Bucs notes: Black's talents put to good use

One of the more notable and recognizable tweaks made to the Bucs' defense by head coach/defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was up front, where it's not all that unusual now to see a three-lineman set.

The Bucs traditionally have employed a four-lineman, three-linebacker scheme, but Morris incorporated more three-lineman sets to take advantage of SLB Quincy Black's skill set.

A third-round pick out of New Mexico in 2007, Black has the speed and burst to aid the pass rush, so he's being used more as a blitzer in the team's new defense.

"That's a package we look forward to developing a lot more," Morris said. "It's a way to get Quincy more involved."

The strongside linebacker in a Tampa 2 scheme traditionally has been replaced by a defensive back on passing downs, but Morris has kept Black on the field and used one less lineman. It's not like Black hasn't earned the right to stay put.

Though he appeared a little lost in former coordinator Jim Bates' scheme, recording only 50 tackles in 10 games with Bates in charge, Black has come to life in Morris' Tampa 2.1 scheme. In his last six games last season, Black recorded 48 tackles and half a sack. In four games this preseason, he recorded a team-leading 19 tackles (two for a loss) and a sack while playing part time.

Black is happy about the opportunity to be on the field and in a scheme that suits his skills.

"That's my big thing - be on the field, run around and make plays," he said. "Those first two years here I didn't play any defense, so I took that as a challenge to get on top of everything and kind of force the issue, and that's what I've done."

Thumbs up

Based on what they saw prior to Thursday's preseason game, the Bucs probably feel pretty good about their plan to have QB Josh Freeman return to practice in time for the season opener against Cleveland.

Freeman spent nearly an hour throwing balls and even participated in a traditional pregame ritual in which the QBs try to hit the crossbar.

Freeman injured the thumb on his right (throwing) hand nine plays into the second preseason game and was immediately shelved. The Bucs expect Freeman to practice the week of the opener and to start against Cleveland. His work Thursday was an indication he's on target. In addition to making nearly 50 throws, most of which seemed crisp and on target, Freeman took several simulated shotgun snaps.

He did not show signs of favoring his thumb during the throwing session, but he was careful to catch any ball thrown to him with his left hand.

Putting up a fight

The battle for the starting Z receiver spot might have heated up a little Thursday as Reggie Brown and Arrelious Benn turned in their best outings of the preseason.

Brown, a six-year veteran, and Benn, a rookie second-round draft pick, had combined for two catches prior to facing the Texans, but both had big nights in big Houston.

Brown caught three passes for 45 yards, including one for 24 yards. Benn ran once for 6 yards and caught three passes for 33 yards and two touchdowns.

"I know my ability, so I just have to go out there and do it," Benn said. "Right now it is a learning process for me and there is a long season ahead, so at this point I'm just taking things one game at a time and one practice at a time."

Odds and ends

The Bucs were without their two starting guards as RG Davin Joseph (hip flexor) and LG Keydrick Vincent (ankle) stayed in Tampa to receive treatment. Others who skipped the trip were TE Kellen Winslow (coach's decision) and S Sabby Piscitelli (concussion). ... LB Niko Koutouvides suffered a right shoulder injury on the second defensive play of the game and did not return. Benn (ribs), OT Demar Dotson (knee) and FB Chris Pressley (thigh) also were injured during the game. ... RB/KR/PR Clifton Smith touched the ball five times in the first half. Three times his helmet came off upon impact with a tackler.