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How the Bucs rewarded Andrew Adams for those three interceptions

The Bucs celebrated their 24-17 win over the Panthers by presenting safety Andrew Adams with three games balls, one for each of his three interceptions of Cam Newton.
 
Published Dec. 3, 2018|Updated Dec. 3, 2018

TAMPA — Inside the Bucs' locker room following their 24-17 win over Carolina, coach Dirk Koetter presented safety Andrew Adams with three game balls, one for each of his three interceptions Sunday.

"It's huge," Adams said Monday about the post-game celebration. "It being my first year in Tampa, the team has really embraced me. It's been like family. It's just great and the team camaraderie is huge. I love it."

Adams became just the third Bucs player to intercept three passes in a game — Ronde Barber did it twice — and the first since 2009. That's not bad for a player who didn't have a job when this season began before signing with the Bucs in late-September. Adams' role has grown on a secondary hit by injuries, and he played a season-high 32 snaps.

Adams entered Sunday with just one career interception in 38 NFL games, but said his performance wasn't a surprise.

"I prepare and expect to play big every game," Adams said. "This was a very big game. But as a professional, that's what you prepare for."

The Bucs continued to use Adams in a variety of spots. On Sunday, he played mostly at free safety, but also lined up closer to the line of scrimmage in a quasi-linebacker role in the Bucs' six-defensive package and once in coverage in the slot.

"It's fun," he said. "I like being around the line (of scrimmage) and being active. … That kind of helps. At the beginning of the game, I wasn't playing safety, so being on the side when it's not third down and not on the field, I can see really everything that they're doing, so it kind of gave me a different perspective."

As for those three game balls, Adams said he'll have them painted and has a place to display them in his new home in Atlanta.

"I've find a nice spot for those to go in the man cave," he said.

Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieInTheYard.