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The Tampa Tribune, published 30 December 2013
Darrelle Revis learned Friday that he was going to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his seven-year pro career. On Sunday, he learned once again that playing pass defense in today’s NFL is quite a challenge.
Revis was turned inside-out by Robert Meachem on a 41-yard TD strike from Drew Brees that put New Orleans ahead 21-7 in the second quarter. Five minutes later, rookie Kenny Stills sailed past him en route to a 76-yard scoring catch as Revis appeared to expect deep help on the 30th TD pass allowed by the Bucs in 2013.
“I’m actually happy to be back and just playing again because, flash back to the ACL, at the time, I didn’t know if I blew my knee out or if I was ever going to play again,’’ Revis said of his Week 2 injury with the Jets last season. “I’m excited to be playing the game I love, but I have mixed feelings. I feel like I didn’t play that well this year. So this offseason, I have to get back on the gridiron and get back to how I was.’’
Joseph: No change needed
Veteran guard Davin Joseph knows he doesn’t have a vote on whether Greg Schiano will return as Tampa Bay’s head coach, but that doesn’t mean he lacks a viewpoint. “My opinion is yes, you keep him, but that’s not my job,’’ Joseph said. “I see how hard he works and how committed he is. I’ve seen a transformation around here. He was hired to take a very bad Bucs team and turn it into something special. He’s on the right path.’’
Extra points
The Bucs will select No. 7 in the opening round of the 2014 draft, which has been pushed back from April to May 8-10.
Rian Lindell’s 54-yard field goal in the third quarter was his longest kick since a career-best 56-yarder in 2009.
In their past two visits to the Superdome, the Bucs have been outscored 83-17.
Tampa Bay finished 0-7 this season when its opponents scored first.
The Bucs entered the game with an NFC-high 31 takeaways but failed to force a turnover.
Tampa Bay was outscored 76-33 in the third quarter this season.
The Bucs averaged 4.2 yards on the ground but fell to 1-18 in the past five years when they have 20 carries or less.
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