Bolden Is Asked To Do A Lot -- And He Delivers Anwar Richardson, The Tampa Tribune, published 19 September 2005 Ronde Barber has been a member of the Bucs secondary for nine years, but has never felt more comfortable with a nickel back than he is with Juran Bolden. "We ask that guy to do a lot. In our nickel defense we have a lot going on. He's got third-down responsibilities. He has team responsibilities on special teams and he had a big game Sunday," Barber said. "We've been looking for that guy a long time and I think we found one." Bolden's importance was on display as the Bucs' secondary shut down Buffalo quarterback J.P. Losman in a 19-3 victory at Raymond James Stadium. The defense has not given up a touchdown in their two victories and members of the Tampa Bay secondary attributed their success to Bolden, a former Hillsborough High standout and first-year Buc. He finished with four tackles and helped hold Losman to 12 of 29 passing for 113 yards, with the longest pass being a 30-yard completion. However, Bolden's biggest play was on special teams in the second quarter. A "gunner" on the punt coverage team, Bolden caught Josh Bidwell's boot on Buffalo's 1-yard line. Two plays later, linebacker Shelton Quarles and safety Jermaine Phillips chased Losman out the end zone for a safety, giving the Bucs a 2-0 lead. The Bucs also scored on their ensuing possession on Mike Alstott's 1-yard run, putting Tampa Bay ahead 9-0. "The coaches on special teams have been telling me I need to make more plays and that was a play I was able to make. I got a good release and it was good coverage," Bolden said. "I was nervous about catching it because I'm not that good of a punt catcher, but I got it." Bolden also has caught the positive attention of Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. "When they have three or four wide receivers in the game, Juran becomes the outside corner and Ronde moves inside. I've always said you can never have enough corners," Kiffin said. "He's one snap away from being a starter. On the first play of this game, Juran Bolden is the starter. He's on the field. He's got to be good. Great teams must have three corners and you really have to have a fourth in case somebody gets hurt. He's young as far as our defense is concerned, but he's really bought into it. He's become more consistent than in the past. I think he likes it here." Bolden enjoys playing in his hometown. He also enjoys attending Hillsborough High football games on Friday nights. More importantly, he enjoys making everyone on the field comfortable about Tampa Bay's secondary. "I'm satisfied with the way they are using me right now. I see chances that I can go out there and make plays and I'm going to take advantage of every opportunity I get," Bolden said. "I'm back home and you can't beat that. I've been wanting this for the longest time. Now I have a chance to contribute. I won't complain. I'm going to do my role, make the most of my chances when I can, and keep running."