Mike Smith Stumps For Ronde Barber
December 26th, 2012
There is a very real possibility that Sunday could be Ronde Barber’s last game in a Bucs uniform.
If that comes true, Dixie chicks coach Mike Smith hopes Barber has one more game left in the tank: the Pro Bowl.
Smith, talking to the Tampa Bay pen and mic club via conference call, lauded Barber as one of the best defensive backs ever to snap on a chin strap and believed Barber’s play at safety this year warrants a Pro Bowl selection.
“I think Ronde is very deserving of Pro Bowl status.” Smith said. “He is a guy that has not only done it this year but he has done it for a long time. He is one of the most efficient defensive backs – doesn’t matter where you play him, corner, nickel, safety, dime – he can do it all.
“I know the past couple of weeks he has gotten back into his nickel role a little bit more because of the situation there in regards to injuries. He has a great knack for the football and understands the game about as any DB who has ever played it.”
Joe just hopes Barber, if he does hang up his cleats, does so with a win.
As hacked off as Barber was when the Bucs lost to the Eagles — and trust Joe, he has never seen Barber that upset — the thing that pained Joe most wasn’t so much the loss but the pain on Barber’s face when he realized the Bucs blew a chance at a postseason appearance.
December 26th, 2012 at 5:54 pm
Why on EARTH would ANY Bucs fan wanna win this game???? Could be the difference between #6 to #19 in EVERY Round of the NFL Draft!!!!!!! If there’s ONE game we HAVE to lose….it’s THIS one
December 26th, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Umm.. Ian. I agree that a loss would be ideal to get a better draft spot but what kind of fan roots for there team to ever lose?
December 26th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Hey man I’m with Ian it’s that time to look toward freeagents and the draft. With that being said I truely belive we have to pursue freeagent DRC i.e Dominic Rogers-Cromartie and our first pick has to be either DeMarcus Milliner, CB, Alabama or Johnthan Banks,CB, Mississippi State. If we can’t match up Mark Barron with a freeagent like freeagent Fs Dashon Goldson 49ers then we need to trade back in the 1st rd and try to get on of theses Safties Kenny Vaccaro S, Texas, Tony Jefferson S, Oklahoma or even Xavier Rhodes CB Florida State all of those would be significant up grade.
December 26th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
a smart fan who wants great draft picks. i want a good game but a loss. night & day difference (possibly) in draft spots. See the “Big Picture”.
December 26th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
You guys are idiots. “Hope my team loses!” To a division rival no less.
I was at the Eagles game. They had Ronde’s face on the big screen right after the heart breaking losing play. I had never him more devastated.
December 26th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
You know the Browns have a great draft position every year? And the Patriots are always in the back?
Guess what separates those two teams.
December 26th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
With very little bravado that smith guy has done outstanding work in Atlanta.
Playoffs every year I believe.
You know, those games that they play at the end of the year that we haven’t participated in since 07.
December 26th, 2012 at 7:32 pm
I too was at the Eagles fiasco. As a Buc fan since 1980, I cannot remember a more painful, gut wrenching, hope ending regular season loss except the Indy game where I witnessed an epic Buc meltdown for the ages. I hope Barber plays next year but doubt he can take any more rebuilding promises to stay motivated. Add no pass rush and helter skelter qb play and we all know what his decision will be. Thanks for the HOF career, Ronde. Good luck in broadcasting or whatever you choose to do. Go Bucs!
December 26th, 2012 at 7:44 pm
I want a high pick in the Draft but I think a win is more important. I hope they play a respectable game and leave it all on the field. This team needs something to feel good about, especially Josh Freeman. I hope Josh plays his best game since he came to the NFL. I just don’t want them to quit and hope they can find the heart of a champion.
Go Bucs!!!
December 26th, 2012 at 7:48 pm
@Fan,
Good draft analysis! Sounds like you’ve been doing your homework. Excellent choices and strategy too!
December 26th, 2012 at 8:07 pm
@joe why would u want a win?? we cant make the playoffs…n if we lose and a few of the right teams win. We could have anywhere from the 6th to 10th pick in the draft. If we win and those same teams lose we could end up around 15th. Its been time to think about next season!!! our team quit playing again this season. A recurring theme that has to stop.
December 26th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
and i hope we can sign a top fa corner and draft jarvis jones from uga. His pass rushing skills are amazing and would help us out instantly. Then go cb in rounds 2 and 3 if the right guys are available
December 26th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Gerald McCoy, made the f ing pro bowl are you kidding me!!
December 26th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
VINCENT JACKSON GOT F’ED OVER!!! They didn’t vote him in!