Tom Crabtree: Fullback
August 19th, 2013
“Tom, you missed the post-lunch, hand-washing inspection for all receivers. Palms up now, son.”
Bucs fans got a look at tight end Tom Crabtree lined up as a fullback at least twice with the first team against the Patriots on Saturday.
Yes, last year’s starting fullback, Erik Lorig, is battling a calf injury. Yes, versatile No. 2 RB/FB Brian Leonard sat out the game after a great preseason-opening performance against the Ravens. But Crabtree appeared to be more than just a full-in. The Operation Crabtree formation appeared to be more something the Bucs legitimately are toying with.
Of course, it could a classic preseason smokescreen, something to distract the brains of defensive coordinators on the Bucs’ schedule.
Joe will try to gather intelligence on this development at practice this morning at One Buc Palace.
August 19th, 2013 at 9:33 am
I seriously doubt any defensive coordinators are losing sleep over Crabtree at fullback.
August 19th, 2013 at 9:37 am
When are we gonna get some real quality players at FB, TE, and to help McCoy and AC…
August 19th, 2013 at 9:38 am
An NFL head coach wouldn’t hurt neither.
August 19th, 2013 at 9:58 am
should JFro-6pak take some snaps at Full Back???
August 19th, 2013 at 10:00 am
Saw Stocker in there as well at one point during the game. If either one can be competent at FB, it just creates more flexibility when assembling the final roster.
August 19th, 2013 at 10:06 am
@K_bassuka …the answer to your question is an easy one. When you become qualified to become a GM or have enough money to buy the team.
August 19th, 2013 at 10:33 am
This is something I didnt notice in the game but very interesting. I’m all about the mind games against other teams. If you can get them to thinking, half the battle is already won.
August 19th, 2013 at 10:40 am
May the best 11 be on the field for any given play.
Crabtree can block and catch, why not give me a look?
Spencer Larsen still on this team?
August 19th, 2013 at 11:02 am
FlBoy84 ,precisely. I have always liked cross-training TE’s as FB’s.
So what about Larsen, however??
August 19th, 2013 at 11:06 am
I’m with Couch on this one. Whatever new wrinkles we put into our offense forces the other team to concentrate on preparing for it. Puts more on tape for the other team to defend.
August 19th, 2013 at 11:15 am
Off topic Joe, but seem to notice more drops this yr by the receiving core this yr than all of last training camp/preseason combined. Have you heard anything about the difference between Fleck and Garrett’s coaching techniques and do you think it will have an effect as the season progresses? May be a good article building there.
August 19th, 2013 at 11:16 am
This is a good thing to game plan for. Teams like Dallas, Washington and Green Bay have multiple sets where there is a TE in the backfield. Usually offset and sometimes complementary to the FB. Adds to the plays that can be run through mismatches
August 19th, 2013 at 12:44 pm
if they can use him at fullback as well as te then that means they can cut lorig, free up a roster spot and keep both james and hillis. just think of having
martin, leonard, james and hillis as our running backs, we’d be loaded at that position, just speculation.
August 19th, 2013 at 1:40 pm
In my opinion, I think if we HAD to put Crabtree at FB, he’d be a beast back there, as well as making for a better than average outlet if Free has to dump off to the nearest eligible receiver, we know he can block, we know he can run, and we know he can catch, I like him as our TE, but the more I think about this, the more I’m ok with it.