Barton finally gets his chance as starter for Raiders

Thursday December 12, 2002

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) Eric Barton never doubted he was capable of starting every Sunday, sparking a defense, or even leading his team in tackles. It's just that he didn't get a chance to do it until this season.

The Oakland Raiders linebacker has become one of the most effective players at his position in the AFC, despite being one of the least recognized. But that could change soon.

The Raiders' revamped defense is beginning to enjoy just as much success as the team's high-powered offense, and Barton is a big reason why. He leads the team with 102 tackles, 78 of those solo, and is second with six sacks. He also has an interception.

``I've always felt like I could play at a high level,'' Barton said. ``I'm glad that I got a chance this year to do it. I just want to get to the ball, wherever it is.

``I'm having a lot of fun playing, and it's just a relief. I finally got my chance, and I'm trying to take advantage of it.''

Barton had a bright start to his NFL career. He was drafted in the fifth round out of Maryland in 1999 and worked his way into a starting job at the end of his rookie season.

Everything changed when the Raiders signed veteran linebacker Willie Thomas before the 2000 season to fill the weakside starting spot. Barton was a backup and special teams player again, and it lasted until Thomas's retirement earlier this year.

Even in training camp, when the Raiders made Barton the starter, he wouldn't allow himself to quite believe it. Even with Thomas gone, the Raiders had several players to push him. Barton knew how quickly it all could change again just like in his rookie year.

This time, it didn't.

``They had signed a lot of veterans and I was No. 1 on the depth chart, and I didn't want to lose the position,'' the 25-year-old Barton said.

He hasn't given the Raiders' coaching staff any reason to pull him. He's been too valuable. The 6-foot-2, 245-pound Barton has quickness, can go sideline to sideline and has demonstrated ability as a pass rusher.

In recent years, it's been a middle linebacker leading Oakland in tackles. Coach Bill Callahan knows why that's different now.

``Because you have a player in Eric Barton that's instinctive,'' he said. ``And he's a natural playmaker. ... Plus, he plays well off everybody, he understands the scheme, he's more mature, and he has an uncanny knack of finding the football.''

The Raiders' linebacker corps is a nice mix: There's Barton, veteran Bill Romanowski, and rookie Napoleon Harris.

Barton has picked up plenty from Romanowski. One thing in particular:

``I've learned that a lot of people do not like him,'' Barton said. ``If he's standing around the pile, get away from him, because somebody's going to try to cheap-shot him, or somebody's going to try to do something to him.''

The Raiders have significantly downsized their defensive playbook, another reason for the defense being more in tune. Schemes have been simplified and players are missing fewer tackles.

Barton believes it's made a big difference. He no longer has to think on every play.

``I've just been fortunate to be blessed with a pretty good season so far, but I've just got to keep it up,'' he said. ``There's been a learning curve, but once you play so many games, you start getting a feel for things, and stuff starts coming more natural for you.''

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)