Lehigh Senior High football program retired 1999 graduate and Detroit Lions defensive back Phillip Buchanon's No. 2 jersey, then edged North Fort Myers 14-13 in a spring game Friday night.

"Phillip Buchanon is such a role model to this community," said Fominaya, a Naples High assistant coach hired in the offseason to run the Lightning. "Our boys, when they're at practice, they make believe they're Phillip Buchanon. I'm glad for him to be here tonight and I'm glad for them to be part of something special like this, like this retirement, and I think he's happy with what he saw."

Buchanon, for his part, helped out his alma mater on the field as Lehigh won the opening toss, which he flipped, and he remained on their sideline throughout the game for moral support.

"It's so funny, thinking about back then and all I thought about was making it to the NFL," said Buchanon, who'll be entering his eighth season in the league with stops in Oakland, Houston and Tampa Bay before signing a two-year contract with Detroit this offseason. "I never thought about having my jersey retired. For me, to be the first, it feels good."

(news-press.com)

It didn't take long for Jeremy Davis to say yes to the University of Miami football team.

On Tuesday morning, Cape Coral High's Davis found out that the Hurricanes would make him a verbal offer. When Miami defensive backs coach Wesley McGriff did make the offer, Davis committed right away Tuesday night.

"It's the happiest day of my life," said Davis, a 6-foot-1, 172-pound junior.

"When he offered, I said, 'Well, I'm committed.' It's a deal. It's done and over with. I'm not looking at any other school, at least not yet."

Davis also received verbal offers from West Virginia and Syracuse.

Former Miami and Lehigh Senior star Phillip Buchanon, Davis' half brother, first called to say Davis would get a verbal offer. A short time later, Cape Coral coach Mike Goebbel told him the same thing.

"(Tuesday night) after practice, he came in and said, 'They called and offered,' '' Goebbel said. "I knew they had an interest in him, and he had a loyalty to them because of Phillip."

Davis said he has trained with Buchanon the last few years in Miami. "It made a big impact on me," Davis said. "... It's like I'm at home."

Davis, who played at Fort Myers High last season, had 10 tackles, and one fumble recovery. On offense, he rushed for 421 yards and scored 7 touchdowns.

He's projected as a cornerback in college.

At the Under Armour combine earlier this year, he ran times of 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash and 10.4 in the 100.

Will he do better at Miami than Buchanon?

"Yeah," he said. "I will do better. But Phillip was good."

(news-press.com)

New cornerbacks Phillip Buchanon and Anthony Henry had a nice practice Sunday. Each intercepted one pass, and the unit generally played well over three days.

"This was a good start," Schwartz said. "I think they took a big step today. ... I sort of like what I've seen so far."

Asked if he would like to add a corner through the draft, Schwartz had an interesting answer.

"You always look," he said, "but if we had to play a game today, I think I'd be confident with the guys that are on the roster right now."

(freep.com)

When your career starts out as a Florida all-state high school player and moves on to the University of Miami as an All-American, the road to stardom in the NFL can sometimes be an easy one. Phillip Buchanon was a member of a team some say was the greatest of all time. In 2001 Phillip played on a 12-0 national championship Hurricanes team in which sixteen of its players were drafted in the first round of the next three NFL drafts. Buchanon was also one of those first round picks.

In the 2002 NFL draft the Oakland Raiders took Buchanon with their 17th pick in the first round. Seemingly he had hit the jackpot. In his first year with the Raiders they went to the super bowl. It was a super drubbing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but hey, how can you look down at reaching the pinnacle game of its sport in your first year in the league?

From there it went from bad to worse. It has to eat at a player who for all his life knew nothing other than winning and playing in the big game. Enter the 2003 Raiders. Dysfunction, distraction, and just plain ole dissed. Buchanon’s trip from the penthouse to the basement had begun. His next two years spent in a wonderful city on a team equivalent to football purgatory. And just when he thought it could get no worse, he was traded to the Houston Texans, an expansion team.

During Buchanon’s two years in Houston he played in fewer games, and was eventually waived. It got better. The day after he was waived by Houston the Buccaneers picked him up. He got healthy and he played. Not a lot, but when you're waived mid season because of injury or not, contemplation is on the menu.

Six years after becoming a first round pick Buchanon is once again a starter. He had his best year ever and it looks like there is no way Tampa will let him test the free agent market, especially with Ronde Barber coming down the stretch. Apparently for Phillip it is once again time for dysfunction. The head coach of the Buccaneers is fired, Monte Kiffin the defensive coordinator ran off to the University of Tennessee to coach with his son, and the defensive backs coach is now the head coach. You say what dysfunction right? It appeared as if it couldn’t look any better for Buchanon with his defensive back coach now being the head man. As Lee Corso would say, not so fast my friend.

Buchanon doesn’t end up getting a decent offer from Tampa and the next thing you know with the help of his agent Drew Rosenhaus, he will fight for a starting job with the Detroit Lions. It sounds terrible doesn’t it? Not to me it doesn’t. Even though the Lions went 0-16, I expect a seriously motivated group there this year. You say it can’t happen? If you don’t believe, think way back to a couple of months ago. That was the Miami Dolphins I saw in the playoffs after going 1-15 the year before.

Phillip Buchanon isn’t going to have it easy, but what fun would it be if you didn’t have to work hard to get what you wanted? No matter what, Buchanon has and will put in the effort needed. He has fought hard to show the league he can be a premier player in it. As far as having it rough on a team not expected to do well, is there anybody reading this who bet on the Arizona Cardinals to be in the super bowl at the beginning of last year? I don’t think so.

Even though he has a full plate with working out, a new contract, and the move to Detroit, Phillip still had time for a little conversation.

DW: You were on one of the best college football teams of all time. At the time you were at the U, a lot of people said the Hurricanes were better than the Dolphins. That National Championship team had 16 of its players selected in the first round over several drafts. Be it college or pro, was that the best team you have ever played on???

Phillip Buchanon: Yes as a team hands down it was probably the best that I’ve played on. We had so many dedicated players that were hungry and wanted to win. It was fun.

DW: So as one of those first round draft choices, you were picked by the Oakland Raiders. It’s your first year in the league and you’re in the Super Bowl, even though you lost, did you think the winning would ever stop? Because most players in the NFL never play in a Super bowl and in your first year you’re there. Did you think your career would take the turn that it did?

Phillip Buchanon: Most definitely not. Things were looking good over there and then all of a sudden a lot of things went on between management and players that got really crazy. We didn’t have true leaders out there. We had a couple of hall of fame players, but no true leaders.

DW: How did you guys go from one year being a super bowl team to the total opposite just a year later? Was management really that big of a problem?

Phillip Buchanon: At the time it was. It was really bad. The biggest problem was losing Rich Gannon though. Once Rich went down our offense was done and it took a pretty big toll on us. Rich Gannon was the key for us and at the time one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Once he got hurt and Tyrone Wheatley got hurt everything went down hill after that.

DW: How did you like living in Oakland?

Phillip Buchanon: It’s a different vibe from the bay area to Florida which I’m use to, but I loved everything about Oakland, especially the fans. The only thing I didn’t like was the football because we were losing and that was depressing.

DW: You got traded to the Houston Texans and should’ve played more once you got there, but didn’t because of injuries. What happened with that?

Phillip Buchanon: I don’t know, but during that part of my career I had to battle a bunch of injuries and things didn’t work out the way I had planned it. At the time Houston had a lot of young guys without much direction.

DW: Did you ask for Oakland to trade you or was that a total surprise to you?

Phillip Buchanon: I asked for the trade, I was ready to get out of there. In Houston I spent a lot of my time getting healthy there and unfortunately it just didn’t work out for me.

DW: So you leave Houston for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This year I thought you shined there. I was very surprised to see they were willing to let you test the free agent market, especially with Ronde Barber on the downside of his career now. Why do you think the Buccaneers let you get away?

Phillip Buchanon: To be honest with you I have no idea. Raheem Morris and I had an excellent working relationship. From what I understand, they are intending to run the same defensive schemes we use to run when I was at the University of Miami where I had a great deal of success. I guess they wanted to go in another direction. It is a business.

DW: What was your experience like learning from Monte Kiffin?

Phillip Buchanon: He was definitely good. I learned more about defense in Tampa under coach Kiffin than I did in all my time in Texas and Oakland. This was a great stop for me, and regardless of the situation I wish Tampa the very best of luck, but don’t get me wrong I really really really wanted to play in Tampa, but sometimes things just don’t work out that way.

