Ronde Barber just keeps plugging along

Ronde Barber just keeps on ticking.

The 37-year-old has been shifted to safety this season but still managed to start Sunday’s season opener – his 200th consecutive career starts – at cornerback. And he played in fine style with an interception and sack of Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in a 16-7 victory at Raymond James Stadium.

For his efforts, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week. It was the 28th sack of Barber’s career – a record for NFL defensive backs – and the 44th interception he’s had.

This is what might be most impressive: Barber has been selected as NFC Defensive Player of the Week at least once in eight of the last 13 seasons, according to the team. That is consistency.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune