TAMPA — The Vikings running back was on his way to a touchdown, stumbling inside the 5-yard line, when Bucs linebacker Khaseem Greene tracked him down in Saturday's preseason opener.
In one motion, his right arm flew back and punched the football, popping it loose, and as the two players flew into the pylon, the loose ball bounced forward and out the back of the end zone. Not a touchdown, but a touchback for the Bucs, all but taking points off the scoreboard.
"As much as we preach, 'Strip the ball, tackle the ball,' that was a perfect example where it was a violent takeaway, and that's what we are looking for," coach Lovie Smith said.