DW: What makes Kiffin such a good coach, is it his schemes, is it the way he motivates his players? Why is it that Tampa no matter what always had a great defense under him?

Phillip Buchanon: It’s because he understands the game of football, he always puts his players in the best situations and other teams that I’ve been on just tell you to go out there and play man to man, or play cover three with no direction, just play football, just do what you do. Kiffin is able to break the game down and slow it down for you, and he plays to win. There was a lot of pride in what we did. In Houston the game wasn’t the same. You got plenty of information, but the attitude was more just get out there and play. It was the same way in Oakland. In Tampa it was more this is why we do this and this is why we don’t do that and it made sense.

DW: Are you saying Kiffin took a more hands on approach as a defensive coordinator?

Phillip Buchanon: I can honestly say that the coordinators in Oakland and Houston were hands on too, but they just didn’t understand the game the way Kiffin did.

DW: You signed with the Detroit Lions, a team that went 0-16. Last year the Miami Dolphins after going 1-15 the year before made the playoffs. Do you think it’s possible for the Lions to do the same?

Phillip Buchanon: Now a days in the NFL anything is possible. I am just going to go there and contribute as much as I can, be a good team player like I have always been and do my part.

DW: Have you heard if you are going to start or not?

Phillip Buchanon: There are whispers, but I’m going to go up there and do what I do which is work hard, continue to study my film, get the guys to work hard and hopefully reach our goal of getting to the playoffs.

DW: The new coach of the Lions Jim Schwartz is the former defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, what direction do you see him taking the team in…

Phillip Buchanon: The only direction we can go is up because we are on the bottom now.

DW: What is it that you want people to know about Phillip Buchanon that they don’t know?

Phillip Buchanon: I want people who don’t know me not to judge me off of Miami swagger. I’m just a low key hard working humble guy and a lot of people don’t know that.

DW: Thanks for the time Phillip.

Phillip Buchanon: Thank you

(tvsportsdaily.com)

New Detroit Lions cornerback Phillip Buchanon took the time to chat with Dennis Wyatt of TV Sports Daily. The interview touches on each step of Buchanon's career, from his experience on the dominant Miami Hurricanes, to his NFL stops in Oakland, Houston and Tampa Bay.

Buchanon had plenty of positive things to say about his time with the Bucs, specifically about defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

March 14, TV Sports Daily: DW: What was your experience like learning from Monte Kiffin?

Phillip Buchanon: He was definitely good. I learned more about defense in Tampa under coach Kiffin than I did in all my time in Texas and Oakland. This was a great stop for me, and regardless of the situation I wish Tampa the very best of luck, but don't get me wrong I really really really wanted to play in Tampa, but sometimes things just don't work out that way.

DW: What makes Kiffin such a good coach, is it his schemes, is it the way he motivates his players? Why is it that Tampa no matter what always had a great defense under him?

Phillip Buchanon: It's because he understands the game of football, he always puts his players in the best situations and other teams that I've been on just tell you to go out there and play man to man, or play cover three with no direction, just play football, just do what you do. Kiffin is able to break the game down and slow it down for you, and he plays to win. There was a lot of pride in what we did. In Houston the game wasn't the same. You got plenty of information, but the attitude was more just get out there and play. It was the same way in Oakland. In Tampa it was more this is why we do this and this is why we don't do that and it made sense.

Wyatt asks if he will start for the Lions, and Buchanon takes a very humble approach. Even though he has to know he's the front-runner, his answer focuses on what he'll do to make sure he earns the job.

There are whispers, but I'm going to go up there and do what I do which is work hard, continue to study my film, get the guys to work hard and hopefully reach our goal of getting to the playoffs.

What you really have to like as a Lions fan is that he not only focuses on his own work effort, but insists he'll make sure his teammates are working hard as well. When you're coming off an 0-16 season, you can never have enough guys that want to be vocal leaders in the locker room.

(blog.mlive.com)

The Detroit Lions continued to upgrade their tattered secondary by reaching a two-year agreement with Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Phillip Buchanon, a source told ESPN.

The 5-11, 186-pound Buchanon agreed to a two-year, $8.5 million contract, according to a source. The Bucs were trying to re-sign him. Earlier Wednesday, the Bucs agreed to a three-year, $8 million deal with Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jackson.

This will be the fourth team for Buchanon, who entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2002. Buchanon spent three seasons with the Raiders. He went to the Texans in 2005 and 2006. The Bucs acquired him in 2006, and this was his best stop.

Buchanon started 29 games over the past two seasons. He had 113 combined tackles during those two seasons along with intercepting five passes. The Lions signed him with hopes that he is in his prime at the age of 28.

(espn.com)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started lining up player visits at One Buc Place, and now at least one of their own free agents is scheduled to make a trip.

Bucs free agent cornerback Phillip Buchanon is scheduled to visit with the Detroit Lions on Monday night, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

Buchanon, 28, has spent the past three seasons with the Bucs. The former first-round pick with the Oakland Raiders has notched 18 career interceptions and is a player Tampa Bay is interested in re-signing.

Tampa Bay has expressed interest in other free agent cornerbacks, including Cincinnati's Jamar Fletcher, Buffalo's Jabari Greer and Baltimore's Corey Ivy.

(pewterreport.com)

The Bucs also are in heavy negotiations with cornerback Phillip Buchanon, who is a priority, but there's been no word on whether a deal is close.





(tampabay.com)

Our moles at the NFL combine in Indianapolis over the weekend got wind that the agent for Tampa Bay unrestricted free agent cornerback Phillip Buchanon -- that would be Drew Rosenhaus -- is looking for a deal that guarantees the seven-year veteran $12 million.

That's not going to happen; at least not where the Bucs are concerned.

Last April, the Bucs selected Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib with the 20th overall pick in the draft. The kid showed flashes as a rookie in a limited role, finishing tied for the team lead with four interceptions. 

Talib was drafted as the likely heir to Ronde Barber, who turns 34 this offseason, but Barber still has some gas in his tank and after a 2008 season that clearly was not up to his standards he'll be looking to rebound. He has the added advantage of having his former position coach Raheem Morris -- a big Barber fan -- as the new head coach.

Should Buchanon bolt, that will leave the Bucs with Barber, Talib and second-year pro Elbert Mack (who showed promise as a rookie) as the only corners under contract, but depth could be shored up in free agency and the draft.

Buchanon is a good player, but two teams (Oakland and Houston) gave up on the former first-round draft pick before Tampa Bay scooped him off waivers. He's been well worth that investment, but he's not a $12 million guaranteed player. When he hits the open market at 12:01 a.m. Friday, however, some team might disagree agree.

It only takes one of the 32 to like you.


If that's the case, good for him.

(orlandosentinel.com)

Below proCanes.com analyzes the NFL U free agent market and tries to give you, the fans, a better idea of where these free agents may end up for the 2009 season. First off, here are the different types of free agents defined in case you don't now the difference:

Unrestricted Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) are players who have completed four or more accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. They are free to sign with any club.

Restricted Free Agents
Restricted Free Agents (RFA) are players who have completed three accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. They have received qualifying offers from their old clubs and are free to negotiate with any club until April 21, at which time their rights revert to their original club. If a player accepts an offer from a new club, the old club will have the right to match the offer and retain the player. If the old club elects not to match the offer, it may receive draft-choice compensation depending on the level of the qualifying offer made to the player.

Exclusive-Rights Free Agents
Exclusive-Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) are players who have completed between 0-2 accrued seasons of service whose contracts have expired. If tendered, they have no negotiating rights with other clubs and must sign their tender with their old club or sit out the season.

2009 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Phillip Buchanon CB 5-11 186 7th Season Buccaneers:
According to members of the Buccaneers organization, many from within believe Phillip Buchanon was their most consistent cornerback last year. At the beginning of the offseason many people thought the Bucs would let Buchanon go because of the coaching changes and and change in defensive philosophy. That looks to not be the case though. The Bucs will be talking to Buchanon's agent Drew Rosenhaus this week and hope to sign before he hits the open market. After a rough beginning to his career, Buchanon seems to have settled and become a vital part of the Tampa Bay defense. Look for him to remain a Buccaneer.

Vernon Carey OT 6-5 350 5th Season Dolphins:
Vernon Carey actually never hit the free agency market despite not being franchised by the Miami Dolphins. Once the Dolphins elected not to franchise him most people began to speculate that they no longer wanted Carey and both the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings would go after him. One day later though, the Dolphins did sign Carey to a 6-year $42 million contract making him the highest paid right tackle in the league. Congrats to Vernon!

