Tampa Bay Buccaneers Safety Mark Barron Set for Huge 2013 With Role Change
By Chris Roling
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mark Barron was quietly one of the best at his position last year in his rookie campaign, but the addition of Dashon Goldson in free agency could mean an even bigger year for Barron in 2013.
Now that Goldson is in the fold, he’ll play deep center field for the Buccaneers on most downs. This means Barron will be free to roam at the line of scrimmage and make tackles in the run game—something more natural to him and suited to his skill set.
Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times gave a detailed look at Barron’s new role on the defense:
"As a rookie last season, Barron made a huge impact but hit the wall around Week 12. He struggled in coverage and had only one interception. At times he played a bit out of position. Barron’s strength is playing down in the box on run support. That role was taken primarily by Ronde Barber on passing downs a year ago. Now that Barber is retired and Goldson takes over at free safety, Barron should have a bigger impact in 2013."
Barron recorded 89 tackles a year ago while begin asked to help in coverage, which is a part of his game still in the development stages. Now paired with an elite safety like Goldson, it sounds like Barron will be able to play to his strengths and have a massive sophomore campaign.
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