Barber Can't Help Steal Victory Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune, published 14 November 2006 After keeping up a running dialogue all night with Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith, Ronde Barber figured he would own the final say. Tampa Bay's Pro Bowl corner led an inspired effort by a maligned defense missing three injured starters, but the Bucs self-destructed in a 24-10 loss to the Panthers on Monday night as Bruce Gradkowski played like a rookie quarterback. "We preach getting the ball back for our offense, and we didn't do it more than they did tonight," Barber said. "But we were flying around there, having fun." One evening after twin brother Tiki gashed the Bears for 141 yards in a nationally televised loss by the Giants, Ronde registered two first-half takeaways to help the Bucs nurse a 7-0 lead into halftime. Smith spoke loudly with 3:11 remaining when he burst down the left sideline and hauled in a 36-yard touchdown pass as Barber stumbled in coverage. Smith finished with eight catches for 149 yards and bragging rights for 2006 as the Panthers swept the season series for the third time in the past four seasons. "Don't blame Ronde on that last touchdown - it was a busted coverage," Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said. "I'm proud of these guys, and I couldn't ask for a better first half. We're down starters, but guys stepped up, guys came off the practice squad and played their butts off. It was a really gallant effort." On Carolina's second possession, Barber stripped the ball from Keyshawn Johnson at midfield, setting up Gradkowski's 6-yard touchdown pass to Ike Hilliard. Late in the first half, Barber picked off a Jake Delhomme pass intended for Drew Carter at the Panthers 30. Officials flagged Barber 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct as he used the ball as a prop, waving it at the departing Panthers. Barber's 31st career interception matched Donnie Abraham's team record. That scoring opportunity was wasted three snaps later when Gradkowski was intercepted for the second consecutive series deep in Carolina territory. The sixth-round pick from Toledo entered the game with only one interception in his first five pro starts. Even with Simeon Rice, Ellis Wyms and Shelton Quarles sidelined, the Bucs contained Carolina through most of a crisp evening at Bank of America Stadium. "Monte had a good talk with us [Sunday] night," Barber said. "He brought an oar into the meeting room, and the theme was let's make sure we're still rowing. We all signed our names up on it. There's no quit on this team, and we're going to show that over the next seven weeks."