Bubba Franks TE 6-6 265 9th Season NY Jets:
Bubba Franks had a disappointing 2008 season despite being teamed up with Brett Favre again. Bubba's best seasons as a Green Bay Packer were with Favre, but they never seemed to to find that magic last year as Jets. Bubba fought through injuries during the season but missed 8 games. He finished the season with only six reception for 47 yards and no TDs. The Jets did released TE Chris Baker, which would create an opening for Bubba, but they do have Dustin Keller who they are pretty high on. If Bubba stays looks for him to be Keller's backup which is a possibility as long as he can show that he can stay healthy.

William Joseph DT 6-5 308 6th Season Raiders:
Joseph was signed last offseason by the Raiders to give them help along the defensive line with the loss of Warren Sapp. Joseph was cut right before the beginning of season, but was then signed in week 8 and played the last 7 weeks of the season accumulating 8 tackles. Since being drafted by the NY Giants in the first round in 2003, Joseph has not lived up to expectations. He will probably get signed by someone in need of DL depth and it very well could be the Oakland Raiders.

Ray Lewis LB 6-1 250 13th Season Ravens:
It is rumored that the Jets are making salary cap room to possibly sign Ray Lewis. The Cowboys have been rumored to be a destination Ray would potentially prefer as well. Ray has said before that he would like to end his career as a Raven and the Ravens would really like to sign him before the free agency period begins on February 27, despite being irked by his comments at the Pro Bowl which most people think were said to get him a bigger contract. This would be the first time Ray would hit the free agent market and the Ravens are afraid that if he does he will be gone. Look for the Ravens to sign him before he hits the market.

Darrell McClover LB 6-1 226 5th Season Bears:
McClover has been important cog in the Bears' special teams for the past few years, but he missed the last 6 games due to injury this year and the Bears do not seem to be interested in resigning him. He has been a career special teams player but also has the ability to play the OLB spot. If the Bears do not re-sign him, which looks unlikely, look for him to get picked up by a team with special teams needs like the Patriots, Chiefs, or Titans.

Jerome McDougle DE 6-2 2646th Season NY Giants:
McDougle has dealt with a lot of adversity during his short career and unfortunately has never lived up to expectations despite always performing well in training camps. More than anything, he is happy to be alive considering his near-death experience of being shot in the abdomen. McDougle didn’t contribute much to the Giants, and now Osi Umenyiora is presumably coming back to join what should be a three-man end rotation with Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. Dave Tollefson (an exclusive rights free agent) figures to be the fourth. If there’s a fifth, it’ll come out of the draft. Look for McDougle to get one more shot in someone's training camp, he has shows great resiliency throughout his tough career.

Brett Romberg C 6-2 298 5th Season Rams:
Though a little undersized Romberg has been in the thick of the starting center position for the last few years in St. Louis. He started three games in 2006, nine games in 2007 and six games in 2008. Last year he broke his hand in training camp and lost the job to Nick Leckey. Romberg did end up starting the last 6 games of the season though. The Rams seems to like Romberg more than Leckey so look for them to re-sign Romberg.

Jonathan Vilma LB 6-1230 5th Season Saints:
Re-signing MLB Jonathan Vilma is the Saints' top priority. Vilma, who was traded to the Saints a year ago, is said to be very interested in re-upping with New Orleans, but the team will not strike a deal with him until Feb. 27 — the start of free agency — at the earliest, guaranteeing that Vilma will hit the open market. Signing him before then would force the Saints to give up higher draft picks to the Giants and Jets — first- and second-rounders, respectively, instead of second- and third-rounders — per the deals for TE Jeremy Shockey and Vilma. The Saints are optimistic he will be back and so are we. Unless someone throws a lot of money in Vilma's direction look for him to sign with the Saints as soon as he hits the market.

Nate Webster LB 6-0 232 9th Season Broncos:
Webster beat out free-agent Niko Koutouvides for the starting MLB spot last fall which was a huge surprise to many considering the large contract that was given to Koutouvides. The Denver defense last year was bad. Many people blamed Webster but the problems ran much deeper than him. The DL was atrocious and injuries took their toll as well with DJ Williams missing time as well as Webster. Koutouvides was recently cut by the Broncos, which could mean that the Broncos are interested in keeping Webster. If they do, look for him to be more of an insurance policy as he can backup all three LB positions or if Williams is moved back to MLB then Webster could find a spot on the outside.

2009 RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Rashad Butler OT 6-4 309 3rd Season Texans:
Butler is well-respected in the Texans organization because of his ability to overcome the disease: ulcerative colitis. This was the reason for Butler's inability to keep weight on during his days in Carolina. Since then he has been able to control the disease and played in 8 games in 2007. He didn't see much action in 2008, but look for the Texans to resign him for a league minimum resulting in 3 offensive lineman from the U on the Texans (Chris Myers, Eric Winston, Rashad Butler).

2009 EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

Orien Harris DL6-3 300 1st Season Bengals:
Harris was a standout in Saints camp in 2008 and was surprisingly released before the season started. The Bengals though, snatched him up quickly and Harris saw action in 14 games and started Week 6 against the Jets. He is an exclusive rights free agent; the team has already signed FB/TE Daniel Coats, who was the other player in that category. Look for the Bengals to re-sign him and in the off chance they don't, the Saints will be in the running for his services.

RELEASED

Ken Dorsey QB 6-4 215 6th Season Browns:
Dorsey struggled towards the end of last year when he was forced into action for four of the last five games of the season throwing zero touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Dorsey has always been limited physically but has been a great tutor for Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. If he lands anywhere it will probably be with Rob Chudzinski and the San Diego Chargers to mentor Phillip Rivers.

Najeh Davenport RB 6-1 247 7th Season Colts:
Najeh played 4 games for the Steelers last year in the middle of the season after being released in the offseason. He was then released by the Steelers and signed by the Colts where he played in two games before being released before the start of the playoffs. Davenports has shown he can still play both as a running back and also as a kickoff return man. In week 17 he had 8 carries for 26 yards along with four receptions for 54 yards. The knock on Davenport has always been his ability to stay healthy and stay in shape. Look for him to get signed by someone in need of RB depth and also special teams player.

Scott Reynolds, of PewterReport.com, reports the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to re-sign impeding free-agent CB Phillip Buchanon. Re-signing Buchanon is believed to be the team's top priority right now. "I had a very good conversation with (Buchanon's agent) Drew (Rosenhaus) on Friday and we understand that we're going to circle back and talk some more for the next few days and see if anything makes sense for both of us," general manger Mark Dominik said.

(kffl.com)

General manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mark Dominik has outlined a very specific approach to free agency -- focus on retaining as many of your good players as possible.

It sounds simplistic, but Dominik began putting that practice to use Thursday by meeting with the agents for receiver Michael Clayton, safety Jermaine Phillips and others.

Dominik said he also plans to meet with Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for cornerback Phillip Buchanon, later this week. The Bucs still have about a dozen players who will become either unrestricted or restricted free agents when the signing period begins Feb. 27.

"I spent today meeting with the agents of our players trying to see if we can figure anything out,'' Dominik said. "We have 12 unrestricted and restrictred free agents. So I spent today trying to talk to as many agents as I can in one-on-one meetings trying to see if there's a common ground that makes sense to bring them back. That's our goal first.''

(bucnews.com)

We hear the Bucs are very interested in re-signing soon-to-be free-agent CB Phillip Buchanon. He was arguably the team’s best corner last season, and with 2008 first-round pick CB Aqib Talib still developing, locking up Buchanon has become a high priority for new GM Mark Dominik. Tampa watched as the performance of the team’s other starting corner, Ronde Barber, declined last season, and sources say Barber, a 12-year veteran, is likely headed for a lesser role this year.

(profootballweekly.com)

SPP Sports Celebrity Flag Football Challenge

What it is: On a weekend when most celebrity events charge an arm and a leg for admission, this one is cheap, accessible — and on the beach. Football players and entertainers will compete in this seventh annual flag football matchup.

When and where: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.

Who will be there: Doug Flutie, who will perform with his Flutie Brothers Band, as well as players including Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson, Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Julius Jones, Bernard Berrian, Jon Beason, Phillip Buchanon, Earnest Graham and Tae Bo master Billy Blanks.

