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Containing Bush Remains Defense's Focus

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 1, 2007

TAMPA - Their once devastating one-two punch is gone. It disappeared when RB Deuce McAllister left the lineup for good after suffering a knee injury, and it has left the Saints a mostly one-dimensional team.

New Orleans can still deliver a knockout blow through its running game, though, and the Bucs are well aware of it.

Though the Saints have become primarily a passing team, they still have a formidable weapon: RB Reggie Bush, who leads New Orleans with 517 rushing yards as well as 70 receptions.

"He can gash you every play; he's that type of player," Bucs DE Gaines Adams said. "Their line can help him do that, so we have to play within our scheme and contain him."

Containing Bush as a pass catcher is no easy task. He has more speed than most linebackers and at least as much speed and maneuverability as most defensive backs, so he's a legitimate threat in that area.

Containing Bush as a runner is another matter. He's averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, so opponents have had success slowing him as a runner.

McAllister's absence is one big reason for that. With McAllister gone, opposing defenses have one less back to concern themselves with and that allows them to focus more closely on stopping Bush.

"He's a quick back, a slasher, but we hone in on him better now," Bucs DT Jovan Haye said. "We can't hone in just on him, because they have other weapons, but without McAllister there, it is a little easier to stop Bush."

JOIN THE PARTY: The resurgence of the Bucs' defensive line has come while one of its most reliable and consistent members has been watching from the sideline.

Greg Spires has been nursing a sore calf back to health while his replacements have come to life, generating six sacks, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in the past two games.

Spires is hoping he can soon join the fun. He says if he doesn't make it back into the lineup this week, he'll be there next week for sure.

"I'll know Sunday morning when I go to the stadium whether I can play or not," Spires said. "I'm hoping I can go, because I want to be a part of that, too. Especially with us going to the playoffs and all, I want to be a part of it."

Spires said he has been impressed with the play of every member of the line but is especially impressed with the work of rookie Greg White. The Arena League refugee leads the Bucs with 5 1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles.

"Greg and Jovan Haye, four sacks are the two that really stand out," Spires said. "But especially Greg. He really has that rush going. He has a chance to get 10 sacks and that would be big. That would be huge."

INJURY UPDATE: Besides QB Jeff Garcia, others on the injury report who practiced Friday were Spires, RB Michael Pittman (ankle), RB B.J. Askew (ankle), CB Brian Kelly (ankle) and DE Kevin Carter (groin).

Roy Cummings

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