Cadillac is officially back in his familiar #24 jersey. He got plenty of work, and the Buccaneers got the win 38-20. Williams rushed for 27 yards on 16 carries. Not eye opening stats, but it didn’t matter. He’s back, running with authority and no trepidation. That’s all that mattered. That could be a big plus in the team’s playoff drive.
Detroit is no barometer, but here are some observations. After giving up 17 quick points to Detroit in the 1st quarter, (one Detroit TD caused by a Garcia fumble when he collided with Williams on his first play of the game) the Bucs defense held Detroit to three the rest of the way. It was the best road performances by this defense all season. The Bucs defense held the Lions to 76 total yards in the 2nd half.
The Bucs secondary still has problems with tall receivers. We saw that today with Calvin Williams. Pressure was adequate from the defensive front, and Lions running back Kevin Smith, who rushed for 62 yards in the first half, was held to 24 in the second half. That was shades of the Minnesota performance vs. Adrian Peterson.
As for special teams, Clifton Smith returned a punt for a TD. First time in almost four years that’s happened. Joey Galloway was the last to do so back in December of 2004.
Defensive Back Ronde Barber’s 11th career regular season touchdown is tops amongst active players, good enough for third in NFL history.
Tom Korun