Derrick Brooks Helped E.J. Biggers
October 14th, 2012
It was E.J. Biggers’ (partially hidden) hit on Dexter McCluster that popped the ball loose enabling Ronde Barber to record a pick-six against the Chiefs.
Didn’t miss Aqib Talib today did ya?
Neither did the Bucs. That’s because much-maligned E.J. Biggers played not just like a capable starter at cornerback in the NFL, but like a veteran starter.
Biggers made plays and he didn’t get burned, unlike the guy he replaced has a habit of doing. Biggers even made strong, open-field tackles of stud players like Jamaal Charles.
In short, Talib was not missed whatsoever. An afterthought, even.
That’s because Biggers credits former Bucs great Derrick Brooks with his play.
Biggers had scant time to prepare to start today, but it was his mental preparation for the Chiefs that saved both him and the Bucs, something he learned from Brooks himself.
Biggers had a rough start to training camp, injuring his foot early and was walking around in a boot through much of the preseason.
Rather than just sulk and feel sorry for himself, it was a visit from Brooks in August that motivated Biggers, a fact Biggers didn’t forget about today when he spoke with Joe after the win over the Chiefs.
“I was just playing football and doing my job, that’s what Coach Schiano stresses,” Biggers said. “Just do your job.
“It was something Derrick Brooks told me during training camp: ‘Stay in it mentally and your body will catch up.’ When I took that advice, everything just fell into place. Staying in it mentally, know all the calls so when I get back on the field, of course it would take a little bit of time, but because I stayed in it mentally, I caught up quick.
“As much as [retired Bucs] come around the building, I pick their brains as much as I can. Veterans on my team, too. All of that. You cannot learn too much.
“It was a great win, great team effort. This is what Coach Schiano talks about, if everybody does there job, there will be great results.”
October 14th, 2012 at 5:13 pm
One could easily argue the Bucs pass defense was aided by a back up QB in his first start since 2009. I’m hesitant to give too much credit to Biggers given his history. It was certainly nice to see however. I am hopeful for more games like this one.
October 14th, 2012 at 5:16 pm
Again… Talib who??? Those who have been dogging Biggers the past two years have a lot to learn. He’s almost always been on the WRs hip, he just had to learn how to play the WR AND the ball…. He’s doing better with that this year. He’s never been the one to get burned on a double move like Talib. We may have a 7th round pick that can play as well or better than our 1st round guy. WITHOUT the off-field issues. I’m hoping Biggers keeps it going the next 4 weeks and the Bucs find a trade partner for Talib in that time….
October 14th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Good plays by Biggers. #DoinHisThang
October 14th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
@BamBamBuc
Your right about that. He was never great in the run defense but he was good in coverage. I like what I saw this game because given the fact that he didn’t have to support the run much which is a plus.
October 14th, 2012 at 6:03 pm
Bigs played big today and was a great example of the old credo of ‘next man up’…regardless of what happens with Talib when he returns, Bigs has the task for the next four games…..Saints next week will be a challenge, so we’ll see. Good team game today and solid win.
October 14th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Been saying biggers was better than Taliban all along….
October 14th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
My only knock on Biggers last year was I saw him quit too much after he got burned. I can tolerate failure to a point, but will never tolerate “quit”.
That said, I also believe in second chances. If Biggers has turned around his attitude, than I’ll be very happy. One game against the Chiefs isn’t enough to win me over, but it is a good start.
October 14th, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Every time I say E.J. Biggers I cant help but say it with and british accent
October 14th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Pete – He didn’t quit more than Talib did last year. Just go back and look at the Colts game. Pierre Garcon beat Talib twice for long TDs. You can watch Talib loaf down the field, never really making an effort, even though the Safeties slow Garcon down and make him change directions. Talib could have caught up and made the tackle, but he completely gave up when he got burned.
October 15th, 2012 at 1:15 am
Biggers never quit last year, that’s just flat out wrong. Give me a freaking break, what a joke of a comment.
October 15th, 2012 at 2:57 am
Remember folks, these were the Chiefs we played…not the Redskins or Cowboys. We’re talking bout a backup 1st round fluke of a Quarterback in Quinn that we played against. I’m still not sold on Bigger’s tackling skills. Let’s see how he fair against the receivers for Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning,Phillip Rivers, and Mike Vick before we toot any DB’s horn, especially Biggers. Last year Atlanta’s Julio Jones made a long catch over Tanard Jackson as Biggers tried to make the tackle but was literally dragged in the endzone by Jones for a touchdown. This wasn’t his first bad tackle…just one of the most highlighted. It was a classic Pop Warner tackle…he’s one of the worst tacklers in the NFL.He needs to go back to the basics. I give kudos to the Bucs on a great performance today… just hope they can duplicate and stay consistent. All you folks that know football know that Biggers was beat and lost on the ball today but the receiver was also lost…can’t do that against the likes of Steve Smith, Julio Jones,n Roddy White. Just an upcoming thought.
October 15th, 2012 at 9:48 am
BamBamBuc Says:
October 14th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Pete – He didn’t quit more than Talib did last year. Just go back and look at the Colts game. Pierre Garcon beat Talib twice for long TDs. You can watch Talib loaf down the field, never really making an effort, even though the Safeties slow Garcon down and make him change directions. Talib could have caught up and made the tackle, but he completely gave up when he got burned.
.
I agree. Talib ALSO quit at times last year.
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Hawaiian Buc Says:
October 15th, 2012 at 1:15 am
Biggers never quit last year, that’s just flat out wrong. Give me a freaking break, what a joke of a comment.
.
Your memory is faulty. I clearly recall seeing him blow coverage, his guy catching a pass, and Biggers refusing to chase him down until a teammate yelled at him during the play. That’s quiting on a play.
October 15th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
@Pete,
I don’t remember that play. Who was it against? You have to do better than “I remember a play”. I find it borderline offensive to make claims about someone quitting without any proof. You love to make stuff up when it’s not one of your guys.