Tampa 2 4 life
10-26-2008, 05:23 PM
Strong safety Jermaine Phillips might be out for an extended period of time after suffering a possible broken arm.
Several indications pointed to Phillips' being sidelined for some time, including defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's assessment of the situation.
"We're going to miss him," Kiffin said. When pressed, Kiffin wouldn't get too specific on the diagnosis. "But that's why we have Sabby Piscitelli. He'll do good. He's got to come through for us. And we've got Will Allen. He's got to be ready to rotate now."
Phillips was injured in the first half and did not re-enter the game. He later appeared on the sidelines with his arm in a sling. He was unavailable for comment after the game.
If he's indeed lost for a long period of time, it's a big blow the defense.
"Jermaine's a tremendous hitter," Kiffin said. "He's having a tremendous season, two years in a row. He's doing just as good this year as he did last year. They talk about all these safeties in the league. Jermaine Phillips can line up with any safety in the NFL. I know. I know players. But you don't hear enough about this guy. He hustles and he hits and he gets turnovers."
Defensive backs coach Raheem Morris' decision to use a three-man rotation at safety this season -- in an effort to get Piscitelli on the field -- might now pay dividends. Piscitelli estimates he's played 30 percent of the snaps this season, preparing him for an expanded role, if necessary.
"Coach Raheem did a great job," Piscitelli said. "He said in the offseason that was his goal (to rotate). Jermaine is a great player and we're going to miss him. But my job is step up and make plays."
It's Sabatino Picatelli time.
Several indications pointed to Phillips' being sidelined for some time, including defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's assessment of the situation.
"We're going to miss him," Kiffin said. When pressed, Kiffin wouldn't get too specific on the diagnosis. "But that's why we have Sabby Piscitelli. He'll do good. He's got to come through for us. And we've got Will Allen. He's got to be ready to rotate now."
Phillips was injured in the first half and did not re-enter the game. He later appeared on the sidelines with his arm in a sling. He was unavailable for comment after the game.
If he's indeed lost for a long period of time, it's a big blow the defense.
"Jermaine's a tremendous hitter," Kiffin said. "He's having a tremendous season, two years in a row. He's doing just as good this year as he did last year. They talk about all these safeties in the league. Jermaine Phillips can line up with any safety in the NFL. I know. I know players. But you don't hear enough about this guy. He hustles and he hits and he gets turnovers."
Defensive backs coach Raheem Morris' decision to use a three-man rotation at safety this season -- in an effort to get Piscitelli on the field -- might now pay dividends. Piscitelli estimates he's played 30 percent of the snaps this season, preparing him for an expanded role, if necessary.
"Coach Raheem did a great job," Piscitelli said. "He said in the offseason that was his goal (to rotate). Jermaine is a great player and we're going to miss him. But my job is step up and make plays."
It's Sabatino Picatelli time.