’s not many coverages to invent. But when I say ‘true professional,’ meaning being there and the way he carries himself, the way he takes notes, everything that he does is first class.”
“Being around Ronde has been a joy for me to watch a man work the way he’s worked.”
Among the intriguing position battles in preseason games, Joe’s really eager to see Barber play safety, especially on rushing downs. Joe suspects Bucs fans will see more of Barber in preseason than they have in a very long time.
June 11th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
The Buc Realist is even more eager to see the defensive line play on rushing downs during the regular season.
June 11th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I’m thinking we’re going to see a very interesting approach to the secondary where safety and corner responsibilities aren’t quite as traditional or as discretely defined as we may be used to. I’m starting to get the impression that what Ronde is going to be asked to do as a safety may not be all that different from what he was sometimes asked to do as a corner. I can easily see him beingused in run support, in blitz packages, underneath coverages. He played a lot of nickel, and I’ve always viewed the nickel corner as a hybrid safety anyway if that third corner is going to be covering the check-down receiver and taking that away from the offense.
June 11th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
Hard to believe we’re only about a month and a half from training camp. I’m def driving to Tampa to attend the practices a few times.
June 11th, 2012 at 6:38 pm
The guy in the picture is a football player.
June 11th, 2012 at 6:39 pm
I am actually more excited for Mark Barron with Barber playing next to him. Barron is going to learn from one of the best. Barber should set a huge example for Barron.
June 11th, 2012 at 7:09 pm
“The guy in the picture is a football player.”
Don’t often agree with Thomas, but a great big “WHAT HE SAID” back at him.
June 11th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
He has nice biceps, doesn’t he Thomas 2.2? 😉
June 11th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
I like this move and agree that having Barron there with him is a big plus for both. My concern for Ronde is twofold. I worry about him being able to run 40+ yard plays consistently, and I worry about his diminished speed on long runs. Hopefully his instinct and experience will prevail, but I believe it may be best to not play Ronde on every down. We have seen when Ronde gets interceptions these days that he can no longer return them for more than about 20 or 30 yds before getting tired or caught by opposing younger players. I love Ronde but can’t help feel his best days are behind. I really hope he proves me wrong.
Now that GMC is going to pressure QB’s on every play (on his way to multiple sacks) should help the secondary. Don’t you agree Thomas? I know GMC is your favorite player.
June 11th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
I attended the sneaker dinner event put on a week ago and chatted with ronde a little. He said he’s still playing at 180 same size he did at cb and said don’t expect much box responsibility from him next year. He also said that mark Barron “is one big dude”. I expect a lot of qb eye reading for ronde with a handful of picks. He doesn’t have his same lock down ability 1on1 but as a roamer hell be much more active in the pass game
June 11th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
I agree with u andrew i do see him making plays while in centerfield he may have lost a step but his instincts will make up for that and he has always been good in run defense at corner so him playing safety should help our run defense alot playing safety instead of corner he will read run plays much quicker
June 12th, 2012 at 7:52 am
With Barber & Barron back there, we go from the WORST to one of the BEST back-ends in the NFL. I am PUMPED about this!!!!! Barron is a special player.