Alstott to retire (1 Viewer)

[QUEZILLA]

Could be the #1 fan favorite of all time. A couple more goal line carries for Caddy?

 

[perry147]

Great player and an outstanding individual.

Is he going to do some broadcasting?

 

[ScottNorwood]

Fun guy to watch.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

It's nice to see Alstott walk away from the game

rather than being carted away.

Alstott was solid, on and off the field.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I was really excited about seeing him do the goal line carries behind G Davin Joseph & Aaron Sears. Oh, well... More carries for Caddy I guess. Haven't heard too many good things about B.J. Askew, and he is the #1 FB now.

Kind of strange for him to go all off-season, and annonce now. He must have realized Gruden was barely going to use him. Guy has never fit in Grudens system, and he was the hhighest paid FB in the league for some time.

 

[QUEZILLA]

It's nice to see Alstott walk away from the gamerather than being carted away.Alstott was solid, on and off the field.

Good point, I thought for sure this guy was paralized several times. He is a beast.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Kind of strange for him to go all off-season, and announce now. He must have realized Gruden was barely going to use him. Guy has never fit in Grudens system, and he was the highest paid FB in the league for some time.

Alstott is almost 34.He probably noticed that he was physically breaking down during training camp,and decided to call it a career.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

last of an already dying breed

 

[gump]

Owner of the "best 1-yard run in NFL history".

Really fun guy to watch...I've never seen anyone that big...with thighs that size...get his pads that low. Almost impossible for one guy to bring down in his prime.

You'll be missed Mike!

He's also a restauranteur here in Tampa/Clearwater...may spend some time doing that. Also has I believe 4 kids and loves to fish with Dave Moore.

ETA: He should also be acknowledged and praised for his "pulling" abilities off the field. I'm not sure any NFL'ers got more action than Mike did in the mid-to-late 90's. I've heard nearly half the cheerleaders were included, from the head of them herself.

 

[barndog]

Good for him. Unfortunately, now I have to rework my subscriber's contest entry...

 

[Mik789fl]

link?

 

[Aaronstory]

link?

(sigh)http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp...tory?id=2967306

 

[Sooch]

Watched him play at Purdue. Mooooooooooose!

Was a good guy back then too.

 

[talbott]

A bit of good news for Caddy owners, as Alstott had 20 carries inside the red zone last year, and 9 inside the 5 for two scores, in a season where the offense was rather putrid. It wouldn't be unreasonable to add a TD or two to your Caddy projections based on this news.

 

[Archie Bunker]

A bit of good news for Caddy owners, as Alstott had 20 carries inside the red zone last year, and 9 inside the 5 for two scores, in a season where the offense was rather putrid. It wouldn't be unreasonable to add a TD or two to your Caddy projections based on this news.

Bump up Williams or Pittman???

 

[Jason Wood]

Alstott's production had really fallen off a cliff over the last four seasons, so this really isn't a reason to bump up the offensive numbers of the other RBs IMHO.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/08/09/mi...ter-11-seasons/

 

[packersfan]

Alstott's production had really fallen off a cliff over the last four seasons, so this really isn't a reason to bump up the offensive numbers of the other RBs IMHO.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/08/09/mi...ter-11-seasons/

I think it depends on where you were projecting Caddy's TDs. If you had him in the 5-7 range already you don't adjust him since Alstott scored only 3 TDs last season with 2 coming from the 1-yard line. But if you figured Caddy for only 3-4 TDs maybe you bump him up a couple since he should be the primary RB at the goal line so he could get the TDs Alstott would have vultured. This is independent of any improvements you already were anticipating for Cadillac and/or the Bucs' offense prior to this news.

 

[talbott]

Alstott's production had really fallen off a cliff over the last four seasons, so this really isn't a reason to bump up the offensive numbers of the other RBs IMHO.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/08/09/mi...ter-11-seasons/

I think it depends on where you were projecting Caddy's TDs. If you had him in the 5-7 range already you don't adjust him since Alstott scored only 3 TDs last season with 2 coming from the 1-yard line. But if you figured Caddy for only 3-4 TDs maybe you bump him up a couple since he should be the primary RB at the goal line so he could get the TDs Alstott would have vultured. This is independent of any improvements you already were anticipating for Cadillac and/or the Bucs' offense prior to this news.

 

[Capella]

 

[kensat30]

Alstott's production had really fallen off a cliff over the last four seasons, so this really isn't a reason to bump up the offensive numbers of the other RBs IMHO.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/08/09/mi...ter-11-seasons/

Disagree, this is most definitely a bump for Caddy. Alstott was going to get some goalline work this season, how can goalline "money" opportunities not be considered a reason for a bump? Seriously?

