Barber Picks And Rolls
November 25th, 2012
Ronde Barber’s second-quarter interception was a stunner, just a pure read of Matt Ryan from a savvy veteran underplaying his assignment and jumping a route back to the middle of the field. (Here’s the video)
It was Barber’s team-leading fourth pick of the season.
But as Barber marches toward the Hall of Fame, he isn’t playing out the string physically, mentally or emotionally.
Barber, for the first time Joe can remember, didn’t hang out to talk to media following the loss. Barber usually is one of the last out of the locker room but was a quick exit today.
Sure, Barber might have had a postgame commitment, but that would be a unique exception. It’s far more likely that Barber was overcome with emotion by this loss. The game was that big, especially considering the Vikings and Seahawks lost today and the Bucs could have given themselves a one-game lead for the final Wild Card spot. The Bucs also effectively have lost their shot at the NFC South crown.
For a guy like Barber who yearns to get another crack at the big stage and knows he has limited time, Joe can understand why he wasn’t around to talk. In some ways it’s a good thing. It shows Barber still has a burning fire, perhaps enough to get him to return in 2013.
November 25th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
great player and man, but he might not get another shot. we are still 1-2 years away.
November 25th, 2012 at 6:14 pm
Ronde is a real stud ! Deserves to be in the hall of fame. We lost the game by not getting it in from the 2! Thank whoever was responsible for those play discisions. It’s time for some others to man up.
November 25th, 2012 at 6:32 pm
His pick was amazing and he had at least one TFL. Its would be great if we could coax Ronde back for another year. He is a valuable teacher that our young secondary needs on the field. It appears he is still playing at a high level and still be very productive another year.
November 25th, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Yup we ned him to stick around he is a special person…. We’re lucky to have him and I’m sure he will be going to HOF would be nice to see him and Brooks go in at same time.
November 26th, 2012 at 12:44 pm
This guy is making a case as one of the best athletes in Tampa sports history…I’ll take him here as long as he will stay…I’ll cry like a baby if we win another Super Bowl with him on the roster.