Pearson Earns Extended Look At Strong SafetySkip directly to the full story.Published: Oct 10, 2006TAMPA - Kalvin Pearson might have played his way into the starting lineup, while Jermaine Phillips might have played his way out.Pearson replaced Phillips, the starting strong safety, for several defensive series against New Orleans on Sunday. Pearson, Phillips and LB Derrick Brooks tied for third on the team with five tackles apiece.Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin wanted to look at the game tape before making any decisions on possible starting changes, but he informed Pearson early last week he would get playing time against the Saints.Given the need to shake things up on defense, that playing time could increase."K.P. has practiced well and we do want to try to get our consistency level improved at the safety position overall as tacklers," Coach Jon Gruden said.Pearson played extensively in the preseason while starting free safety Will Allen nursed a broken thumb. Even if Pearson doesn't become a starter, the Bucs are expected to rotate him into games on a regular basis, much like they did last season with their three safeties - Allen, Phillips and Dexter Jackson."I am not pointing fingers at anyone, but we have to find sure tacklers back there that bring us consistency on a game-by-game, snap-by-snap basis," Gruden said. "At this stage, it is still an area that is obviously hurting us and we are concerned about."
