Mark Barron Beginning To Break Out
November 8th, 2013
The losing by the Bucs this season — well, it began well into last season — has so rankled Bucs fans that in desperation, they cling to any positive element as a sign of better things to come.
Things have to get better, right?
Last week, Bucs safety Mark Barron — along with tackling machine Lavonte David — recorded double-digit tackles. Oh, he also had a pick and now leads the Bucs with a grand total of two interceptions (Joe isn’t knocking Barron here, but halfway through a season if your team leader in interceptions has but two, something is very wrong).
It was one of the better games Barron had as a pro and, the numbers, regurgitated by Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, point to Barron emerging as an NFL stud.
Statistically speaking, second-year Mark Barron is having one of the best years of any Buccaneers defender. His two interceptions lead the team and his 55 tackles rank second.
Those numbers have also put Barron among the most effective defenders in the league. Barron is one of only six players in the NFL to have at least 50 tackles, four pass breakups, two interceptions and a sack this year.
Joe can sense some Bucs fans muttering under their breath, “About damned time.” Barron was the seventh pick in the 2012 draft and, though at times flashing superior skill, he hasn’t really put it all together like many thought he would coming out of Alabama. Cummings’ number cited are encouraging.
Now if Barron can just lock down the elite tight ends the way Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik projected him to do when he called Barron’s number two springs ago, then the Bucs will have one helluva safety tandem with Barron and Dashon Goldson.
November 8th, 2013 at 3:07 pm
2011 draft? Was he picked by the legendary Rah?
November 8th, 2013 at 3:33 pm
I like mark barron
November 8th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Very solid player….its our Dline that needs some work…
November 8th, 2013 at 3:40 pm
I argee
November 8th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
A safety shouldn’t be leading the team in tackles.
November 8th, 2013 at 6:44 pm
@ Adam L – you are so right! Tells you how porous the front end is. The back end has to make the stop 8-10 yards past the line of scrimmage.
November 8th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
@Adam L
False based on defensive design he will always be one of the leading tacklers cause he lives near the line is scrimmage like a linebacker. That missed with great instincts and anticipation leads to tackle numbers such as his.
November 8th, 2013 at 8:16 pm
that photo needs to be updated. Also, the 2012 draft is evidence that those who think Dominick should be fired along with Schiano are crazy. The guy traded down to get Barron, used the extra pick to trade up to get the Douggernaut, ad then managed to trade up for Lavonte David. The guy is good.
November 9th, 2013 at 12:11 am
Lock down elite tight ends? That’s a joke right?
November 9th, 2013 at 1:08 am
Barron needs to build consistency. We saw flashes here and there last year. Same with this year. He looked good against the pats then awful until we played Seattle. Lot of hype after one big game.
November 9th, 2013 at 1:29 am
Yeah Bob, Lavonte was an amazing 2nd round pick by Dom. Graded as the #1 4-3 MLB currently
November 9th, 2013 at 1:32 am
Whoops, Meant OLB
November 9th, 2013 at 9:55 am
Kb I think Lavonte can play any lb position. 4-3 MLB or olb, or 3-4 ILB and still be a stud.