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Dunn's Leadership Key In Stretch Run

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By ANWAR RICHARDSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 25, 2008

Updated: 11/25/2008 12:11 am

TAMPA - Bucs RB Warrick Dunn always believed he was more than a third-down back and took his first step to prove it.

Dunn shared running back responsibilities while in Atlanta and teamed up with Earnest Graham to split Bucs backfield duties this season. When Graham sustained a season-ending ankle injury against Minnesota on Nov. 16, Dunn emerged as Tampa Bay's primary back.

Against Detroit, Dunn proved he could carry Tampa Bay's running load by rushing 14 times for 90 yards and one touchdown. He also added five receptions for 37 yards in the Bucs' 38-20 victory. Dunn was pulled in the second half after Tampa Bay took a lead, but not before his impact was felt.

"We kind of kept him out of the game down the stretch, but he makes some great catches; some great traffic runs; he still has have tremendous balance, quickness," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He's our go-to guy right now and he's delivering a lot of all-purpose yards for us. He's comfortable in any situation and a leader on our team."

Dunn's leadership ability will be needed down the stretch.

Tampa Bay (8-3) is in the playoff hunt, but waiting for backup Cadillac Williams to perform like he did before sustaining a serious knee injury last season, while backup Clifton Smith is still developing into a NFL running back.

Dunn has rushed 123 times for 566 yards and two touchdowns this season.

"It was good to get out there and play, see different things and get into the game a little bit," Dunn said. "We started off slow, but when you're out there and moving around, you can get into it and feel how they are playing and get into a flow. Once I started getting the ball and running, I felt really comfortable and I was just having fun."

UNDRAFTED, BUT NOT UNNOTICED: Smith might have been ignored by most NFL teams, but now everyone in the league is taking notice.

He currently leads the NFC - and is second in the NFL - in kickoff return yard average (30.3). Smith's accomplishments are impressive considering he was not selected in this year's draft and signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent.

"He's a good player," Gruden said. "It helps to have talent. He's got elusiveness. He's very quick and shifty, and he hits it. He has a lot of confidence in his abilities. It takes a lot of guts to do that job.

"He's got good first first-step quickness, he's decisive and he does have breakaway speed, and those traits are what we're looking for."

GARCIA IS HEATING UP: Tampa Bay is 5-1 over the past six games and QB Jeff Garcia has a lot to do with that success.

Since Week 6, Garcia leads the NFL in completion percentage (71.6). He is ahead of the Jets' Brett Favre (70.9) and Arizona's Kurt Warner (70.0).

In addition, Garcia's quarterback rating (100.5) since Week 6 is ranked third in the NFL. San Diego's Philip Rivers (103.6) is No. 1 while Warner is second (102.3).

Garcia has thrown five touchdowns and one interception during that time frame.

READY FOR A COMEBACK: Tampa Bay TE Alex Smith (ankle) and S Jermaine Phillips (arm) could play this week after missing time because of their respective injuries.

Gruden said each has a chance to play against New Orleans, but their practice participation this week will determine if it happens.

Smith tried to practice last Friday and was unable to finish because of his pain, but is optimistic he will play this week.

"The biggest thing is getting rest," Smith said. "We figured we'd take a little bit more time to rest and give it a go this week."

Anwar S. Richardson

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