schooner44
Footballguy
I decided to take a flyer and just snagged Bennett as my RB6. I can't imagine him not taking over the #1 spot but how long will it take and how much will he produce in that offense?
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Bennett's outlook in TB (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter schooner44
- Start date
Frank Black
Footballguy
You must not have much imagination then, or your imagination is running wild.
Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll
Footballguy
You seriously started a thread for that?
Outkast
Footballguy
I fixed that for you
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MCguidance
Footballguy
and who says he will be number 1?
buck naked
Footballguy
I am wondering the same question as schooner44. Perhaps we can get an actual answer instead of snide BS.
What is the word in Tampa? Is he expected to get some carries soon?
What is the word in Tampa? Is he expected to get some carries soon?
MarcO
Footballguy
just a hunch - since Ernest Graham started the season as a 3rd string RB/ short yardage back and has shown nothing in his limited time in the lineup that he is a good fit for that offense.and who says he will be number 1?
TheLastDispatch
Footballguy
Bender
Footballguy
Graham's a 3rd string RB who's never gotten a shot...Bennett's a RB who's gotten shots to earn some carries THREE different places. He bottomed out in Minnesota. He bottomed out in New Orleans. And he lost his job to Kolby Smith and a 34 year old guy with neck and spine issues in Kansas CityWhy is it going to be any different this time?Meanwhile, Graham was actually running pretty well until last week, and let's face it, Tennessee has a pretty damn good run defense. If he goes 12 for 29 yards vs. Detroit this week...then we'll talk. Someone bid over $10 for him this week in one of my league's that has a $30 blind bid budget. It's just craziness.just a hunch - since Ernest Graham started the season as a 3rd string RB/ short yardage back and has shown nothing in his limited time in the lineup that he is a good fit for that offense.
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3C's
Footballguy
Bennett got hurt in Minn and Tice and company drafted something like 20 more rb's to replace him. Kind of a tough spot in both NO (Deuce/Bush) and KC (LJ). Who would be starting in front of those guys? Not many.Graham's a 3rd string RB who's never gotten a shot...Bennett's a RB who's gotten shots to earn some carries THREE different places. He bottomed out in Minnesota. He bottomed out in New Orleans. And he lost his job to Kolby Smith and a 34 year old guy with neck and spine issues in Kansas Cityjust a hunch - since Ernest Graham started the season as a 3rd string RB/ short yardage back and has shown nothing in his limited time in the lineup that he is a good fit for that offense.and who says he will be number 1?
Now that's just crazy. Bennett will get some playing time. Might even get the majority of touches for a few weeks. But when Pittman comes back it'll be a 3 headed monster.
Bender
Footballguy
Ok, let's just look at Bennett's career.2001 (rookie season) - Comes in as the starting RB from training camp, but only gets 172 carries in a full season of work. Did average 4.0 YPC, so I'll chalk it up as a successful rookie campaign. 2002 (pro bowl season) 255 carries and cracks 1200 yards, which is an excellent season. Bumped up to 5.1 YPC...only drawback was only 5 rushing TDs because Moe Williams played the goalline vulture.2003 (first injury - ankle) - Misses the first 8 games with injury, leading to the arrival of the Whizzinator on the Vikings radar. Comes back and gets 90 carries in the final 9 games (about 10 a game). Does average 5.0 YPC again, though. 2004 (second injury - knee injury) - Misses the first 6 weeks with injury. Comes back to only 70 carries over the next 11 games, which gives him five more than Mewelde Moore for the season, and puts him well behind the Whizzinator. YPC down to 3.9.2005 (last hurrah in Minnesota) - Starts the year banged up but plays, although sparingly, as Mewelde Moore logs most of the early year carries. Around Week 9 is where he starts to see regular carries, but doesn't do much with them (Best game is 22 carries for 79 yards). YPC down to 3.8.2006 (Saints) - Signs with the Saints as the backup to Deuce McAllister. The Saints draft Reggie Bush. McAllister and Bush becomes starters 1A and 1B, so Bennett competes with Aaron Stecker for the backup role, and loses to AARON STECKER!!!!!!! Traded to Kansas City.2006 (Chiefs) - Comes in to backup Larry Johnson. Misses five more games with two seperate injuries during the season (Hamstring, and ankle). Most carries he sees in a game is 10 for 38 yards. YPC jumps to 5.6, but only on 36 carries for the entire season. 2007 (Chiefs) - In 2007, he's carried 20 times for 52 yard (YPC of 2.6) and lost his job to Kolby Smith and Priest HolmesThe bottom line from looking over his career is this:Bennett had promise, and great speed when he broke in. His injuries in 2003 and 2004 significantly hurt his speed to where he lost his starting job to Onterrio Smith (no longer in football) and Mewelde Moore (career backup).He went to New Orleans and couldn't beat out Aaron Stecker to make that team. And he eventually lost his job in Kansas City to Kolby Smith. That's three jobs he lost to running backs who showed nothing in their play or have not shown anything yet. Add to it that whenever he sees significant time, he seems to get injured, and how can anyone thinka) he's going to get the majority of carries at this point in his career when he hasn't averaged more than 10 a game in a season since before 2003.b) he would hold up if he did.c) he's anywhere near the caliber of back he was his first two years before his all-world speed took a hit.At best, he's a third down back in the Tampa offense. He may show flashes and pull off one really good productive game, but he's there for depth, and as a 3rd & long receiving option. Nothing more.Graham's the best bet to get any production until Pittman comes back, then it's time to reassess again.Bennett got hurt in Minn and Tice and company drafted something like 20 more rb's to replace him. Kind of a tough spot in both NO (Deuce/Bush) and KC (LJ). Who would be starting in front of those guys? Not many.Graham's a 3rd string RB who's never gotten a shot...Bennett's a RB who's gotten shots to earn some carries THREE different places. He bottomed out in Minnesota. He bottomed out in New Orleans. And he lost his job to Kolby Smith and a 34 year old guy with neck and spine issues in Kansas Cityjust a hunch - since Ernest Graham started the season as a 3rd string RB/ short yardage back and has shown nothing in his limited time in the lineup that he is a good fit for that offense.and who says he will be number 1?
Now that's just crazy. Bennett will get some playing time. Might even get the majority of touches for a few weeks. But when Pittman comes back it'll be a 3 headed monster.
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Whiplash Inc.
Footballguy
I think at best he'll be the 'between the 20's guy' like Pittman, with Graham remaining the short yardage/goalline back. And don't forget about Crockett.
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
The guy is Graham, and Pittman should be back after the bye (Wk 10) at the latest.Bennett probably will not see many touches in the next 2-3 weeks, and then he moves to RB3 after the bye.Sorry, not a ton of upside.
Whiplash Inc.
Footballguy
I'm a Graham owner and I'd like to hear why you feel that way about Bennett. TIA.
towney
Footballguy
Graham's a 3rd string RB who's never gotten a shot...Bennett's a RB who's gotten shots to earn some carries THREE different places. He bottomed out in Minnesota. He bottomed out in New Orleans. And he lost his job to Kolby Smith and a 34 year old guy with neck and spine issues in Kansas CityWhy is it going to be any different this time?Meanwhile, Graham was actually running pretty well until last week, and let's face it, Tennessee has a pretty damn good run defense. If he goes 12 for 29 yards vs. Detroit this week...then we'll talk. Someone bid over $10 for him this week in one of my league's that has a $30 blind bid budget. It's just craziness.just a hunch - since Ernest Graham started the season as a 3rd string RB/ short yardage back and has shown nothing in his limited time in the lineup that he is a good fit for that offense.
az_prof
Footballguy
Bennett was brought in to replace Caddy and be the starting RB. They wouldn't give up two picks for a guy to back up Graham until Pittman comes back until Caddy comes back, not when they have a rookie in Darby and there are guys they could have gotten for nothing off waivers to do what you guys say Bennett is going to do.
He has been a successful starting RB. Those ypc stats for this year in KC are totally unfair as until last week LJ's ypc was even worse.
Bennett has break away speed just like Caddy. He won't start for a couple of weeks and he could get injured as that criticism is a fair one; he has only had one injury free year. But the claims that he "bottomed out" and lost his job in three places is a misrepresentation of the facts.
He has been a successful starting RB. Those ypc stats for this year in KC are totally unfair as until last week LJ's ypc was even worse.