 

[Capella]

Easily the most popular Buc ever. It's not even close.

 

[Capella]

Not to get in the way of quez's gruden-bashing, but it was the neck injury again that got Mike. Apparently re-injured it a few days ago in camp.

 

[Jason Wood]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

NFL network had just listed him as the #10 power back of all time.

 

[perry147]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

Is Pittman a good GL back?

 

[Norseman]

He's not officially retiring yet, just being put on IR list.

 

[Jason Wood]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

Is Pittman a good GL back?

5 TDs in 16 attempts...down in the bottom 3rd of RBs with a minimum of 10 goal line rushes.http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/08/03/ed...goal-line-back/

 

[talbott]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

Right on the money here.

 

[gump]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

Is Pittman a good GL back?

Not sure what the stats say...but Carnell is CLEARLY a better GL back when watching them play.In fact, when the Bucs were playing well 2 years ago and fighting for the playoffs and division crown...it was Cadillac who got the ball on 4th and 1 at the end of the game against the Falcons. It was the biggest play of the year for the Bucs.

Carnell was also the GL back at Auburn, over Ronnie Brown. Tubberville believed that Carnell was a better inside runner. He led the SEC in TDs that year.

Unless he's being rested, I can't believe Gruden would go to Pittman over Carnell inside the 5.

 

[3C's]

He's not officially retiring yet, just being put on IR list.

just heard that as well.

 

[redman]

I can't believe that nobody's mentioned Chris Berman's completely annoying "your-in-good-hands-with-Alstott" line. GB the demise of that!

 

[Art_VanDalay]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

Is Pittman a good GL back?

Not sure what the stats say...but Carnell is CLEARLY a better GL back when watching them play.In fact, when the Bucs were playing well 2 years ago and fighting for the playoffs and division crown...it was Cadillac who got the ball on 4th and 1 at the end of the game against the Falcons. It was the biggest play of the year for the Bucs.

Carnell was also the GL back at Auburn, over Ronnie Brown. Tubberville believed that Carnell was a better inside runner. He led the SEC in TDs that year.

Unless he's being rested, I can't believe Gruden would go to Pittman over Carnell inside the 5.

For some of you that may not know, Pittman's nickname in the Bucs Lockerroom is "Fancy Feet" (no joke). He has that for a reason because he takes small baby steps and likes to dance around to much for a GL back to produce (not to mention his lack of optimum size). No worries with Pittman taking this role. If healthy, and word is he is, Williams gives the bucs the best opportunities down there to run b/w the tackles or to take the corner on a counter or some other type of wide play. I agree with those that feel you have to bump up Caddy even a little just for sheer opportunity.

 

[Biabreakable]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

Is Pittman a good GL back?

Not sure what the stats say...but Carnell is CLEARLY a better GL back when watching them play.In fact, when the Bucs were playing well 2 years ago and fighting for the playoffs and division crown...it was Cadillac who got the ball on 4th and 1 at the end of the game against the Falcons. It was the biggest play of the year for the Bucs.

Carnell was also the GL back at Auburn, over Ronnie Brown. Tubberville believed that Carnell was a better inside runner. He led the SEC in TDs that year.

Unless he's being rested, I can't believe Gruden would go to Pittman over Carnell inside the 5.

Caddy has been the more effective short yardage runner for Tampa Bush also. Which is why it has been frustrating for me as a Caddy owner seeing Alsuck get the GL ops over Caddy as shown above.Glad Gruden cannot make that mistake anymore.

 

[Native]

NFL network had just listed him as the #10 power back of all time.

Who else was on the list?My guesses (in no order):

Alstott

Czonka

Motley

Nagurski

Jim Brown

Riggins

Campbell

Clark Hinkle?

Okoye?

Jim Taylor?

 

[Capella]

He's not officially retiring yet, just being put on IR list.

just heard that as well.

he's 100% done. probably going on IR so they can keep him around the locker room, on the sidelines, etc.

 

[SpecOpLoad]

Just saw the interview on BUCS.Com!! Made me a little misty eyed. He will be missed as player and all around good dude. I met him at the Pre-Super Bowl festivities in 2000 on MacDill AFB. he was an awesome guy to talk with and asked more questions about my job (Air Force) than i asked about his.

Sad day in BUCville!!

