Bucs' Quincy Black excels in new scheme

Since Raheem Morris assumed control of Tampa Bay's defense a month ago, no Buccaneer has benefited more than Quincy Black.

The third-year pro has excelled as a Sam linebacker in the past four games, racking up 28 of his 78 tackles following the demotion of defensive coordinator Jim Bates.

"It's more natural now, it's stuff I've been doing since I got here," said Black, a third-round pick out of New Mexico in 2007 who had not made a pro start until this season. "I'm playing closer to the line of scrimmage now, and it has helped my game. My job is to get to the football - that's the standard that's been set around here."

MLB Barrett Ruud has noticed a marked improvement in Black's play as the Bucs returned to the basic defensive principles they had grown accustomed to under former coordinator Monte Kiffin.

"Quincy's playing great," Ruud said. "The last few weeks, he has detailed his game a lot more. And we're doing stuff more to his strengths, with him on the line, handling tight ends. He's taking advantage of it. I'd like to see him develop more as a pass rusher. I think he can be one of those guys who is a linebacker for a down or two and then a rush guy. He's that versatile."

Traditionally, Tampa Bay's strong-side linebackers don't make many splash plays, but Black isn't about to sell himself short.

"Anytime you're on the football field, there are opportunities to make big plays," he said. "First, do your job, everything else will come from that. I feel comfortable now and we're playing faster as a group. You can see it - we're having more fun."

Injury update: Five Bucs were limited in Wednesday's practice, including S Tanard Jackson, who injured a knee Sunday at Seattle. Also limited by injury were TEs Kellen Winslow (knee) and John Gilmore (illness) and WRs Antonio Bryant (groin) and Michael Clayton (knee).

S Darren Sharper (knee) was one of five Saints who did not practice Wednesday. RB Reggie Bush (hamstring) was limited, along with LB Jonathan Vilma (knee), TE Jeremy Shockey (toe) and DT Sedrick Ellis (knee).

Return man: Two years after making history, Micheal Spurlock is back on the Tampa Bay roster, just looking to make a contribution.

In 2007, Spurlock raced 90 yards against Atlanta to become the first Buccaneer to score on a kickoff return. He spent the 2008 season on Tampa Bay's practice squad and played four games for the 49ers this season, also toiling for the United Football League's Florida Tuskers.

"It's good to be back," said Spurlock, who was signed Tuesday after rookie Sammie Stroughter was placed on injured reserve with a broken leg. Stroughter had replaced Clifton Smith, the Pro Bowl return specialist who is out for the season following two concussions.

"I've been staying in shape, and now I've got another opportunity," Spurlock said. "I got the call Monday, and it wasn't expected. I didn't even know the guy (Stroughter) had gotten hurt. It's just part of the business. This league is all about what have you done for me lately."

Morris indicated rookie RB Kareem Huggins will get first shot at handling return duties Sunday at New Orleans.

Well grounded: The Bucs ran the ball on 34 of 60 snaps during their 24-7 victory at Seattle, and at least one player said that's a winning formula.

"I think the biggest thing is we're able to stay on schedule and keeping running the ball," said C Jeff Faine. "There have been so many games this year where we haven't been able to stay with the running game as much as we really wanted to."

Tampa Bay had been throwing on 60 percent of their snaps under new offensive coordinator Greg Olson.

"We haven't been able to get our running backs into the flow of the game," Faine said. "We've been behind. With a young quarterback (Josh Freeman), it's tough. It's tough for him to be able to compete at the highest level when it's really a loaded game."

Extra points

The Bucs claimed WR Mark Bradley off waivers from the Chiefs and released CB Brandon Anderson. Bradley had 24 receptions in 13 games with K.C. this season, including six starts. He was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2005 draft ... New Orleans has a whopping 139-34 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter and Vilma said the Saints wore "Finish Strong" T-shirts when they practiced together in the offseason.