Can you get in? Definitely. Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door. Parking is available at the City of St. Pete Beach public lot at 155 Corey Ave., and the Sweetbay parking lot at 7625 Blind Pass Road. There will be a shuttle from both lots to the Tradewinds running from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

What else? The day will also feature giveaways, a kids' scrimmage, hospitality areas and meet-and-greets for select VIPs, and more. And the cameras will be rolling — SPP Sports is producing a 30-minute broadcast from the event that'll air at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 7 on FSN Florida. — Jay Cridlin

The Bucs are expected to use more bump-and-run coverage under new defensive coordinator Jim Bates.

This may make free agent Phillip Buchanon expendable. He was awful when asked to play man coverage in previous stints with Oakland and Houston. It's pretty clear the Bucs have decided to move away from the Tampa 2 zone.

(rotoworld.com)

Contract-year CB Phillip Buchanon says he's more inclined to re-sign with the Bucs after they named Raheem Morris their defensive coordinator in 2009.




(sport-daily.com)

TAMPA - Meeting the two Tampa Bay Buccaneers players who visited patients today at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital would have been a special 12th birthday for Collin Goldstein.

But when cornerback Phillip Buchanon took off his diamond watch and handed it to Collin, the birthday turned way beyond special.

The boy held up his arm, the watch large enough to slide past his elbow, his face aglow.

"The best birthday present ever," he said. "I got Buchanon's watch."

The cornerback and wide receiver Maurice Stovall signed autographs, chatted and handed out stuffed Bucs bears to several dozen children at the hospital.

The birthday gift was a spur-of-the-moment thing for Buchanon. It turns out the Freeze watch was one of his favorites. He waited weeks for the black version to come in.

"I can wait again," he said.

It wasn't his first visit to children in hospitals. He also did it in Miami, where he went to college, and Houston, where he played for the Texans before signing in 2006 with Tampa Bay.

"I try to just talk to them and cheer them up," he said.

Junior Rivera of Lutz added to his collection of Bucs autographs with Stovall and Buchanon.

Junior, 11, in the hospital after an emergency appendectomy, is a huge Bucs fan. He could only whisper because of the pain in his stomach, he said.

"There's not one thing in my room that isn't black and red," he said.

After autographing a poster and team pennant, Buchanon bent close to Junior.

"You can do whatever you want to do. Put your mind to it," Buchanon said.

"This is a dream come true. Go Bucs!" Junior said.

Michael Lopergalo slapped Stovall's outstretched palm when the player stood in front of him. At 4 years old, he was happy to be out of the hospital room, where he has been since Thursday because of a hip infection, said his mom, Carole Daysh of Land O' Lakes.

"He's been locked up in his room the whole week," she said.

Was he excited about meeting the players?

"Yeah," Michael said.

The visit by the players is part of a community outreach program carried out around the National Football League every Tuesday, the players' day off.

Players volunteer for the visits, which also include working with schools, clubs and organizations the players pick.

The team teddy bears were given to every child in the hospital. About 247,000 have been handed out since 1999 through the Glazer Family Foundation, a charitable organization created by Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer.

Every child who enters one of seven hospitals — five in the Tampa Bay area and two in Orlando — is given a football player bear or cheerleader bear.

Collin, who has spent three of his 12 birthdays in the hospital because of a severe digestive disorder, picked a cheerleader bear this time to go with the player bear he already had, said his mother, Judy Gilbert of Clearwater.

Collin beamed at the watch.

"I don't ever want to get rid of it," he said.

But what did he intend to do with it?

"Use it to tell time," he said.

(tbo.com)

The St. Petersburg Times reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Phillip Buchanon said he wants to make more "splash plays" this season, turning turnovers into touchdowns like he did in his days at the University of Miami. Buchanon's 26-yard score on a interception return in the first quarter Sunday was the fifth of his career but first since 2004. "It felt normal," Buchanon said with a grin. "It definitely felt like I belonged (in the end zone). After me missing the 2005, 2006 and 2007 years without scoring a touchdown, it just didn't really feel right because I'm so used to scoring."

(ffmastermind.com)

Had Phillip Buchanon sprung from his sofa or strung together a row of expletives, no one could have blamed him.

The cornerback's first full season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a fruitful one, the sort of campaign that establishes equity between player and team.

But a few months after it ended, the Buccaneers added another face to their defensive backfield - and a talented one in Aqib Talib, who Tampa Bay took with the first pick of the 2008 NFL Draft in April.

Hurt? Angry? Vexed? Pick an emotion, any emotion, Phillip.

His choice? None of the above.
The Fort Myers native is too happy in Tampa Bay to complain. He looks at Talib and doesn't see a kid waiting to take his spot - he sees a player stuffed with potential who can only make the Buccaneers better. He sees a respectful rookie that Buchanon, a first-round pick himself in 2002, will make himself available to whenever Talib has any questions.

And he sees this offseason just as every other - a chance to prepare and make Phillip Buchanon a better football player.

"I always took pride in pushing myself, and I'll continue to push myself to be the best," Buchanon said Monday afternoon at One Buc Place. "My goal, ever since I came into the league, was to be one of the best players at my position. I still have that same drive, so nothing has really changed."

Why change? An injury to Brian Kelly opened the door for Buchanon in 2007, and he finished with 63 tackles and three interceptions in helping Tampa Bay win the NFC South.

"I can't say enough positive things about him, to be honest with you," said defensive backs coach Raheem Morris. "I always kind of expect the guys I put out there to play well, so it would be hard for me to tell you I was surprised. Did he make plays that I've seen that have surprised me? Yes.

"He's got enormous ability, unbelievable movement and some of the stuff he does on tape you just look at it and go, 'Wow.' "

Apparently, Buchanon hasn't missed a step since last year.

"No one's talking about him," said head coach Jon Gruden, "but Philip Buchanon is having a great camp."

Buchanon credits his coaches. Morris and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin know when it's time to work - but they also know how to keep things fun, too.

And there's a degree of freedom and openness in Tampa that Buchanon said he didn't taste while playing with the Oakland Raiders and Houston Texans.

"They tell you the truth. In certain situations I've been in, in Houston and Oakland, they don't really tell you the whole story," he said. "(The Bucs') teaching tools make sense. . . . Since I was young, I was always the guy that asked questions. And the one thing I like about playing here is they always give you the freedom to say how you feel."

Back in his native state and comfortable on the field, Buchanon is happy to be wearing pewter - regardless of what happened last April.

"Ever since I got here, they said, 'Go out here, do your stuff and we'll tweak you a little,' " he said. "They don't hassle me as much, they don't deal with me like a high school kid.

"I think they over analyzed when I was in certain places. Whenever you overanalyze, you think too much. . . . And you don't feel comfortable."

(bradenton.com)

LAKE BUENA VISTA | Phillip Buchanon is a young man at 27 years old, but he feels he has gone through a lot in his six years in the NFL.

Buchanon went from a flashy first-round draft pick to being outright released in a little less than five seasons.

Since coming to the Tampa Bay in 2006, however, Buchanon is becoming known for his consistency at cornerback.

"He's been here two years, and he's more comfortable with me and more comfortable in the system," said Tampa Bay secondary coach Raheem Morris. "He's looking great in camp. He's looking awesome."

In college, many thought the 5-foot-11, 186-pound Buchanon was on his way to joining the long list of great University of Miami's great defensive players. He had seven interceptions in 32 games, including five his senior season. He also led the Big East with a 15-yard punt return average and had two touchdowns.

That play-making ability caught the Oakland Raiders' attention, and they traded up to take Buchanon with the 17th pick in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft.

Yet, after two strong seasons in which he had three interception returns and three punt returns for touchdowns, Buchanon's stock went into a nosedive.

He was sent to Houston in 2005 and played a season and a half before being benched. He was released Oct. 16, 2006. Tampa Bay signed him one day later and the change of environment rejuvenated the Fort Myers native.

The problems Oakland and Houston seemingly had with Buchanon - poor coverage skills, poor tackling - have not appeared with the Bucs.

He played in 10 games with the Bucs in 2006 but really had an impact last season. Buchanon set a career high with 63 tackles, ranked second on the team with three interceptions and ranked third on the team with a career-high 11 passes defended. He also forced a fumble and returned a team-high 16 punts.

"He was a great player coming out of Miami," said Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden. "You don't get picked in the first round unless you are. He went to Houston and actually did some good things there. But he is a very athletic, gifted athlete and he's a great kid. He's got a lot of pride and he's playing really good football for us."

Buchanon said he got a bad rap in Oakland and Houston.

"I'm in a better environment," he said. "I never figured myself to have a problem with tackling. The situations that I was put in - it was down, a lot of losing, a lot of things going on behind closed doors that people didn't know about. It was kind of depressing. But at the same time, I came here with the mind-set of coming here playing. They respect you (in Tampa). They make you feel like a man, and in certain places they didn't make you feel that way.