Bennett has break away speed just like Caddy. He won't start for a couple of weeks and he could get injured as that criticism is a fair one; he has only had one injury free year. But the claims that he "bottomed out" and lost his job in three places is a misrepresentation of the facts.
Koya
Footballguy
I am surprised that no one recognizes the potential upside here.
Bennett is a former Pro Bowler who has a history of injury and a recent history of not being able to stick with a team. The "didn't beat out stecker" comments dont mean much to me because why would NO need someone who's skill set mirrors that (to a degree) of their star 1st round pick - a fast rb who can do damage on screens and in the open field but is not very physical.
I have two words for those who think Bennett doesnt have a chance to do something impressive:
Charlie Garner.
Bennett most fits that role of anyone on the TB squad. I can definately see him getting 15-20 touches a game and having those touches be quite productive because of the system and other components (good QB, good receivers). Graham is not the right fit AT ALL for the starting role there and Pittman is meh to solid, and that is it. Bennett is a playmaker and Gruden will use his speed and find ways to get good production from him, imo.
Bennett is a former Pro Bowler who has a history of injury and a recent history of not being able to stick with a team. The "didn't beat out stecker" comments dont mean much to me because why would NO need someone who's skill set mirrors that (to a degree) of their star 1st round pick - a fast rb who can do damage on screens and in the open field but is not very physical.
I have two words for those who think Bennett doesnt have a chance to do something impressive:
Charlie Garner.
Bennett most fits that role of anyone on the TB squad. I can definately see him getting 15-20 touches a game and having those touches be quite productive because of the system and other components (good QB, good receivers). Graham is not the right fit AT ALL for the starting role there and Pittman is meh to solid, and that is it. Bennett is a playmaker and Gruden will use his speed and find ways to get good production from him, imo.
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
For one thing, Graham's poised to have a very good day against Detroit.Pittman is also due back soon, so I don't see that Bennett is more than insurance.Plus KC thought he was expendable after Kolby Smith and even the chance of Priest Holmes returning.Bennett shouldn't become the starter IMHO. He may be a compliment to Graham in Weeks 8 and 9, but then Pittman returns to take over that role.
RenegadeGM
Footballguy
I'm not saying Bennett will do much in TB, but I do think it isn't entirely true he "lost his job" to Kolby Smith and Priest Holmes.
I look at it more this way:
LJ is the unquestioned #1 in KC, no questions asked.
Behind him, you had Bennett, Smith and now Holmes is practicing and appears like he wants to play. A roster spot needs to be cleared for Holmes, and obviously, the team isn't going to keep four RBs active. The logical choice to clear up a roster spot is to move a RB.
LJ wasn't going anywhere, so that leaves the other three.
Believe it or not, who has the most trade value of the three? Bennett.
Nobody's going to give anything up for a rookie who has done nothing yet, in Smith. Nobody's going to give anything up for a 34 year old RB coming off a serious neck injury. Obviously, somebody was willing to give something up for Bennett.
The Chiefs were able to clear the spot for Holmes and get something in return for doing so.
What happens next with Bennett is all pure speculation right now and only time will tell. Too bad the trade wasn't made just a bit earlier, as who knows what might have been possible had he learned the playbook before the Detroit game. I could have seen a decent game and a great sell-high opportunity for Bennett owners.
I look at it more this way:
LJ is the unquestioned #1 in KC, no questions asked.
Behind him, you had Bennett, Smith and now Holmes is practicing and appears like he wants to play. A roster spot needs to be cleared for Holmes, and obviously, the team isn't going to keep four RBs active. The logical choice to clear up a roster spot is to move a RB.
LJ wasn't going anywhere, so that leaves the other three.
Believe it or not, who has the most trade value of the three? Bennett.
Nobody's going to give anything up for a rookie who has done nothing yet, in Smith. Nobody's going to give anything up for a 34 year old RB coming off a serious neck injury. Obviously, somebody was willing to give something up for Bennett.
The Chiefs were able to clear the spot for Holmes and get something in return for doing so.
What happens next with Bennett is all pure speculation right now and only time will tell. Too bad the trade wasn't made just a bit earlier, as who knows what might have been possible had he learned the playbook before the Detroit game. I could have seen a decent game and a great sell-high opportunity for Bennett owners.
Whiplash Inc.
