New interception leader: Aqib Talib

Cornerback Aqib Talib's third interception of the season gives him the team lead in that category.

The guy just has a nose for the ball and won't be denied when it's in the air and up for grabs. He even fielded a punt that he wasn't supposed to when return man Dexter Jackson backed off. He just can't help himself.

"He loves the ball," coach Jon Gruden said. "I have a lot of confidence and a lot of respect for his ability. I think he's going to be a premier corner in the league. But he's got to continue to work. He knows that. He's got to continue to refine his game."

Comments

[DONTAE]

I GOT ON GRUDEN AND ALLEN FOR NOT TAKING JENKINS OR THE OTHER JACKSON BUT HE IS NOT A BAD PICK AT ALL GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!

[Vince]

I never question a Buccaneer's defensive draft selection, not ever! ...I question SOME of the offensive selections, HAHA., but never the defense. Sometimes I think that that's the reason we seem to always go Defense with the number one pick. Because Tampa just KNOWS defense!

[ws]

talib is the shi......! Go Bucs! Gruden haters-I can't hear you...........

[lilargue]

Not to knock on you Vince. But Talib is only the SECOND 1st rounder since 01-02, I believe. Thats why we picked Gaines last year. Kiffin was getting pissed because the Bucs kept going offensively in the 1st round prior to Gaines, instead of spending them on defense. Just thought you should know that.

[Brian]

Dexter Jackson is TERRIBLE.. The kid should play baseball where he would not get hit--wasted pick. (should have taken Brohm with that pick as our future QB).

Stephen what does Gruden say about him?

Also, on a side note, watching the Green Bay game yesterday-saw the "Leap" and no flag for celebrating. I thought Herr Gooden said planned/non-spontaneous celebrations were verboten and would be penalized--apparently the Bucs are the only team to be screwed by those calls.

Thanks

[jackpc]

Brian is right. Dexter Jackson is scaring me out there. He does not have a clear idea on any returns; running backwards on punt returns, and not following his wedge blockers on kick returns. He nearly coughed up ball and let the Seahawks get into the game - thanks to Olido Mare who missed a chip shot. Bring back Michael Spurtlock.

[Quentin]

Clifton Smith needs a promotion.

Regarding Talib, I had the same reaction to his selection as Stephen. I was personally rooting for them to take Jenkins, but if Monte Kiffin and Raheem Morris felt that Talib was the better pick, who am I to argue? Given Talib's play and the reports of Jenkins struggling mightily since training camp, I think they've been vindicated.

[mkurbo]

I don't understand why they won't let Talib run back punts and kicks ? He is a natural in traffic and seems very comfortable at this level...

[Jay]

I still say we're wasting talent letting Michael Bennett rot on the bench. Put him back there returning punts and kickoffs. Send DJax to the bench for work as a receiver full time, so he can learn his position. Aqib is great, but he needs to work on his tackling techniques to look more like Ronde Barber (who he will eventually be asked to replace). A great start for a young guy, but he has a long way to go.

[Tom]

I was estatic when they chose Talib. If you watched him at Kansas and see some of the plays he made, you know this kid's has Charles Woodson talent. There was one play where he somersaulted from the five yard line into the endzone! Gotta see this!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA4oDla3npQ&feature=related

Then his performance at the combines was breathtaking.

[P Vine]

Wasted, wasted, wasted 2nd round pick! Suck it up and admit it, Bruce, you made a terrible mistake! As others have said, why not insert him as a receiver(decoy) and let him stretch the field. If he catches one, well, fine. At least he might take some of the pressure off! He's not a returner now and has a long way to go before he'll be one; if ever!

[Jesse]

A lot of people were upset about the not-Jenkins pick. He looked awful against the Rams yesterday. I believe that many players are products of the system; perhaps Dallas is not a good fit for him and perhaps he would have done great in Tampa. In any case, Talib is doing great but I must disagree with mkurbo above. When Talib gets a fumble, interception, or accidental punt return, he is so shifty in his moves and indecisive that I feel like he is going to fumble every time. It make me so nervous. But, he we probably do better than DJax. For weeks now people have been complaining about him and I felt that we needed to be patient still. But after last night, he was one of the few problems (a consistent one too) that we had. He needs to stop returning the kicks and we need Spurlock back. But after all that, Garcia and sons played great offense last night and our defense is stout! No run TDs this year!!! And we have only allowed 4 TDs in the red zone out of about 14 or 15 visits there (does anyone know the exact stat?). We have a great shot against Dallas next week!!

[Tom]

P Vine, they have used Jackson as a decoy this year. It hasn't been very intimidating for any defense because, although he has speed, he doesn't know how to run a route.

On the other hand, Bryant could be a real stud on this team. He is a perfect west coast WR because he has great ability to get YAC. He may be a huge steal if he can keep his head straight.

[IMISS_No47]

Don't call him "DJax" - only established, good players like "Flip" & "TJack" get cool nicknames. Dexter Jackson, as I call him, is a complete and utter bust. I feel any one of our wide receivers or Bennett could return punts & kicks better. Did you see Michael Clayton run fearlessly into the wedge in the Chicago game? When he reaches full speed he makes very large strides. Unfortunately the run was called back but it showcased his potential as a returner. Dexter Jackson, return your signing bonus and start issuing towels at One Buc!

[Erick]

Aqib is turning out nicely. And Jackson is depressing me. Lets just hope he is a better receiver than returner. We have countless other guys that can do that job much better.

[Jesse]

I shall not call him "DJax" any more.......

[BucRiza]

did somebody say the bucs missed on the 2nd round draft- dexter Jackson was a mistake, Bucs will not admit that, just like the likely will not admit to the mistake in taking G. Adams, not physical enough or such a high draft pick. we are not even close to the quarterback in the last three games. Aqib is all that

[STIXX]

You say GAINES ADAMS is a bust? Man what games are you watching? He a young stud and will only get better.

[Itch]

Aqib Good.

Dexter Bad.