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Rookie Talib Has 'Star Power'

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By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 25, 2008

TAMPA - Bucs rookie CB Aqib Talib hasn't quite established himself as a full-time player yet. He has, however, established himself as a big-time player.

After giving up a touchdown to New Orleans WR David Patten on his first NFL play, Talib has bounced back nicely. The University of Kansas product, whom the Bucs selected in the first round of April's draft, will go into Sunday's game against Dallas leading the Bucs with three interceptions.

"He does show great promise," Bucs coach Jon Gruden said. "He does have star power, I do believe. He can be an impact superstar corner in the NFL. He's got to keep his head on straight and continue to work hard and refine every aspect of his game, but I know that secondary coach Raheem Morris and CB Ronde Barber and the guys in our room can all help him do that."

Maybe they already have. Talib, who plays mostly in the Bucs' nickel package, said he has learned not to dwell on mistakes and to focus on the play in front of him. He may need to remind himself of that lesson Sunday, especially if he is face-to-face with Cowboys WR Terrell Owens, who may share some personality traits with the effervescent Talib.

"Talib has a great charismatic personality and, to be honest with you, I think this game needs players like that," Gruden said. "I know our team does."

The Dallas game will be something of a homecoming for Talib. He played in legendary Texas Stadium as a high-schooler, but to play there against Owens and the Cowboys will help make his rookie season memorable and special, Talib said.

"The dream is just unfolding," Talib said. "At first you come in and you meet the guys and stuff, then you start winning football games. And now I get a chance to go home and play against Terrell Owens. It definitely is a dream come true."

Sacks, Shmacks

The Bucs haven't recorded a sack in three weeks. That doesn't mean they're not getting good pressure on opposing passers. Bucs coach Jon Gruden said there are other ways to gauge a good pass rush.

"The pass rush can be defined in terms of sacks, pressures or legal hits on the quarterback," Gruden said. "If you can make the quarterback veer right or left, if you can disrupt his timing and his rhythm, that's a good pass rush.

"A great pass rush is getting three guys on a quarterback. We've had some good individual rushes, and we've done better gaming and blitzing. If we stop the run, we're able to do the things that good pass-rushing teams do."

Injury Report

It looks like WR Maurice Stovall (hamstring) and FB B.J. Askew (hamstring) will miss Sunday's game; both were listed as doubtful on Friday's injury report. WRs Joey Galloway (foot) and Ike Hilliard (concussion) are questionable and will be game-time decisions. The Bucs also will wait to make a call on RB Warrick Dunn (ankle, pinched nerve in his back), who is questionable but participated fully in Friday's walkthrough and likely will play.

Bucs Bits

There's a chance rookie RB Clifton Smith will be promoted from the practice squad and replace Dexter Jackson as the return man Sunday, according to Coach Jon Gruden. ... Gruden and Cowboys coach Wade Phillips each have coached three quarterbacks to the Pro Bowl, the most among active coaches. Gruden helped get Rich Gannon, Brad Johnson and Jeff Garcia to the Pro Bowl, while Phillips helped get John Elway, Doug Flutie and Tony Romo there. ... His expected start against Dallas on Sunday will be the 200th of Derrick Brooks' career.

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