 

[gump]

On the margin this is probably a slight bump for Cadillac, but that's provided three things:

1) Cadillac improves as a goal-line runner

2) Gruden doesn't use another back as the new goal-line option

3) The offensive line improves

In the last two seasons (i.e., The Caddy Era), Alstott has been BY FAR the most used player within the 5-yard line:

Mike Alstott -- 19 targets (18 rushes, 1 pass) -- 8 TDs
Joey Galloway -- 6 targets (6 passes) -- 3 TDs
Cadillac Williams -- 6 targets (6 rushes) -- 2 TDs
Alex Smith -- 5 targets (5 passes) -- 3 TDs
Michael Pittman -- 5 targets (2 rushes, 3 passes) -- 0 TDs
Anthony Becht -- 4 targets (4 passes) -- 1 TD
Maurice Stovall -- 2 targets (2 passes) -- 0 TDsSo, one could argue that Caddy will get at least another 3-6 goal line TDs this year than he otherwise might.

Is Pittman a good GL back?

Not sure what the stats say...but Carnell is CLEARLY a better GL back when watching them play.In fact, when the Bucs were playing well 2 years ago and fighting for the playoffs and division crown...it was Cadillac who got the ball on 4th and 1 at the end of the game against the Falcons. It was the biggest play of the year for the Bucs.

Carnell was also the GL back at Auburn, over Ronnie Brown. Tubberville believed that Carnell was a better inside runner. He led the SEC in TDs that year.

Unless he's being rested, I can't believe Gruden would go to Pittman over Carnell inside the 5.

Caddy has been the more effective short yardage runner for Tampa Bush also. Which is why it has been frustrating for me as a Caddy owner seeing Alsuck get the GL ops over Caddy as shown above.Glad Gruden cannot make that mistake anymore.

I agree. Sitting in RayJay 1.5 years ago, watching Gruden go to Alstott then a pass to a TE on 3rd and 4th and 1, when the Bucs were coming back in the playoff game against the Skins...I wanted to rip my seat off and throw it at him.Also agree about Pittman and lack of short-yardage prowess. He can go down with a pinkie tackle.

 

[zamboni]

It's sad to see a guy like Alstott go, but as a Caddy owner, I'd be lying if weren't happy about Mike leaving. As others have said, at least he's going out on his own terms, not due to a career-ending injury.

It definitely has to be a positive for Caddy from a fantasy standpoint. He was automatically pulled whenever the team got within the five yard line. While it remains to be seen whether the offense will markedly improve, it really can't get any worse.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Alstott's production had really fallen off a cliff over the last four seasons, so this really isn't a reason to bump up the offensive numbers of the other RBs IMHO.

http://blog.footballguys.com/2007/08/09/mi...ter-11-seasons/

His production has indeed been down the last several seasons, but I don't think he was utilized the right way. In JG's defense, we have been behind in many games and the A-Train usually went to work to kill the clock. And, if your offense sucks there aren't going to be many GL opportunities... He never has been a fit for the system though. I bet if he had been in Indy, or Pittsburgh these last few years he could have easily put up Bus like numbers.It sucks seeing a guy go out like Alstott. You guys really don't understand the Alstott-Gruden drama that has been all over the radio down here the past several years. I remember seeing a fan at a game last year that was wearing a milk carton hat that had a missing picture of Alstott on it. Kind of fizzled out, and left me with a feeling of "what if."

He will leave me with many great memories, but the greatest is the GL carry against Washington a few years back.

 

[QUEZILLA]

It's sad to see a guy like Alstott go, but as a Caddy owner, I'd be lying if weren't happy about Mike leaving. As others have said, at least he's going out on his own terms, not due to a career-ending injury.It definitely has to be a positive for Caddy from a fantasy standpoint. He was automatically pulled whenever the team got within the five yard line. While it remains to be seen whether the offense will markedly improve, it really can't get any worse.

 

[Bri]

Bucs website says he's on IR and hasn't made a decision about retirement yet

 

[gump]

Bucs website says he's on IR and hasn't made a decision about retirement yet

He hasn't. Bruce Allen says he is still part of the team, and will be all year. He won't play though.

 

[cantrell]

I loved his running style, very old school 'get the hell out of my way' running. He was a beast at the goal line.

 

[Harald]

Gruden has always used a goalline back throughout his career. Why would that change now?

Hats off to Alstott, whom along with Vinny Testaverde, will always be among my favorites players from the 90:ies and later.

 

[Thomas The Skank Engine]

Watched him play at Purdue. Mooooooooooose!Was a good guy back then too.

only good player we had in the Coletto years (unless you count Jeff Zgonina).I wish I could retire at 34.

 

[zamboni]

Gruden has always used a goalline back throughout his career. Why would that change now?

I don't think it's by design, but rather having the luxury of Zack Crockett and Mike Alstott on his teams. I seem to recall Gruden saying a few years back that he'd like to have a "robo-back" (or something to that exent) - that is, a do-it-all guy. Perhaps Caddy will be given the chance to be that guy.