Coming to grips with poor tackling

One of the most fundamental aspects of football since the days when Red Grange and Bronko Nagurski were running wild, proper tackling seems to have regressed as the NFL has evolved in recent years. Jeffri Chadiha identifies some reasons.

Fletcher brings consistency, precision

Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson ranks and breaks down the top tacklers in the NFL.

Story | Conversation | November 30, 2009

Madden NFL 10 Review

One of the most fundamental aspects of football since the days when Red Grange and Bronko Nagurski were running wild, proper tackling seems to have regressed as the NFL has evolved in recent years. Jeffri Chadiha identifies some reasons.

Beason has two INTs as Freeman struggles against Carolina's defense

Jonathan Stewart rushed for 120 yards and the game's only touchdown, and the Panthers intercepted rookie Josh Freeman five times on Sunday -- three times near the goal line -- in a 16-6 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

D Up!: Steelers LBs about to go off

Jim McCormick looks at defensive difference-makers to consider for Week 13, including a Pittsburgh Steelers quartet with a favorable three-week run ahead.

FBO: The Reggie Bush breakout

Football Outsiders analyzes Week 12 in the NFL. Ideas: Oakland isn't THAT bad; Reggie Bush is poised for a big game vs. New England; Pittsburgh needs to play better in the second half; David Garrard gets knocked around too much and a plan for Houston.

Story | Conversation | November 25, 2009

Week 12 inactives

Tristan H. Cockcroft provides "live" reports and analysis on Week 12 inactives.

...Miami, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown (23) sprints past Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Barrett Ruud (51) during the first quarter at Land Shark Stadium

The All-NFC South midseason defense

...aware that entering the season there was a strong consensus that Jon Beason, Jonathan Vilma and Barrett Ruud were the best three linebackers in the division and I thought I'd go that route...

Pats' empty set full of opportunities

Patriots' empty set has been full of opportunities.

Mailbag: Tampa Bay Buccaneers edition

...Chris in Harrisburg, Pa., writes: Pat, any news out of Tampa regarding the contract talks for Barret Ruud? The Bucs' organization simply isn't dumb enough to let their leading tackler walk will they? Pat...

Who are the leaders in the NFC South?

...that role. The one guy I see with potential here for the Bucs is middle linebacker Barrett Ruud. He's been a good player for a couple of years and he can be a...

Pro Bowl balloting gets started

...Tampa Bay player, tight end Kellen Winslow is probably the most deserving at the moment. Linebacker Barrett Ruud also could be a possibility

Pats' Aiken, Tate step up at receiver

...3b. Aiken's 54-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the second quarter -- when Buccaneers linebacker Barrett Ruud bounced off him, and then Aiken outraced everyone down the right side -- was a highlight of...

Brady soars in London as Patriots put away winless Buccaneers

Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and had more than 300 yards as the Patriots (5-2) beat the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7 at Wembley Stadium on Sunday in the NFL's third regular-season game at the iconic London venue.