"People are always going to have a knock on you," Buchanon said. "They're always going to have good and bad things about you. I'm focused on doing things that I can control, and that is focus on being a better player, a better tackler, making more plays, helping my team win and doing whatever they want me to do."

He knows he can't afford to rest.

With Brian Kelly leaving for Detroit, Buchanon inherited the open starting corner spot. But the Bucs brought in Eugene Wilson from New England and drafted another flashy cornerback, Aqib Talib, with their first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.

"Competition always brings out the best in everybody," Morris said. "A lot of guys in my room, they're motivated guys. I don't think anybody ever doesn't want to be great. From the bottom up in that group, they're going to fight everyday. Phil came back with that same mind-set to fight. He had a bad ending in Oakland, a bad ending in Houston, and I think he found something here he likes and wants to keep it and he's fighting for it."

For Buchanon, it's just a matter of focusing in on the game he loves.

"You've heard the commercial that says 'Believe in now?'" he asked. "I just try to take it for the now. I'm just focused on the day and let the game come to me. So when they come to me, I'll be ready to play."

(theledger.com)

(On working on his hands to catch balls better) “I would like to rate my hands to be one of the best hands on the team, I always tell all of the players that. When it comes to plays like that, I like to make those plays. Sometimes I can’t but I will keep working on it.”

(On his knowledge of the defensive system) “I am just playing, I am just playing football, and I think I am just playing. I don’t know how good of a camp I am really having, I know I am breaking some balls up, but I am just playing the game of football that I love. What [Defensive Coordinator] Monte Kiffin tells me, and what Raheem tells me, I am still learning, and Ronde is still teaching me, so I am learning from him. I am also learning from other players in certain things that they do. I am enjoying myself to the best of my ability, and I am playing the game of football, something I love. I am just going to keep on working hard, and keep pushing myself.”

(On what he looks to work on in the first preseason game) “Just work on timing and just trying to make the right fits and just trying to get back into the game process and everything. [I am] just taking it step-by-step. I am going to go out there and just build off of some of the things I did last year and then try to fix some things so I will be ready before the opening game at the New Orleans Saints.”

(On improving his tackling skills) “I would say a better environment. I never figured myself to have a problem with tackling anyway. I think the situation that I was put in, it was down, a lot of losing, a lot of stuff going on behind closed doors that people don’t really know about it, it was kind of depressing. At the same time, I just came here with the mindset of me just coming out here playing. It is just the environment, they respect you, they make you feel like a man, and at certain places they never really make you feel that way. They have a great deal of respect here and that is one thing that I love about playing in Tampa.”

(On the need to be able to tackle in the secondary) “Being here, we take pride [in our tackling]. When you watch Ronde and Derrick Brooks, and all these other veteran players, they lead by example. So if you don’t fall in line, you are going to be left behind. It is real simple to just fall in line. I like the way that they approach practice, the way they approach the game. They study and they are just on top of things. They are never perfect, you can never be perfect, but you can try to be perfect and that is Ronde’s and Derrick Brooks’ motto.”

(On where the defense can improve) “You can always improve every year, because we were number two so we want to be number one, so we can improve in that area. If we can improve on making more impact plays, to help our offense, to give our offense some more [yards] and put them in a better situation, because Tampa’s defense prides itself on getting turnovers and scoring with them, so that was always the whole implication once I first got here. So if we can emphasize more on that, and being more physical, stripping the balls, and trying to get the ball back and scoring with it, not just turning the ball over but scoring with it. That is more of the improvement that I see, that we can make a big improvement on. As far as that, just having fun and everybody just showing effort and hustling.”

(tampablab.com)

When CB Phillip Buchanon joined the Bucs in 2006, he had developed a reputation as an indifferent tackler in stops at Oakland and Houston.

Buchanon has shown a willingness to be more physical in Tampa's scheme, which calls for defensive backs to play a key role in stopping the run and wrapping up receivers after the catch.

"Being here, we take pride in tackling," Buchanon said. "When you watch CB Ronde Barber and LB Derrick Brooks and all these other veteran players, they lead by example. If you don't fall in line, you are going to be left behind."

(tbo.com)

LAKE BUENA VISTA - The chip on the shoulder is gone. The limo and the pajama suit are history.

The "Showtime" nickname? Old news.

Meet Bucs cornerback Phillip Buchanon, loving life one snap at a time since the day of his rebirth, Oct. 17, 2006, when Tampa Bay quickly signed him after the exasperated Texans called an audible and dropped him off at the nearest NFL curb.

Buchanon displays the same grin he flashed out of the University of Miami in 2002, when the Raiders selected him with the 17th overall pick.
But make no mistake, Buchanon isn't the same player. For one thing, he's willing to tackle someone.

"Phillip was a young guy when he made a couple of interceptions and Deion Sanders called him 'Showtime' on TV," said Bucs secondary coach Raheem Morris. "It kind of went to his head a little bit. Now he's a more disciplined player and he's a junkie in the film room. ... I can't ask for a better guy."

Once again, Monte Kiffin's Cover 2 has turned a career around.

"If you want to play defense in the NFL, this is the spot," said defensive tackle Chris Hovan, once labeled an unchecked free spirit in Minnesota. "If you love football, this is it because they're going to coach the heck out of you. Then it's up to you to do the rest."

Buchanon, 27, played three years with the Raiders before he was dealt to Houston for a pair of high draft picks. By the time he left Oakland, he had already forged a reputation as a prima donna.

Arriving at 2003 training camp in a limousine, sporting party pajamas, proved to be a garish fashion statement Buchanon couldn't shake.

"Phillip came into the league with the typical Hurricanes chip on his shoulder," said Tampa Bay tight ends coach Bob Casullo, who coached special teams for the Raiders when Buchanon broke into the NFL. "He goes to Houston and he's really a non-factor, then he comes here and he's been revitalized."

Buchanon started 13 games for the Bucs in 2007, and he's enjoying a standout camp, holding off first-round pick Aqib Talib at left corner.

"My whole motto now is keep pushing," Buchanon said. "Keep watching film, keep listening to coaches and keep doing the right thing. I've matured as a player, but I've always had the same personality - I always wanted to be the best."

Buchanon's quickness marked him as a dangerous punt returner for Casullo in Oakland, and he has scored seven touchdowns as a pro, bringing back four interceptions for scores.

His last trip to the end zone came in 2004, when Brad Johnson floated a pass and Buchanon brought it back 32 yards against the Bucs during a nationally televised Sunday night game in Jon Gruden's return to Oakland.

"Phillip Buchanon covers grass in a hurry, and he loves football," Gruden said. "We believe in giving guys from other teams an opportunity, and we have a group of men here who can coach anyone up."

Despite their investment in Buchanon, the Texans quickly grew disenchanted with his chronic injuries and a perceived aversion to physical play.
Within a day of Buchanon's release, Bucs GM Bruce Allen brought him to Tampa.

"We traded up to get Phillip in Oakland," said Allen, a Raiders executive from 1995-2003. "He was a little down when we got him and there were some knocks on his play, but we saw a dynamic playmaker with rare ball skills."

It didn't take long before Buchanon was having fun in pewter. As that smile returned, Buchanon's frustrations faded.

"They let me be me here," he said. "It's not one of those situations where they want me to be a robot."

Like Hovan, Simeon Rice and Greg Spires before him, Buchanon serves as a testament to Tampa Bay's coaching staff.

"Phillip tackles for me and he works hard for me," Morris said. "He said when he came here that he wanted to re-establish his identity. Having Talib here will make him better, but believe me, Phillip Buchanon was already on a mission."

(tbo.com)

The Tampa Tribune reports while Buccaneers first-round draft pick CB Aqib Talib is off to a good start in training camp, flashing good speed and instincts, incumbent starting CB Phillip Buchanon is enjoying an even better camp. Talib has done a nice job picking up the intricacies of DC Monte Kiffin's Cover 2 scheme and Tampa Bay coaches are happy with his progress, but if the season started today, Talib would be the nickel back behind CB Ronde Barber and Buchanon, who has solidified his starting job with a strong commitment to getting better with each practice. If Talib fails to unseat Buchanon as a starter, he still figures to factor heavily into Tampa Bay's secondary, beginning with the Sept. 7 opener at New Orleans. The Bucs utilize a third corner on almost 50 percent of their defensive snaps. With Barber manning the slot in the nickel, Talib will have every opportunity to show he can handle receivers that are flanked out wide.

