Bucs Running Backs… No. 25???
July 1st, 2009
Adrian Hasenmayer of FoxSports.com isn't very impressed with Earnest Graham and his fellow running backs.
Given the fact the Bucs don’t have a standout quarterback, don’t have much of a defensive front line, have an overall weak linebacker corps and a defensive backfield diluted by attrition, Joe doesn’t blink an eye when people claim the team won’t do much this season.
But by and large football people agree that the Bucs strength will be the running back. Apparently, Adrian Hasenmayer of FoxSports.com doesn’t feel that way. Not only is he not impressed with the Bucs running backs, he thinks the Bucs running attack will be one of the worst in the NFL.
So Derrick Ward left a part-time role with the Giants — a bonafide Super Bowl contender — for another timeshare in Tampa, which missed the playoffs last year, has a 32-year-old rookie head coach and could start a rookie QB. Before we pile on, Ward did want to stay in the Big Apple but was told frankly by the front office that the G-Men could not afford to keep him. A shame for him becomes a boon for the Bucs’ ground game, as both Ward and Graham could become a surprisingly successful duo down South. The big question remains the status of Cadillac Williams, once the franchise back who is again trying to recover from season-ending injury.
Joe thinks Hasenmayer is off his rocker. The combination of Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham and potentially Cadillac Williams running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL is easily a top-10 combo and potentially top-five.
No. 25? Geez, Joe knows the Bucs will likely have a losing record, but don’t let a subpar defense cloud or stain what is one of the better running attacks in the game.
July 1st, 2009 at 8:51 am
best offensive lines? LMAO!!!
NO, NOT YET …. they are a middle of the pack o-line with POTENTIAL to be better
July 1st, 2009 at 9:02 am
Come on Joe, Your supposed to be the Football expert. All the teams we play this year will have 9 maybe 10 in the box. They will just dare the Backup or Rookie to pass. Then when the Bucs are down 2 to 3 touchdowns we will just be in the hurry-up offense.
July 1st, 2009 at 9:12 am
Realist:
Oh, Joe totally agrees about how defenses will combat the Bucs. That’s why Joe has a hard time figuring how the Bucs will come close to .500 with no real quarterback (especially if Freeman starts Week 1).
But to suggest the Bucs running attack will be No. 25, especially if Cadillac comes back?
July 1st, 2009 at 10:43 am
Ha ha ha ha – you guys are really funny.
Of all the changes on the Bucs the O-line is the LEAST of my concerns.
Sure they will be changing their offensive scheme – but that will make it harder for the opposing defenses.
With regard to QB – look if Trent Dilfer can lead the Bucs and Ravens then …(optimistic yes, unrealistic – possibly)
July 1st, 2009 at 11:55 am
Mr Lucky…………..
I don’t know where to begin…
July 1st, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Jorge – ok sarcasm aside.
How would the Bucs running game be any WORSE than last year?
They’ve upgraded at TE and RB
QB really shouldn’t affect the running game THAT much, plus if you take into account a SIMPLIFIED offense where the players don’t change position ten times before the snap shouldn’t the Bucs do better?
Seriously?
July 1st, 2009 at 5:42 pm
I think Beyonce best defines Upgrade, on her commercial for DTV.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 am
Mr. Lucky I agree the offense has been greatly upgraded I love it…
BUT you are comparing Trent Dilfer and the RAVENS 1999 D to the bucs and their NOT RAVENS 1999 D…
I’m positive about the new direction, but settle down chief…
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 am
Jorge,
Mr Lucky is worried, (actually WORRIED) about the Bucs D in 2009.
My point is that in a run oriented offense the QB is asked to not lose the game rather than WIN the game.