Footballguy
Ok. Thanks.
az_prof
Footballguy
You make some good points but the fact is that Bennet had trade value and the other RBs didn't. You couldn't get anything for Kolby or Priest if you tried to trade them, but Bennet had value and so they moved him. It doesn't mean that they think those guys are better. And Kolby is younger so they see long term potential there.
oneohh
Footballguy
KC got rid of Bennett because of his upside and the future picks said upside would bring them. They are clearly rebuilding and have a clear-cut franchise back in LJ. No one would mistake Bennett for Ladanian to be sure but I agree with the assessment that TB would not have given up picks (when they clearly need talent) if they did not fully intend to use what they got in return. Pics are just too valuable in the NFL. He's not going to light the league on fire but he is worth a spot if you need the depth. And if you are hurting at the RB position, why not?
3C's
Footballguy
KC couldn't/wouldn't have gotten a thing in trade for Smith. They traded Bennett because he had value.
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
I'm not denying he had the most trade value. Nice job by KC for getting something for him.However, don't pick up Bennett expecting him to become the starter in TB.
oneohh
Footballguy
I'm not denying he had the most trade value. Nice job by KC for getting something for him.
However, don't pick up Bennett expecting him to become the starter in TB.
Why? What do you have to substantiate that? So they GAVE those picks away? What was it, a favor?
Hello, John.
Hi, Herm.
Listen, we're rebuilding and you guys haven't been using your picks all that well lately and...
And what?
Well I was wondering if you wanted Michael Bennett in exchange for a couple of your picks?
Sure, no problem. We probably won't play him, but hell, you seem like a nice guy Herm. We'll even pay for the move.
He'll play.
However, don't pick up Bennett expecting him to become the starter in TB.
Why? What do you have to substantiate that? So they GAVE those picks away? What was it, a favor?
Hello, John.
Hi, Herm.
Listen, we're rebuilding and you guys haven't been using your picks all that well lately and...
And what?
Well I was wondering if you wanted Michael Bennett in exchange for a couple of your picks?
Sure, no problem. We probably won't play him, but hell, you seem like a nice guy Herm. We'll even pay for the move.
He'll play.
~Haze~
Footballguy
Instead of using the 
I'm going to mark this thread with a comment...
The Shark pool has become a disgusting excuse for a football message board because of the ignorant posters that try to be snide instead of actually contributing to the discussion at hand.
I'll keep my eyes open for news, plays, info and even check this thread for it. In the mean time, contribute (seriously) or shut up. Your {collective} ignorance makes this place an embarrassment for the owners and staff.
I'm going to mark this thread with a comment...The Shark pool has become a disgusting excuse for a football message board because of the ignorant posters that try to be snide instead of actually contributing to the discussion at hand.
I'll keep my eyes open for news, plays, info and even check this thread for it. In the mean time, contribute (seriously) or shut up. Your {collective} ignorance makes this place an embarrassment for the owners and staff.
oneohh
Footballguy
What the hell are you talking about? It's a football forum. We are not discussing world peace. Go sit on your remote and see if you can remember how to smile.Instead of using the
bcr8f
Footballguy
Snide BS comes from all of us ex Bennett owners who learned our lesson.
H.K.
Footballguy
~Haze~ Find Member's Posts Today, 03:45 PM Post #32Instead of using the
The Shark pool has become a disgusting excuse for a football message board because of the ignorant posters that try to be snide instead of actually contributing to the discussion at hand.
I'll keep my eyes open for news, plays, info and even check this thread for it. In the mean time, contribute (seriously) or shut up. Your {collective} ignorance makes this place an embarrassment for the owners and staff.
Footballguy
Group: Members
Joined: 9-October 07
Member No.: 30148
The guy is a pretty quick study, he figured this place out in two weeks.
Just so you know, Haze, it's never going to change. People are attracted to great things and that great thing is helpless in any effort to filter those attracted. And so, the better this place gets, the more diversity it will attract.Not much different than other things in life, you just have to fight through it as many in this thread have. If you let it drive you insane, well you'll go insane.That said, you're spot on.Instead of using the
Evening gents, I havent posted here before so apologies if this question should be asked on a different thread but seeing as it's a thread about Tampa Running Backs I thought it would be ok to ask here -
The question basically is ' will Zack Crockett play any part in the Tampa Offense tomorrow and in particular in goal line situations?'.