(ffmastermind.com)

“He was a big asset last year. He and Aqib [Talib] and Ronde Barber are very good players and Eugene Wilson is doing some excellent things at the corner position too. Phillip is having an outstanding camp to this point.”



(community.abcactionnews.com)

The Tampa Tribune reports Buccaneers CB Phillip Buchanon is expected to fend off first round draft pick CB Aqib Talib and veteran CB/FS Eugene Wilson to retain his starting job. Buchanon revitalized his career last season. He appeared in every game and had 14 starts (including the playoff game), recording 63 tackles and three interceptions on the NFL's top ranked secondary.

(ffmastermind.com)

TAMPA — There once was a first-round draft pick nicknamed "Showtime," a cornerback who competed for a starting spot as a rookie on a Bruce Allen-run team.

Phillip Buchanon may joke that it seems like ages ago when he delivered big plays in three starts for the AFC champion Raiders in 2002.

Today, Buchanon, 27, in the final year of his Bucs contract, finds a flashy first-rounder, Aqib Talib, among the defensive backs vying for time at the spot where he had a career high in tackles in '07 for general manager Allen's current team.

Buchanon, the incumbent at left corner opposite Ronde Barber, was far from bothered by the Bucs bolstering the competition. "It's a business," he said.

And he hopes as he and the Bucs discuss a contract extension, his play does most of his talking.

"They drafted a corner because they felt that was a need," Buchanon said. "I'm just going to go out and do my thing, try to make some splash plays."

"Splash plays" is a buzz phrase for defensive backs coach Raheem Morris. And a game-breaking ability to turn turnovers into touchdowns was what stood out about Talib, an All-American from Kansas. And though Buchanon impressed the coaching staff last season with his steady play while starting 13 games for injured Brian Kelly, Morris says it's those special plays he's seeking from the six-year veteran.

Buchanon knows he can improve his play recognition and welcomes competition from Talib, Sammy Davis and free-agent pickup Eugene Wilson.

Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin said on draft day that with the offenses in the NFC South, a team can never have enough corners and that Talib could easily spend time as a nickel corner, depending on how he picks up the system.

Talib said that learning the playbook, which is "five times bigger" than at Kansas, has been one of his biggest adjustments.
"I'm getting there," Talib said. "I'm a lot better than two weeks ago when I started with it."

Bucs coach Jon Gruden said Talib is a good young player.

"With young players, I don't want to say anything too early. He's got talent," Gruden said. "But Buchanon was a No. 1 draft pick. So was Sammy Davis. And those guys played good for us last season. So (Talib is) in a competitive situation. Eugene Wilson has (played) in three Super Bowls. But (Talib) does have talent."

Gruden says Talib is going to be "the face of the franchise." Buchanon is helping Talib learn the ropes, tapping into his experience, especially for game preparation. Buchanon, a Fort Myers native, said his show-up-and-play mentality from his college days at Miami has been transformed into an insatiable appetite for film study and grasping schemes.

Buchanon "is always searching for an edge," Morris said. "He's a film junkie. He's doing a great job at that and has made a lot of progress."

(tampabay.com)

Bucs rookie CB Aqib Talib will need to have an exceptional training camp, similar to the one FS Tanard Jackson had a year ago, if he's going to break into the starting lineup and unseat Phillip Buchanon, the way we hear it. Talib is penciled in as the team's nickel back, but coaches have been very careful about what they say concerning the competition between the rookie and Buchanon for a starting spot. The Bucs don't want Buchanon to get too comfortable and are hoping that Talib will push him in the next few months. Word out of Tampa is that coaches have been pretty pleased with what they've seen from Talib thus far in workouts, but they have not forgotten about how well Buchanon played in 13 starts last season after Brian Kelly went down with a groin injury. For now, sources envision Talib lining up on the same side of the field as SS Jermaine Phillips in the nickel package, which is intended to free up CB Ronde Barber to be more aggressive and make plays on the ball, while Buchanon remains the starter.

(profootballweekly.com)

After Tuesday's storm-shortened organized team activity, Bucs cornerback Phillip Buchanon discussed numerous topics with Pewter Report. At the forefront of the conversation, Buchanon indicated that his representatives are discussing a contract extension with the Buccaneers.

Buchanon is in the final year of his contract with Tampa Bay. He is scheduled to hit free agency next February. Sources have indicated to Pewter Report that the contract discussions are ongoing.

"Yeah, there are talks going on. Right now they're just talking," said Buchanon. "Right now I'm just playing football and doing what I do, but hopefully we'll get something done. I got one year left on the deal and I'm going to play it out, so hopefully we get something done cause I like being here in Tampa."

After extending fullback B.J. Askew last week, the Buccaneers have been attempting to retain some of their players for seasons to come. One player who has been in negotiations with the team is Jeff Garcia. The Pro Bowl veteran quarterback has been displeased with the pace of the contract talks, and expressed that to the media. Buchanon shared his view on handling his contact, and Garcia's potential new deal.

"Personally for me, if I was younger I would speak out," said Buchanon. "Now I'm more mature, and now I'm just one of those guys that feels that things will work out [with a new contract]. If it doesn't work out, well, it's a business. Sometimes things work out for the best and sometimes they don't. I'm just approaching this season as hopefully it's not my last, but on my deal it says it's my last. I'm going to go out there and give it my all, and play hard, and focus on the things I need to focus on because I only control so much.

"The whole thing with Jeff Garcia, I sure hope they come to a deal, because Jeff is definitely a good quarterback, hopefully they work it out. I'll just focus on me."

Last season, Buchanon started 13 games at left cornerback. He made 63 tackles with three interceptions, 11 passes defensed, and one forced fumble. As a punt returner, Buchanon fielded 16 balls and averaged 3.4 yards per return. His longest return was 24 yards against Jacksonville on Oct. 28.

Entering 2008, Buchanon will have competition at the starting left cornerback position opposite Pro Bowl corner Ronde Barber.

Tampa Bay has many players competing at cornerback. The Bucs used their first-round pick on cornerback Aqib Talib, signed free agent Eugene Wilson, and re-signed Sammy Davis. In the 2007 NFL Draft, the Bucs selected cornerback Marcus Hamilton in the seventh round, who will also compete for a roster spot.

"It's definitely a big competition," said Buchanon. "I going to go out there and do what I do, and get better, and focus on the things that I can focus on. We got Talib, Eugene, Sammy Davis, we got a lot of guys out here working trying to make things happen."

Buchanon harbored no bitterness to the organization for drafting a player at his position. In fact, Buchanon was eager to help Talib with the transition to the NFL.

"I was pretty much aware that they were going to draft a corner, so I knew it," said Buchanon. "It wasn't a surprise to me it's a business, and the Bucs, they draft on what they need.

"I'm just going to take him in and embrace him. If he has any questions that he wants to ask me on film or anything. I was a first-rounder too, so I'll definitely be able to help him. At the same time I'm going to go out there and do what I do, and I have to play better than I did last year. That's what I'm focused on."

Buchanon entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2002 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, 17th overall. Bucs general manager Bruce Allen was part of the Oakland front office that selected Buchanon. After three seasons with the Raiders, Buchanon was traded to the Houston Texans for second and third-round picks in the 2005 draft.

The Texans released Buchanon during the 2006 season, and he was signed by the Buccaneers in mid-October of that year. With Tampa Bay, Buchanon has turned his career around and has become a dependable starter. After experiencing some of the hardships of the NFL, Buchanon views the situation with the Bucs to be exceptional for young players like Talib and Hamilton. The organization has a legendary defensive coordinator in Monte Kiffin, and a highly regarded defensive backs coach in Raheem Morris.

"I personally think this is one of the better systems for a corner to come up in, to come up under Monte Kiffin and Raheem," said Buchanon. "When I was in Oakland it was more of me just being me and doing my thing. I made mistakes, but playing in Tampa, man, I won't even lie to you, these guys [Talib and Hamilton] are blessed to even come into this situation. I think the coaching here is just better. The quality of coaches is better. Just the other day I was talking to him and I said ‘Man Talib, you're in a good situation, just listen and learn, and do your thing.'"

For Buchanon, not only have the young cornerbacks come into a great organization, but the veterans have as well. Buchanon discussed one of the reasons why he enjoys the offseason workouts, and how Wilson is looking as a Buc.

