Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount made a surprise appearance, debuting during the first quarter just three weeks after joining the roster — before even getting a complete handle on the offensive playbook. But it turns out the Bucs had even bigger plans for Blount than the six rushes for 27 yards and a touchdown he produced. Had the game not become so lopsided, coach Raheem Morris said, Blount would have played more. "Blount went out and ran the ball well, ran it physical," Morris said of the undrafted rookie out of Oregon claimed off waivers Sept. 6. " … It could have been a different outcome if we were able to get the lead and use him the way I had planned for (Sunday). When you play a good team, it doesn't always play (out) how you planned." Said Blount: "It is kind of frustrating to play catch-up. But if we're down, you know you're not going to be running the ball and you're going to be in pass-first situations. That's what we had to do. They had us backed into a corner." So, Blount had to settle for averaging 4.5 yards on his handful of carries. But even with the limited action, he showed he can be an asset to a running attack that has been punchless. Blount ripped off a bruising 12-yard run on his first carry and battered the defense with each run. The key to Blount playing more extensively likely lies in his ability to help in pass protection. That's where his lack of mastery of the playbook becomes problematic. But with the bye week coming, Blount has time to cram.
on't play anybody against Pittsburgh this year
