Other than the fact that he's a complete headcase, he can't pass block or receive out of the backfield, that's good reason to stray from using him. Now, if it comes down to having a well-rounded RB who's under-performing vs. a one dimensional RB who runs hard and picks up extra yardage, I'm still thinking TB will stick with the former for as long as they can. My biggest problem in the end though, is that Blount NEEDS to touch the ball 20 times a game to have any real value. His lack of receiving skills caps his upside if he's a apart of a RBBC. He's worth the stash, but he'll need a Martin injury to occur to be anything more than a flex play given the right match-up.
He catches a ton of flak for his pass blocking and receiving ability. Last year the team played from behind and abandoned the run early. I don't think he's nearly as bad at either skill as his reputation suggests.Among RB who were pass blocked 25% of passing plays or more, he ranked number 13 out of 66 in pass blocking efficiency by PFF. Earnest Graham was a more successful pass blocker, but he didn't stay back as often to block. Kregg Lumpkin did and he ranked 66 out of 66. Lumpkin was in on 120 more passing plays, and was held back to block 37 more times, but allowed pressure to get to Freeman eight times more often than Blount.
LeGarrette didn't have many targets, but when he did, he caught the ball and made plays. Ray Rice has a slightly better catch rate, but Blount's was better than Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson, Arian Foster, and Graham. When he has the ball in space he's a load to bring down.
The coaching staff is a lot smarter than I am and they seem to agree with you, or he would get more blocking/receiving options, so what do I know?
I don't know him personally and I wouldn't hire him if he's not punctual, but is he really a complete headcase? He punched someone after a game, that was a dumb move. Here's his arrest record in as much detail as I can find:
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Yes, I am a disappointed owner, but I don't expect much from him this year. His trade value won't get much lower, he does have upside and there's nothing more enticing in free agency.