"Eugene is looking good," said Buchanon. "He's still learning, so he's taking it day to day, so [Morris] is giving him a hard time, but Raheem is definitely one of those coaches that you like because he has personality, and he makes coming to work fun. That's one thing that I like about Raheem. It's rare that you get coaches like that. He makes it fun even during OTA days when some guys don't want to be here. For me its cool to come in, because I know Raheem is going to be here and we can talk and we can joke and we laugh and we have fun, so it's cool to me. Eugene is looking good, he's definitely looking good."

Coming off of a solid 2007, in his first full season with Tampa Bay, Buchanon indicated that he is looking to make a lot of splash plays for the Bucs in 2008. If Buchanon makes good on his goal, the team could possibly save some money by signing Buchanon to a contract extension before he becomes a free agent next February.

With returning starters Buchanon and Barber, and with the additions of Talib and Wilson, the Buccaneers look to be very strong at the cornerback position despite losing long-time starter Brian Kelly in free agency. In the weeks to come the Buccaneers may retain Buchanon with a long-term contract extension, and have him to pair with Talib to be a quick athletic cornerback tandem for years to come.

(pewterreport.com)

You might have read recently about new Buccaneers DB Eugene Wilson and his successful debut at cornerback during this week's initial offseason practices. I was struck by defensive backs coach Raheem Morris' comment that strongly indicated left cornerback will be up for grabs. That's where Brian Kelly used to play and where Phillip Buchanon was presumably going to start. Whether it's just coach-speak or not, Morris was pretty adamant that Wilson is in the mix. "You have an open corner spot," Morris said. "We want to see what goes down there. Guys have to jump up and compete. (Kelly) left and he was a big part of us, but we have guys who are ready to step up." Morris also mentioned that Wilson "is looking like a stud right now," which is certainly promising. If everyone stays healthy, cornerback should be a position of strength.

(stpetersburghtimes.com)

On Thursday, Pewter Report spoke to Bucs cornerback Phillip Buchanon about his absence from the Bucs first organized team activity on Tuesday. Buchanon was at an NFL function at the Harvard Business School. Buchanon spoke about that obligation on Thursday.

"I was just taking care of some business," said Buchanon. "It was nothing major. It was something I committed to, so I had to go take care of that."

Currently Buchanon's contract with Tampa Bay runs out at the end of the 2008 season. There has been talk that the two sides could come together on a long-term deal this offseason, but no such deal is in place yet.

"Right now I'm just playing football and trying to get better," said Buchanon. "I'll let my agent and the Bucs handle that. I'm just playing football. Hopefully something good will get worked out."

Cornerback is a position the Buccaneers are rumored to be targeting in this month's draft. The 27-year-old Buchanon indicated he follows the draft process and has his own opinions about potential teammates.

"There are some guys that I do like in this draft, but that's for me to keep to myself," said Buchanon. "I'll let the Bucs decide who they want to draft, but I do like some of the [cornerbacks] in this draft."

(pewterreport.com)

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon played offense during 11-on-11 drills. Lining up at wide receiver, he caught a short hitch route before returning to defense on the next play.

"He's a guy we're going to work into our offensive plans a little bit," Gruden said. "He's a really athletic guy who can make plays. He's fast and he's got creativity after the catch, so there will be some things that we continue to look at with Phillip."

(sptimes.com)

Tampa Bay re-signed cornerback Phillip Buchanon during the offseason with the intention of having him make a significant impact on defense and special teams.

The former first-round draft pick likely will be Tampa Bay’s nickel cornerback this season, and he’s one of the candidates to earn the punt and/or kickoff return jobs.

Bucs head coach Jon Gruden has liked what he has seen from Buchanon thus far. In fact, he intends to get the 5-foot-11, 186-pound Buchanon involved on the offensive side of the ball this year.

“You’re going to see more of Buchanon on offense,” said Gruden. “He’s going to play some offense for us. We’ll get him involved in the kicking game. There will be some things that we get to here later in camp.”

Since joining the Buccaneers last October after being released by the Houston Texans, cornerback Phillip Buchanon has performed like the player the Oakland Raiders believed they were getting when they selected him in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. Buchanon may have encountered some early setbacks in his career but he’s looked like a playmaker since donning the pewter and red, so much so that the Bucs quickly re-signed him at the beginning of this season’s free agency period.

In the absence of injured veteran Brian Kelly, Buchanon earned the starting cornerback spot opposite Ronde Barber late last season and promptly made an impact. In his first start for the Bucs against Atlanta, he picked off quarterback Michael Vick in the end zone.

This offseason Buchanon has continued to impress Bucs coaches, eliciting praise from Gruden for his playmaking ability. Buchanon’s presence on the Bucs’ roster could give the team an exceptional third cornerback who potentially can be a vital cog in the team’s secondary. Buchanon will likely compete for playing time at the nickel back spot, but he also provides valuable insurance for the team, should one of its corners have to miss time.

(buccaneers.com)

“[Buchanon] came in late last season, and he and Ronde and Brian Kelly give us three really good corners that we’re excited about,” said Head Coach Jon Gruden. “He’s probably the one guy on the perimeter that has really caught my eye as a newcomer. They’re have been some other guys doing well, but Buchanon’s making a lot of plays. He’s worked extremely hard.”

Buchanon attributes his good showing on the practice field to the work of Defensive Coordinator Monte Kiffin and Defensive Backs Coach Raheem Morris. According to the former first-round draft pick, Kiffin and Morris have designed his role to fit his talents – speed, smooth feet, quick play-recognition – and maximize his impact. However, Buchanon is more reluctant to predict what that will mean for the Bucs’ defense in 2007. Perhaps because his stops in Oakland and Houston ended in one trade and one release, he isn’t one to talk himself up in the offseason.

“For me, it’s just talk,” he said. “I’m more of a person who wants to prove it during the season. It’s too early to be talking about that. Yeah, everything sounds good, but I would prefer to wait until the season and then do my thing. Right now, this is just practice, so it doesn’t really count.”

But it does make an impact on the coaching staff’s planning and on the confidence of his teammates. Barber, for one, has been impressed with Buchanon’s development in the Bucs’ system.

“It’s hard to see why a guy like that hasn’t been on anywhere,” said the four-time Pro Bowler. “I don’t know why he fell out of favor in Houston last year, but we’re happy to have him. He can help us, definitely. He showed a little bit last year and this is an opportunity to show more.”

Added Gruden: “He looks like the Phillip Buchanon that came out of the Miami Hurricanes a couple years ago. He’s quick, he’s got a quick trigger, he jumps patterns, he’s a very instinctive guy and I’m very pleased with what he’s done, very pleased.”

Buchanon took the starting spot opposite Barber from Bolden late in the 2006 season. Bolden was then released prior to the start of free agency after two seasons as, essentially, the nickel back in Tampa. During the four games he started, the Bucs recorded five of their 11 interceptions and 10 of their 25 sacks on the season and dropped their yardage allowed average a bit to 190.0 per game.

If that represents improvement with Buchanon, then the Bucs are doubly pleased to have his return (he re-signed with the team at the start of free agency) and Kelly’s comeback.

(buccaneers.com)

Simms threw an interception to Phillip Buchanon in 7-on-7 work, as Buchanon jumped a crossing route. Gruden praised Buchanon after practice for getting a better grasp of the playbook, saying he looked more an more like the first-round pick that he was early in his career.

(bucsinsider.com)

Look for cornerback Phillip Buchanon to get first crack at nickel back, if offseason workouts are any indication. Buchanon signed a two-year, $5-million contract this offseason, which showed he isn't just another throwaway backup.

He will have to fend off Torrie Cox and, possibly, others. The need for a nickel corner arose when Juran Bolden was released last month.

(sptimes.com)

CB Phillip Buchanon fit into the Bucs' defensive scheme well after signing just prior to midseason last year

In the last six months, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added two veteran cornerbacks who could fill potential gaps in their secondary, this season and in the future. Interestingly, those two defenders – Phillip Buchanon and Sammy Davis – might also erase another type of void that has been five years in the making.

The 2002 and 2003 NFL Drafts passed without the Bucs executing either of their original first-round picks . Those two selections (plus second-rounders in 2002 and 2004) were shipped to the Oakland Raiders in February of ’02 as part of the deal that freed up Head Coach Jon Gruden to make his bay-to-bay switch.

Obviously, the Bucs knew well in advance of draft weekend during those two offseasons that they would be idle in the first round. Presumably the team could have lopped a few days off their scouting timeline in the springs of 2002 and 2003. They could have sent their scouts and personnel folks home early a few days a week, told them not to bother scouting, say, Dwight Freeney or Jordan Gross. Barring the most unusual of draft-day trades, the Bucs weren’t going to be anywhere near the clock when such highly-regarded prospects had their names called those two April afternoons.

