Sunday Should Be Feast For Running Backs

September 10th, 2009

Fans who love the running game should love the season opener between the Bucs and Dallass. Tim MacMahon of the Dallas Morning News suggests the two best backfield trios in the NFL will be facing each other.

The trio of Marion Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice should be one of the NFL’s elite running back committees. But it might not be the best seen Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

The Bucs boast a trio of Cadillac Williams, Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham. Unlike the Cowboys, Tampa Bay has declared how playing time will be split in the backfield. Williams, the former top-five pick who has come back from two serious knee injuries, will start and play two series. Ward will play the next two series. Graham will play the next series. The 2-2-1 rotation will repeat throughout the game.

Joe doesn’t know about this 2-2-1 rotation. If one running back has the hot hand, doesn’t Raheem The Dream have the responsibility to keep feeding that back the ball?

3 Responses to “Sunday Should Be Feast For Running Backs”

  1. Charkh Says:

    Joe, I’d argue he’d have a larger responsibility to pull someone who just can’t get going. I can’t believe anyone would follow a rigid game plan. If he does, we’re in trouble. What’s the saying about all planning being thrown out the window at the start of battle? I just can’t see not staying flexible.

    I’m more inclined to believe that the RB rotation was declared to force opposing defenses to plan for Running Backs evenly. What if the depth chart is reversed? Call Caddy and Ward the starters in order for teams to focus less on Graham during preparation. If I was an opposing coach, I wouldn’t listen to anything a coach says coming into the season.

  2. nick Says:

    I dont understand the 2-2-1 either. I would figure it would be more effective if they were rotated consistently. Like a changeup to a fastball. I hope its just a strategic planning ploy. I can’t wait to see Peanut catching screens.

  3. Jeff Says:

    I think the 2-2-1 comments are a smoke screen. “Hot” players don’t come out of a game, period.