Has Mark Barron Arrived?
November 3rd, 2013
Yes, Lavonte David racked up double-digit tackles (again) today (11). He does this on such a regular basis, Bucs fans almost have come to expect this from the second-year linebacker from Nebraska.
The other Bucs defender who recorded double-digit tackles was safety Mark Barron.
Barron, another second-year player out of Alabama, has played better this year. It’s not like his rookie season was awful. He played strong against the run but was largely drafted to shut down the strong tight ends in the NFC South like Jimmy Graham, Greg Olson and Anthony Gonzalez. For Barron, that largely has not happened.
But Barron is far, far, far from a bust, thought in many eyes, he has not yet lived up to expectations. Today may have been a turning point.
In addition to his double-digit tackles (11), Barron recorded his second interception of the season, which leads the Bucs (which, if you factor in the talent on the Bucs secondary, is a pathetic stat through eight games).
For Barron to begin living up to his draft selection, he still must improve defending dangerous tight ends over the middle. As far as the run goes, Barron is already pretty good.
November 3rd, 2013 at 11:46 pm
There is a reason why your safety is the leading tackler….the D-line is not getting the job done…..Seattle RBs were downfield all day long.
November 3rd, 2013 at 11:48 pm
is today the turning point for Mark Barron? I dont know. we have seen him do this before, have a really good game followed by a couple of bad one. If he does end up consistently playing good football, we could have a heck of a safety tandem for years to come.
November 4th, 2013 at 12:10 am
What Andrew said. Barron still missed assignments today. Example. A few times I saw him hit the flat when the LB had that covered while the slot WR or Te just hit the seem where Barron should have filled.
Barron played well today, but the INT was a horrid ball thrown. There is no question of Barron’s ability to tackle in the box. Its coverage and missing assignments.
Tandy I thought had a very good day.
November 4th, 2013 at 12:27 am
Agree with Andrew. The new so called best Earl Thomas was pretty bad today and was run over a few times. He was one of the bright spots though today.
November 4th, 2013 at 12:38 am
Don’t get me wrong i really really like Barron… But we could have gotten Kuechley. I was really hoping we would have taking him at that slot instead of Barron.
Imagine David/Kuechly/Foster… Hindsight is 20/20. I still like Barron but he is no Earl Thomas(who is another player i was really hoping we would have drafted).
That said i feel Barron is coming along. This all goes back to coaching again though. None of the DB’s have been very strong. From Barber to Revis the DB’s seem to out of position more often then they should.
November 4th, 2013 at 12:39 am
Yeah, and look at Morris Claiborne who was my choice. Barron is kicking butt.
November 4th, 2013 at 7:41 am
I preferred chandler jones who is beasting.
November 4th, 2013 at 11:01 am
Another rip your heart out loss. At least Barron and David are sure tacklers. It’s just amazing to think we have Barron, David, McCoy, Revis, and Goldson and still can’t depend on our defense….baffles me. Hooray for Barron though, playing tough. Smashed a few guys on incomplete passes too.