In a move that bolsters the team’s depth at cornerback for the 2007 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed unrestricted free agent cornerback Phillip Buchanon.

Buchanon, who joined the Bucs in mid-October of last season after beginning the season with the Houston Texans, performed well for Tampa Bay, playing in 10 games and starting four. Seeing increased playing time due to a nagging turf-toe injury that eventually sidelined starter Brian Kelly for the season, the former first-round pick made the most of his opportunity, fitting into the Bucs’ Cover Two defense well.

Buchanon actually became a free agent on Friday when the new league year began, but he quickly returned to the Buccaneers.

At the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ expansive new facility, Mark Dominik and Doug Williams have second-floor offices that look out over the team’s three practice fields. That’s a pretty significant improvement over their digs at the team’s old headquarters; Williams’ office had one tiny view of a parking lot and Dominik’s had more co-tenants (one) than windows (none).

This moment-to-moment view of practice is a nice perk, but it can also be an unexpected source of angst. As key figures in the team’s pro scouting efforts, Dominik and Williams are charged with swinging into action any time a sudden need develops on the roster, and those big glass windows sometimes deliver unwanted information. Imagine staring stoically out your window as practice unfolds silently below, only to see a starting defensive tackle go down with a freak knee injury.

Yeah, that will throw a wrench into your day. Goodbye peace of mind, hello, free agent board. Someone print out the waiver wire, brew some coffee and clear off the conference room table.

CB Phillip Buchanon had his second INT of the season for the Bucs Sunday at Cleveland. Buchanon is now the starter at RCB.

(falconinsider.com)

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon, signed in October, made his first interception since 2004 while with the Raiders. Buchanon started at left cornerback, splitting reps with Bolden, who has a sore quadriceps.

"You can't make plays when you're on the sideline," said Buchanon, whose interception in the end zone came in the second quarter.

"I'm thankful for the chance."

(sptimes.com)

TAMPA — In a game that featured few highlights for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cornerback Phillip Buchanon made one of them.

In the third quarter, with Tampa Bay leading 6-0, the Falcons were threatening to score.
Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick dropped back on third down with 4 yards to go for a touchdown.

Meanwhile, Buchanon, who played at Lehigh Senior High and the University of Miami, dropped back as well, covering Atlanta receiver Ashley Lelie one-on-one.

NICKEL SWAP: Phillip Buchanon supplanted Torrie Cox as the nickel back. No rationale was given to Buchanon for the decision: "The coaches just told me to be ready and go out there and play."

(sptimes.com)

The Raiders career of first-round draft pick Phillip Buchanon flamed out after three up-and-down seasons. He lasted less than half that long with the Houston Texans and now is trying to catch on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Raiders coach Jon Gruden.

The Texans released Buchanon after five games; he signed with the Bucs and hasn't done much of note.

Texans Coach Gary Kubiak said several things factored into his decision to release Buchanon after such a short time.

``It's just a matter of (his) not being able to stay on the field for us since I've been here,'' Kubiak said. ``We had some cornerback issues in training camp. He had an excellent opportunity to be our starter.''

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Juran Bolden did not practice Tuesday because of a deep bruise on his left shin suffered during the fourth quarter of Sunday's win against the Washington Redskins. His status for Thursday's game against the Dallas Cowboys will be a game time decision, Bucs coach Jon Gruden said Tuesday.

If the 6-foot-3 Bolden can't play, he will be replaced by the 5-11 Phillip Buchanon, who was signed by the Bucs Oct. 17, one day after being released by the Houston Texans.

The former first-round pick by the Oakland Raiders has seen limited action with the Bucs.

The last time Tampa Bay cornerback Phillip Buchanon played against the Cowboys in Dallas, he found himself out of work the next day. It was six weeks ago, and he was a backup cornerback for the Houston Texans. Dallas receiver Terrell Owens caught three TD passes, the Cowboys beat Houston, 34-6, and Buchanon was released the next day. It wasn't Buchanon who got beat for the touchdowns -- he played only a few plays at cornerback that day -- but it was the last time he wore a Texans uniform.

The Buccaneers signed him the next day. And now, because of a deep leg bruise to cornerback Juran Bolden, Buchanon could find himself back on the Texas Stadium turf defending Owens, Terry Glenn and the other Dallas receivers Thursday.

He's ready.

"Any time I can get a chance to get on the field, I look forward to it," Buchanon said. "I always look forward to a chance to make plays."

Much was expected out of CB Phillip Buchanon coming out of the University of Miami.

The Oakland Raiders liked him so much, they chose him in the first round of the 2002 draft. The Houston Texans liked him so much, they traded second- and third-round draft picks to acquire him in 2005.

So why was Buchanon standing in the Tampa Bay locker room Wednesday two days after being cut by the Texans and one after signing a pro-rated, minimum-salary, one-year contract with the Buccaneers?

"I don't want to comment on that. That's for some other time,'' Buchanon said. "Right now, I want to focus on Tampa and helping my team win. What happened in Houston and Oakland, that's some other stuff.''

Phillip Buchanon, Tampa Bay's newly signed cornerback, did not want to talk about what has or hasn't happened at his two other stops in the NFL. He wants to look ahead, hoping he's found a place where he can get a fresh start. The Buccaneers signed Buchanon, a first-round draft pick by Oakland in 2002, Tuesday, a day after Houston released him. "Right now, I'm in Tampa, and I don't want to comment on other places," Buchanon said Wednesday, his first day with his new team.. Buchanon, who played three seasons at the University of Miami, was the 17th overall pick by Oakland in the 2002 draft. Bucs general manager Bruce Allen held the same position with the Raiders at the time.

Allen, however, said the Bucs signed Buchanon because injuries have left the team thin at that position. Brian Kelly has missed three games with turf toe, and Juran Bolden has a hip injury. Both are questionable for Sunday's game.

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2006) -- A disappointment in Houston, cornerback Phillip Buchanon will get an opportunity to jump-start his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Seeking help for an injury-depleted secondary, the Bucs signed the former first-round pick of the Oakland Raiders with hopes of getting more out of him than the Texans did after paying a hefty price in 2005.

The Bucs are thin at cornerback because starter Brian Kelly is injured and backups Juran Bolden and Torrie Cox are banged up, too. Buchanon has 34 starts in 50 career games since entering the league in 2002, although most of his contribution with the Texans came on special teams as a punt returner.

The Texans released cornerback Phillip Buchanon on Monday, ending what was a disappointing tenure with the team.

Buchanon arrived in Houston in April 2005 when former general manager Charley Casserly traded a second- and third-round draft pick to the Oakland Raiders. The Texans hoped Buchanon, who was the 17th overall pick in the 2002 draft, would shed his troubles from Oakland and emerge as a quality starter and strong punt returner.

That never happened. Buchanon struggled on the field and was demoted by former coach Dom Capers after only two starts in 2005. This season, the coaches gave him an opportunity to earn the starting job, but Buchanon fell to fourth on the depth chart before the regular season even started.

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon, who missed the Indianapolis game because of an ankle injury, is healthy and will play against Washington. "He's fine this week, and he's going to play," coach Gary Kubiak said of Buchanon, who also is one of the league's better punt returners. "We need as many corners as we can get, and we need them to play well against Washington, just as we do all of our players."

(chron.com)

Phillip Buchanon admitted to having perhaps his worst of four NFL seasons last year, his first with the Houston Texans.

Now the former University of Miami cornerback has set a goal to be even better than in 2003, when he averaged 13.6 yards per punt return, had six interceptions, 40 tackles and four touchdowns for the Oakland Raiders.

At 8 tonight, Buchanon and Houston will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the final preseason game for both teams.

"Last season was one of the worst seasons for me playing in the situation that I was in," Buchanon said during training camp. "Unfortunately it happened, but it's part of life.

Cornerback Phillip Buchanon is no longer the starting cornerback for the Texans, but coach Gary Kubiak still has high hopes for Buchanon as far as special teams is concerned. Buchanon returns as the Texans' top punt returner this season. "Phillip's very explosive," Kubiak said. "There's no reason he shouldn't be one of the top guys in this league.
(colts.scout.com)

Phillip Buchanon also had a big game for the Texans (2-0), with punt returns of 32 and 33 yards and a fumble recovery on the first play of the second half that gave Houston the ball at the St. Louis 17, leading to Kris Brown field goal for a 13-3 lead.