Ronde Ripe For Top Ironman Designation
September 5th, 2011
As word spreads of Peyton Manning now listed as doubtful for opening day and not practicing this week, Bucs icon Ronde Barber can prepare for a new honor.
Barber would take over as the NFL’s king of longevity if Manning sits out. Barber has made 179 consecutive starts, second only to Manning. NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas took time to point this out today.
Barber has started every regular-season game since 1998. He holds a healthy lead over Washington linebacker London Fletcher, who is third with 163 consecutive starts.
What can one say about Barber? Consdering he plays on the defensive side of the ball and isn’t protected by Roger Goodell’s rules, Barber’s streak already is more impressive than Manning’s.
But the streak does illustrate a concept few Bucs fans want to consider: life without Barber. He can’t take the pounding forever. The odds of him being part of the lasting contender in 2012 are slim, and Myron Lewis being injury prone isn’t a comfort.
As for Manning, Joe wonders whether the Bucs would catch a major break and have Manning miss the Colts-at-Bucs Monday Night Football game at the C.I.T.S. on Oct. 3. Though it would be so much sweeter — and better for attendance — if the Bucs could beat the Colts with Manning under center.
September 5th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
I want MNF revenge on Manning.
September 5th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Ronde is first class and a great football player who is under appreciated. I’m still galled by Yasinkas writing that Barber isn’t a Hall of Famer because of being a Tampa 2 CB. What a bunch of B.S. He’s flat out been a great football player period.
September 5th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
20 is the epitome of a pro. He has some of the same qualities as the legend 63.
If we only had a few more veteran leaders like 20, this might be a team that had a real shot at stealing 5th or 6th seed. Well, at least we have Biggers and Myron Clue-lewis to step in when Ronde retires and Aqib is imprisoned.
September 5th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
off topic and i apologize before hand. who are our practice squad players? has any official info been released?
September 5th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Joe: It’s understood CBs aren’t protected like QBs are, but CBs are also not involved in a significant number of plays to the other side of the field. The QB handles the ball every snap. Barber’s streak is impressive, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not the same as Favre or Manning.
Thomas: You obviously feel we have no shot at the playoffs if you think we would “have a shot” with a couple more vets. What you need to understand is that it’s wins that get you into the playoffs, and if you win the games it’s not stealing. It’s earned. Doesn’t matter the record of your opponents when January rolls around, doesn’t matter if every one was under .500. It only matters that you win enough games to get there. If you do, it’s not stealing, and it doesn’t matter the age or veteran leadership.
September 5th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
a few years after the SB Shelton Quarles was till playing…
Ronde was still playing punt coverage….he was knocked silly and staggered to the bench on “queer street”…back in and finished like nothing happened…simply an amazing athlete
September 5th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
I miss monte Bring him back!!
September 5th, 2011 at 4:04 pm
Thomas; good take on Ronde Barber! He’s not only a class act, but he’s tough as nails. The guy is a Hall of Famer in my book!
September 5th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
20 – 25 club class individual hof’er
September 5th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Of course Thomas would take a positive post about a Ronde and spin it to more negativity. You are a pathetic, miserable, little boy Thomas.
September 5th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
By Thomas: “Meh! Meeeh! Stupid Bucs. Meeeh! I’m gonna write something negative to make me feel better about my worthless self. Meeeh! Oh I’m so witty. Look at all my smart words. Meh! Stupid Bucs. MOM! Get me some more Doritos, GOD! Meeeh!”
The typical fat pimply faced keyboard warrior. So big in tough…… and witty.
September 5th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm doritos!!!!!!!!!