He didnt do anything last week and it's his 13th year in the NFL now but it's just bothering me a bit that he's a 'Gruden' player - he scored 17 TDs in Gruden's Oakland Offense between 1999 and 2001.
I'm wondering whether Bennett's arrival will mean that Graham can now have all the goal line touches as he wont have to carry the entire running load or if we're going to see Crockett in some short yardage situations, especially on the Detroit 1.
Havent had any luck finding info on this.
The question basically is ' will Zack Crockett play any part in the Tampa Offense tomorrow and in particular in goal line situations?'.
He didnt do anything last week and it's his 13th year in the NFL now but it's just bothering me a bit that he's a 'Gruden' player - he scored 17 TDs in Gruden's Oakland Offense between 1999 and 2001.
I'm wondering whether Bennett's arrival will mean that Graham can now have all the goal line touches as he wont have to carry the entire running load or if we're going to see Crockett in some short yardage situations, especially on the Detroit 1.
Havent had any luck finding info on this.
mr. furley
Footballguy
having watched Bennett in college and then seeing him quite a bit in the NFL... the guy is a straight line runner with no wiggle, no power and a complete inability to stay healthy.
he's a sprinter. not a football player.
he needs enormous holes to run through and a head of steam to make anything happen. he goes down easily on contact.
if TB has a line like Bennett had his 2nd season in Minny or during his time at UW, then expect good things. if they have an average or lesser line... expect him to suck. a lot.
he's a sprinter. not a football player.
he needs enormous holes to run through and a head of steam to make anything happen. he goes down easily on contact.
if TB has a line like Bennett had his 2nd season in Minny or during his time at UW, then expect good things. if they have an average or lesser line... expect him to suck. a lot.
mr. furley
Footballguy
as for people saying that the Bucs wouldn't have given up 2 picks for a guy to ride the pine.... i think back to when Mike Sherman traded a 5th and 6th pick to the Chiefs for something named R-Kal Truluck
who proceeded to play in maybe a half-dozen games.. during which he was a miserable failure. maybe the team's 11th best d-lineman out of 9 or 10 players at that position. he was just horrible. horrible.
GM's don't always make smart/correct decisions every time.
who proceeded to play in maybe a half-dozen games.. during which he was a miserable failure. maybe the team's 11th best d-lineman out of 9 or 10 players at that position. he was just horrible. horrible.
GM's don't always make smart/correct decisions every time.
~Haze~
Footballguy
Sometimes I forget that I am not posting under my main UN, which is suffering from a little separation anxiety.~Haze~ Find Member's Posts Today, 03:45 PM Post #32Instead of using theI'm going to mark this thread with a comment...
The Shark pool has become a disgusting excuse for a football message board because of the ignorant posters that try to be snide instead of actually contributing to the discussion at hand.
I'll keep my eyes open for news, plays, info and even check this thread for it. In the mean time, contribute (seriously) or shut up. Your {collective} ignorance makes this place an embarrassment for the owners and staff.
Footballguy
Group: Members
Joined: 9-October 07
Member No.: 30148
The guy is a pretty quick study, he figured this place out in two weeks.
Flying V
Footballguy
I can't answer your question, but your sig is the best I've ever seen.
