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Adams' Performance Sparks Bucs Defense

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 24, 2008

TAMPA - Tampa Bay defensive end Gaines Adams gave his team a glimmer of hope.

The Bucs had not applied much defensive line pressure before Saturday's 23-17 preseason loss against Jacksonville. Tampa Bay's starting front four did not record a sack in two games. No backup player made an impact.

Adams' performance was the ember that could eventually spark Tampa Bay's defense this season.

He had two tackles (one for a loss), a quarterback hurry, played on both sides of the defensive line and disrupted several plays during Tampa Bay's loss.

"Overall, I think we are doing pretty well, but we still have a lot of room for improvement," Adams said. "We have some great talent on this team, and the only thing we need to do is put it together."

How Tampa Bay assembles those pieces remains to be seen.

Adams is expected to anchor the right side of Tampa Bay's defensive line. He was very productive last season at left defensive end. He recorded six sacks and 55 tackles in 2007, and the Bucs hope for even more productivity this season.

Kevin Carter will likely start at left defensive end, and although Greg White was expected to push him for playing time, coaches are unsure which side to play him on. White, who is more comfortable at right defensive end, played both sides against Jacksonville and finished with two tackles.

"We got a lot of guys that can go both ways and make all of us valuable," White said. "We can go inside, outside, left or right. It works within the system.

"I'd like to think I'm more comfortable on the right side, but I'll play wherever coaches want me to play."

Jimmy Wilkerson is also adding to Tampa Bay's defensive line mystery.

Wilkerson normally is a defensive end, but he appeared at defensive tackle against Jacksonville and recorded a sack for an 8-yard loss at that position. His versatility could be used to back up defensive tackles Jovan Haye or Chris Hovan, who recorded a sack Saturday night.

"It's about making the team, but it's also about doing what you can to stay on the field," Wilkerson said. "I love what I do, and whether it's playing defensive end, defensive tackle or playing special teams, as long as I'm out there on the field, I'm having fun."

Once Tampa Bay figures out how to best utilize each player, they all are expected to follow Adams' lead.

Tampa Bay is optimistic Adams will become one of the NFL's premier pass rushers this season.

Adams is not there yet, but he has given the Bucs a glimmer of hope.

"I'm the type of player that you can put things on me," Adams said. "With hard work, only good things can happen."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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