Hall Of Famer Speaks, Adams Listens Bob Bellone, The Tampa Tribune, published 5 November 2007 This time last year, Gaines Adams was wreaking havoc in opposing backfields as an All-America defensive end with the Clemson Tigers. Saturday night, the fourth overall selection in the 2007 NFL draft sat quietly with his Tampa Bay teammates and hung on every word in a huddle led by one of the greatest pass rushers in league history. The timing for an inspirational presentation by Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones was impeccable for the 6-foot-5, 258-pound Adams - coming on the eve of his first professional start. "He delivered a fire-and-brimstone speech," Jon Gruden said after Sunday's 17-10 win against the Cardinals. "He was still giving the brimstone at about 9:30." Adams, his opportunity emerged after Greg Spires sustained a calf injury last week, was humbled to share the same room with the former Los Angeles Rams standout. "Oh, it was unbelievable," he said. "Just getting the chance to be in his presence and to listen to what he had to say. ... When he speaks, you know he's going to have everybody's undivided attention." Adams took it personally when Jones issued a challenge to "be relentless and whoever lines up in front of you, beat him." The entire defense responded by limiting the Cardinals to a single first down in the opening half and a season-low 195 yards for the game. Adams was credited with only one tackle, a pass defensed that almost was an interception and a pair of hits on quarterback Kurt Warner. Still, the Bucs have high hopes for the player they drafted in lieu of running back Adrian Peterson, who rushed for a league-record 296 yards for Minnesota in a 35-17 upset of San Diego on Sunday. "Gaines was doing good. They weren't rushing the ball either way," fellow defensive end Kevin Carter said. "We had good pressure, and that's what he's got to do. He's got to come in and hold the line, and he's doing a good job. I'm proud of him." Adams, who was upset when he was pulled out of last week's loss to Jacksonville, took delight in his first starting assignment since joining Michael Dean Perry atop Clemson's career sack list with 28. "It was lots of fun because this is all about just being with your teammates, playing with your teammates," Adams said. "You sweat, you bleed with these guys, and you just want to be out there. That's all I want to do is just be out there. I've just got to wait my time."