Fantaholic
Footballguy
With all due respect Joe how can you say that with absolute certainty? Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that this is your opinion? I don't think anyone but Jon Gruden can answer the question of what role is intended for Michael Bennett for the Bucs in 2007. It's all specualtion, which is fine, just not definitive.Jeff Pasquino said:
az_prof
Footballguy
Fair enough; they do make mistakes. But did Truluck get a chance? And, had he ever had a Pro-Bowl season prior? I don't know if Bennett will get hurt again or how effective he will be in the TB offense, but I do think he will get a chance to be the guy once he learns the offense.mr. furley said:
Sleeper 43
Footballguy
Bottom line is the Bucs didn't give up draft picks for a 3rd down back. E Graham has accomplished WAY less then Bennett has and he been around for awhile too,... riding pine and on the practice squad.If Bennett knew the playbook he would be starting THIS week. Hell he barley knows a thing and hes going to get snaps tomorrow as is !The ONLY knock on Bennett is he is injury prone when given the full work-load.Ok, let's just look at Bennett's career.2001 (rookie season) - Comes in as the starting RB from training camp, but only gets 172 carries in a full season of work. Did average 4.0 YPC, so I'll chalk it up as a successful rookie campaign. 2002 (pro bowl season) 255 carries and cracks 1200 yards, which is an excellent season. Bumped up to 5.1 YPC...only drawback was only 5 rushing TDs because Moe Williams played the goalline vulture.2003 (first injury - ankle) - Misses the first 8 games with injury, leading to the arrival of the Whizzinator on the Vikings radar. Comes back and gets 90 carries in the final 9 games (about 10 a game). Does average 5.0 YPC again, though. 2004 (second injury - knee injury) - Misses the first 6 weeks with injury. Comes back to only 70 carries over the next 11 games, which gives him five more than Mewelde Moore for the season, and puts him well behind the Whizzinator. YPC down to 3.9.2005 (last hurrah in Minnesota) - Starts the year banged up but plays, although sparingly, as Mewelde Moore logs most of the early year carries. Around Week 9 is where he starts to see regular carries, but doesn't do much with them (Best game is 22 carries for 79 yards). YPC down to 3.8.2006 (Saints) - Signs with the Saints as the backup to Deuce McAllister. The Saints draft Reggie Bush. McAllister and Bush becomes starters 1A and 1B, so Bennett competes with Aaron Stecker for the backup role, and loses to AARON STECKER!!!!!!! Traded to Kansas City.2006 (Chiefs) - Comes in to backup Larry Johnson. Misses five more games with two seperate injuries during the season (Hamstring, and ankle). Most carries he sees in a game is 10 for 38 yards. YPC jumps to 5.6, but only on 36 carries for the entire season. 2007 (Chiefs) - In 2007, he's carried 20 times for 52 yard (YPC of 2.6) and lost his job to Kolby Smith and Priest HolmesThe bottom line from looking over his career is this:Bennett had promise, and great speed when he broke in. His injuries in 2003 and 2004 significantly hurt his speed to where he lost his starting job to Onterrio Smith (no longer in football) and Mewelde Moore (career backup).He went to New Orleans and couldn't beat out Aaron Stecker to make that team. And he eventually lost his job in Kansas City to Kolby Smith. That's three jobs he lost to running backs who showed nothing in their play or have not shown anything yet. Add to it that whenever he sees significant time, he seems to get injured, and how can anyone thinka) he's going to get the majority of carries at this point in his career when he hasn't averaged more than 10 a game in a season since before 2003.b) he would hold up if he did.c) he's anywhere near the caliber of back he was his first two years before his all-world speed took a hit.At best, he's a third down back in the Tampa offense. He may show flashes and pull off one really good productive game, but he's there for depth, and as a 3rd & long receiving option. Nothing more.Graham's the best bet to get any production until Pittman comes back, then it's time to reassess again.Bennett got hurt in Minn and Tice and company drafted something like 20 more rb's to replace him. Kind of a tough spot in both NO (Deuce/Bush) and KC (LJ). Who would be starting in front of those guys? Not many.Graham's a 3rd string RB who's never gotten a shot...Bennett's a RB who's gotten shots to earn some carries THREE different places. He bottomed out in Minnesota. He bottomed out in New Orleans. And he lost his job to Kolby Smith and a 34 year old guy with neck and spine issues in Kansas Cityjust a hunch - since Ernest Graham started the season as a 3rd string RB/ short yardage back and has shown nothing in his limited time in the lineup that he is a good fit for that offense.Now that's just crazy. Bennett will get some playing time. Might even get the majority of touches for a few weeks. But when Pittman comes back it'll be a 3 headed monster.
