“He Had Blount Stepping Up His Game”
June 7th, 2012
- Carl Nicks talks about the Bucs’ running backs
Joe knows there are lots of big dudes in the NFL, but Joe really had to marvel for a moment standing alongside Bucs guard Carl Nicks after practice Tuesday. All Joe could think about was that Nicks is a human armoire.
For those unfamiliar, Nicks lists at 6-5, 343 pounds. And the All-Pro guard is eager to fire up the running game. FoxSportsFlorida.com scribe Dave Scheiber took notes when Nicks was talking running backs Tuesday and penned a feature story. Interestingly, Nicks voiced his opinion that LeGarrette Blount is taking his game to a new level.
His impressions so far of the ballcarriers? “They’re talented, and they all bring something different,” he said. “Blount, he’s going to run you over, and he may hurdle you. And he’s big. The rookies, they’re all fast, hungry and they all work really hard, so that’s really good.”
Nicks says he generally keeps his distance from rookies in camp, so he hasn’t given Martin any advice in particular. “I try to stay away from them until cuts are made,” he said. “I don’t want to get too close and then they leave or go to another team, so I just pretty much stay away from the rookies and let them do their thing. But he works really hard. He works like he’s a free-agent guy, and that’s a good thing. He had Blount stepping his game up, and that’s good.”
Now Joe was alongside Nicks when he made these comments and Nicks’ tone was one of a guy that doesn’t take rookies too seriously until they prove something on the field. So Joe’s not going to speculate that Nicks thinks Blount will be the Bucs’ bellcow back.
Joe’s just fired up to see the competition between Doug Martin and Blount. It’s going to be a very meaningful preseason for those two.
June 7th, 2012 at 9:31 pm
Who cares who starts, as long as they both play a lot. But, in my mind, it is Martin who must prove himself, not Blount.
June 7th, 2012 at 9:40 pm
Nicks is a wall.
We are going to have some fun this year on the ground.
Can’t wait to see the running game.
So much sexier than the “check down to Lunpkin”.
June 7th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
This only can bring good things to the field. I love the competition and the fact the Depth may be better then the starter at a position like RB.
June 7th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
I agree Steve and 941
Tampa may just have the best pair of guards in the NFL!
We now have 3 totally different types of Backs in Blount, Martin, and Smith.
It will be hard to plan to play us, because now, you never know what will be coming!
Do not sell the Utah State back short. He has scary speed, and does not go right down from an arm tackle like Raheem’s Boy Huggins did.
June 7th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
I’ve waited all my life to see the Bucs have a truly dominating rushing attack and I think this season may be it. WD40 was ok, Blount & Caddy in 2010 were good, but this year has the potential to be dominating.
Never have the Bucs had (on paper) so much talent and/or up-side at RB while also possessing key talent and potential at the QB and WR positions. Freeman, V-Jax & Co. establishing a good passing threat should be able to eliminate many eight man defensive fronts, and pave the way for a bruising ground game.
Looking forward to this year, with ball security and decent defense, the Bucs could win some games.
June 7th, 2012 at 10:49 pm
@Apple,
Huggins could’ve been good had he not tore his knee.
Rah called him the “driving force of the football team”.
I am pped to see Blount run angrier.
Martin to provide the “do everything”, and Smith to come in and wreak havoc.
June 7th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
“made Blount step his game up” <—— which means: Blount was half-assing it and only decided to practice hard when Martin showed-up (cut the big bum) smh
June 8th, 2012 at 12:19 am
@ElioT I love what you are saying and I hope you are right. If we can run the ball at will everything else will work like clockwork.
June 8th, 2012 at 12:34 am
With this o-line I can really see any of our backs having success. We have Freeman, a talented backfield , good recieving core, and a potentially dominating O-line. Really looking forward to seeing how we use all our pieces effectively, and would love to see them put it together in the first half this year!
June 8th, 2012 at 12:34 am
@Dini …….cut Blunt? What are you smoking. He is a young player who hasn’t had to compete since earning a roster spot. Sometimes players just need a little competition to light a fire under their asses.
June 8th, 2012 at 6:53 am
Good to see that Blount is Motivated.
But is it just “Contract Year Motivation” or
is it a real Attitude Change?
Does Not Matter.
A good year is a good year no matter what the motivation.
Contracts and futures of Football Players are for GM’s to think about
not Fans
June 8th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Considering Martin just got a signing bonus almost 7x worth what Blount will be earning this entire year, you can count on Blount running hard. This guy is gonna play like he is the starter he’s been and is gonna give Tampa a lot to talk about. Look for an extension in the first half of the year.
June 8th, 2012 at 8:04 am
Dini’s Biceps Says:
June 7th, 2012 at 11:36 pm
“made Blount step his game up” <—— which means: Blount was half-assing it and only decided to practice hard when Martin showed-up (cut the big bum) smh" You do know that Nicks only practiced with Blount just a few times, right? So how do he know if Blount have half ass in practice? SMDH.
June 8th, 2012 at 8:49 am
1000 yrd runner half ass ? rrRRIGHT ! Now with that said, just about everyone except those few trolls here realize that a major effect of competition is elevation of play. It simply makes everyone better. Oh and please , the WD40 Combo was frigging awesome. The best since the JG days.
Here’s to a great season for all the Bucs and us fans. GO BUCS !!!!!
June 8th, 2012 at 8:58 am
@Dini
“made Blount step his game up” <—— which means: Blount was half-assing it and only decided to practice hard when Martin showed-up (cut the big bum)
This is the dumbest comment i've ever read on JBF.
June 8th, 2012 at 9:00 am
I wonder if the Buc’s decision to induct Paul Gruber this year into the ring of honor (over stalwarts like Doug Williams) coincides with our recent investment in the running game…
The Bucs are clearly focusing on the running game with one of the more talented o-lines in the NFL and a stable of top-shelf running backs… By adding an alumni o-lineman to the ring of honor, the prehaps the Bucs are sending a message to these guys?
June 8th, 2012 at 9:45 am
Dini
Step away from the Blunt!
June 8th, 2012 at 9:45 am
BKNY,
Agreed! That could have been the dumbest comment EVER! Blount is responsible for about 75% of the good highlights the past two years. He’s had a problem with hanging on to the ball, but that comes from trying to do to much on a team that’s been struggling. That Green Bay run was only one of many that helped keep this team in games.
June 8th, 2012 at 10:32 am
@Bucnjim
Agreed.
I think Mark’s comments sums up the lunacy of the comment, too.
How the hell could Nicks know that Blount has ever half-assed in camp when he was on the Saints last year. He’s seen the same of Martin/Smith/etc… as he has of Blount.
June 8th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
@ Bulldog, yes please… WD40 was never fully realized with the piss poor QB and non-existent passing threat. How many games did we see both WD&40 rush for 100 yards? It was always so frustrating to watch as there was so much potential with those guys together that was never really harnessed.
I really think this year has the potential to showcase the best Bucs running attack since I’ve been watching the Bucs (early ’90s on)…
Go Bucs!!!!!