TK Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 http://www.panthers.com/news/newsroomNewsDetail.jsp?id=9840 Rucker ready for Redskins November 12, 2003 By Brett Borden Panthers.com The way Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker sees it, Trick or Treat was last month. With the Washington Redskins and their reputation for trick plays coming to town, the only candy he sees is Washington quarterback Patrick Ramsey. Mike Rucker is the NFL co-leader with 11 sacks. (AP Photo) While fans may worry about what Redskins coach Steve Spurrier has up his sleeve for the Panthers, veterans like Rucker know that only the player who is anxious is to buy into the trickery will get sold a bill of goods. "You just have to know your assignment," said Rucker, who is tied for the NFL lead in sacks with 11. "You can't get caught up in emotions and the different stuff that they're showing you. They have some trick plays, and they have speed at wide receiver and running back, but you just have to know your assignments and play your keys. "(The typical play) unfolds fast, but if you read through your keys, then you should be okay. Our progressions and what we do will take you through if it's a reverse, a bootleg, or a fake reverse. You really just have to play your keys." The key for Washington is protecting Ramsey. Two weeks ago the second-year signal caller was manhandled by the Dallas pass rush. Last week, the Redskins offensive line kept Seattle's pass rush in check, limiting the Seahawks to no sacks in the Redskins victory. "They're very big up front," said Rucker. "Across the front, they have some good offensive lineman. Last week, they did a good job of protecting him. We're going to have to try to find a way to get back there and mess up the timing of their offense. Rucker and his teammates will be chasing Redskins quarterback Patrick Ramsey. (AP Photo) "I really feel that they'll prepare this week and be ready for us, so we have to prepare for them and be ready for them. They'll have some wrinkles for us. We just have to find a way to get back there." Rucker has found several ways to get back there, as his League-leading sack total suggests. The fifth-year veteran has improved each year he has been in the League and has already established a career high in sacks with seven games remaining to play. He said one of the things he has learned is that you never give up on a play. "I just keep throwing moves at them," he said. "The first move doesn't necessarily work all the time. It's usually the countermove. I just try to work on some of those countermoves to get me through some of the tough blocks." Such plays could serve as a microcosm of the careers of Panthers veterans like Rucker, who have endured the tough times in Carolina. A high-profile victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week has uplifted the franchise's image to heights not seen since 1996, before Rucker became a Panther. The Panthers locker room is a fun place to be right now. "This is what football should be," said Rucker. "It should be about having fun when you're winning games. We've been through some tough times around here when we weren't able to have fun. It's fun now, and that's the way it should be." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeathByLinebacker Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 Mike Rucker might be the most underrated defensive player in the league. He's leading the league in sacks and most casual fans don't even know who he is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skins26 Posted November 12, 2003 Share Posted November 12, 2003 Lets see what youve got Rucker. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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