gregjcross
Footballguy
please nobody take the bait on michael bennet or yet another Gruden reclamation project
Bottom line is the Bucs didn't give up draft picks for a 3rd down back. E Graham has accomplished WAY less then Bennett has and he been around for awhile too,... riding pine and on the practice squad.If Bennett knew the playbook he would be starting THIS week. Hell he barley knows a thing and hes going to get snaps tomorrow as is !The ONLY knock on Bennett is he is injury prone when given the full work-load.Ok, let's just look at Bennett's career.2001 (rookie season) - Comes in as the starting RB from training camp, but only gets 172 carries in a full season of work. Did average 4.0 YPC, so I'll chalk it up as a successful rookie campaign. 2002 (pro bowl season) 255 carries and cracks 1200 yards, which is an excellent season. Bumped up to 5.1 YPC...only drawback was only 5 rushing TDs because Moe Williams played the goalline vulture.2003 (first injury - ankle) - Misses the first 8 games with injury, leading to the arrival of the Whizzinator on the Vikings radar. Comes back and gets 90 carries in the final 9 games (about 10 a game). Does average 5.0 YPC again, though. 2004 (second injury - knee injury) - Misses the first 6 weeks with injury. Comes back to only 70 carries over the next 11 games, which gives him five more than Mewelde Moore for the season, and puts him well behind the Whizzinator. YPC down to 3.9.2005 (last hurrah in Minnesota) - Starts the year banged up but plays, although sparingly, as Mewelde Moore logs most of the early year carries. Around Week 9 is where he starts to see regular carries, but doesn't do much with them (Best game is 22 carries for 79 yards). YPC down to 3.8.2006 (Saints) - Signs with the Saints as the backup to Deuce McAllister. The Saints draft Reggie Bush. McAllister and Bush becomes starters 1A and 1B, so Bennett competes with Aaron Stecker for the backup role, and loses to AARON STECKER!!!!!!! Traded to Kansas City.2006 (Chiefs) - Comes in to backup Larry Johnson. Misses five more games with two seperate injuries during the season (Hamstring, and ankle). Most carries he sees in a game is 10 for 38 yards. YPC jumps to 5.6, but only on 36 carries for the entire season. 2007 (Chiefs) - In 2007, he's carried 20 times for 52 yard (YPC of 2.6) and lost his job to Kolby Smith and Priest HolmesThe bottom line from looking over his career is this:Bennett had promise, and great speed when he broke in. His injuries in 2003 and 2004 significantly hurt his speed to where he lost his starting job to Onterrio Smith (no longer in football) and Mewelde Moore (career backup).He went to New Orleans and couldn't beat out Aaron Stecker to make that team. And he eventually lost his job in Kansas City to Kolby Smith. That's three jobs he lost to running backs who showed nothing in their play or have not shown anything yet. Add to it that whenever he sees significant time, he seems to get injured, and how can anyone thinka) he's going to get the majority of carries at this point in his career when he hasn't averaged more than 10 a game in a season since before 2003.b) he would hold up if he did.c) he's anywhere near the caliber of back he was his first two years before his all-world speed took a hit.At best, he's a third down back in the Tampa offense. He may show flashes and pull off one really good productive game, but he's there for depth, and as a 3rd & long receiving option. Nothing more.Graham's the best bet to get any production until Pittman comes back, then it's time to reassess again.Bennett got hurt in Minn and Tice and company drafted something like 20 more rb's to replace him. Kind of a tough spot in both NO (Deuce/Bush) and KC (LJ). Who would be starting in front of those guys? Not many.Graham's a 3rd string RB who's never gotten a shot...Bennett's a RB who's gotten shots to earn some carries THREE different places. He bottomed out in Minnesota. He bottomed out in New Orleans. And he lost his job to Kolby Smith and a 34 year old guy with neck and spine issues in Kansas Cityjust a hunch - since Ernest Graham started the season as a 3rd string RB/ short yardage back and has shown nothing in his limited time in the lineup that he is a good fit for that offense.Now that's just crazy. Bennett will get some playing time. Might even get the majority of touches for a few weeks. But when Pittman comes back it'll be a 3 headed monster.
Jeff Pasquino
Footballguy
Fantaholic,First of all, it is "Jeff" not "Joe".
Secondly, the portion you bolded has an inherent opinion sound to it to me. If that wasn't clear, read up a little higher at my prior post (bolded above and repeated here):
Jeff Pasquino said:
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Neil Beaufort Zod
Footballguy
Why would Tampa give up two draft picks if they didn't think he could be a significant contributor, if not a fill-in starter? If they just needed a "guy" they could have signed Lionel Gates or someone else (I heard they were considering Gates earlier). The picked Bennett because they think he still has something to offer, and their other choices were not available. I think he'll definitely get a chance this week to show what he has. If he does something with his carries, he'll get more. In a PPR his potential is even higher.
