Inside the Game: Broncos CB Talib picks Buccaneers off twice
Oct 6, 2016, 12:00 AM | Updated: Nov 18, 2016, 9:34 am
What a homecoming Denver Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib had Sunday in Tampa Bay.
The former Buccaneers defender, upon returning to the place in which he broke into the NFL, managed to pick off Jameis Winston not once but twice — his fourth career multi-interception game.
It was the first time Talib had accomplished the feat in orange and blue, but twice he had more than two picks with Tampa Bay (2009 and 2010) and once with New England (2013).
Turnovers one and two also became Talib’s 32nd and 33rd, the most by anyone in the NFL since his rookie season in 2008.
After the game, head coach Gary Kubiak effused praise upon Talib for not only his play but his locker room qualities.
“He’s playing special. Obviously, he’s having a big year. We’re only one month into it, which is where you got to start,” Kubiak said. “… Aqib was a hell of a player. He’s really turning into a leader and obviously played big today.”
“Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mark Schlereth said what separates Talib from other good cover cornerbacks is his preparation and knowledge, exemplified by his second pick against Winston. (See video above for Schlereth’s break down of the play.)
WATCH: Talib’s second pick Sunday against the Buccaneers
Talib, after the game, attributed his picks to the week of preparation against Winston and the Bucs, especially in terms of what they saw on the game film.
“We were watching tape. We (saw) how confident he was in his arm, so we knew we would have five to six opportunities today to get our hands on the football,” Talib said. “I think we capitalized on three of them, so we’ll take that.”
Through four games, Talib has three interceptions –– one for a touchdown. Since joining the Broncos in 2014, he’s racked up 10 picks and five touchdowns.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.