Bucs Defense Helps Schiano Win Tampa Debut
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Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images(TAMPA BAY) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowed the most points in the NFL last season. This year, a new coach and a new attitude have the Bucs looking a lot stingier on defense.
Head coach Greg Schiano won his NFL coaching debut on Sunday as his Buccaneers (1-0) defeated the Carolina Panthers (0-1) at Raymond James Stadium, 16-10.
The defense, which surrendered 494 points last year, intercepted Carolina quarterback Cam Newton twice. Veteran safety Ronde Barber had one of those interceptions, and likes what he saw from his defensive unit. “This was fun to watch this defense go out and play the way they played,” Barber said.
Schiano came to Tampa Bay after 11 seasons leading Rutgers in the Big East, and succeeds Raheem Morris who stumbled to a 4-12 record before being fired.
“It’s all about the players, their commitment to doing what we ask them to do,” Schiano said of their resurgent defense.
Bucaneers quarterback Josh Freeman went 16 of 24 for 138 yards and touchdown in his 2012 debut. Tampa Bay also got 95 yards rushing from Doug Martin, the rookie running back from Boise State.
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