Bucs May Be Closing In On RB Bennett? (1 Viewer)

[cmv5]

Bucs may be closing in on Bennett

Bucs May Be Closing In On RB Bennett

Posted By Roy Cummings at Oct 15, 2007 at 11:45 PM

Updated Oct 15, 2007 at 11:46 PM

TAMPA – The Bucs may have found the running back they’ve been looking for in Kansas City.

Word out of that town late Monday was that the Bucs were working a deal that would bring Michael Bennett to Tampa. Details of the trade, which would have to be completed by 4 p.m. today, were uncertain.

For Bennett, however, a backup who has run the ball just 20 times for 52 yards this year, the Bucs would probably be asked to surrender nothing more than a second-day draft pick.

Such a move would bolster the Bucs corps of running backs. It would give them a veteran back who has the ability to run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield.

The Bucs have been on the lookout for a back since Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman went down with injuries, leaving the Bucs to start their third-string tailback and third-string fullback.

The Bucs signed veteran Zack Crockett and former Buc Lionel Gates last week to fill the void at the position but vowed to keep looking for upgrades, primarily at tailback.

Any search the Bucs have begun will have to end today at 4 p.m. as that is the deadline for trades to be consummated this season. The report on Bennett comes one day after the Bucs were limited to just 30 yards rushing in a 13-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium.

In the last two weeks the Bucs have produced just 47 rushing yards, the fewest in the league over that stretch.

 

[countingcrow]

Just grabbed him...

 

[captbly]

Just grabbed him...

Jaguars Asking For 3rd Round Pick For RB ToefieldMichael C. Wright, Florida Times-Union - [Full Article]The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly asking for a third round draft pick in exchange for running back LaBrandon Toefield. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have inquired about Toefield, but have only offered a fifth round pick in return.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Michael Bennett - RB - KC

The Bucs reportedly may be on the verge of acquiring Michael Bennett from the Chiefs.

It's uncertain what the Chiefs' asking price is, but it shouldn't be more than a fourth-round pick. The injury-prone Bennett hasn't been an effective backup since 2003. That the Chiefs are apparently willing to deal him, however, may mean that they believe Priest Holmes (PUP, neck) is ready to play again. The trade deadline is at 4PM Eastern Time Tuesday. | 10/15/2007 11:53:00 PM

 

[Bandit]

Does anyone else think that Pittman will still be the main running back when he comes back, even if Tampa makes a trade? If the Bucs are out of the playoff race, they won't need to rush Pittman back, but I think they'll stay in the race.

 

[weasel3515]

The fact is that whomever it is will not see the end zone much as Gruden is the most pass-heavy coach in the league. The schedule is favorable but don't get your expectations up too high.

 

[Craig]

The fact is that whomever it is will not see the end zone much as Gruden is the most pass-heavy coach in the league. The schedule is favorable but don't get your expectations up too high.

Michael Bennett is a good receiver out of the backfield. He would fill Pittman's role pretty well as would Mewelde Moore. I just dropped Mrs. Warner and picked up Bennett just in case.It will be interesting to see if Priest actually plays another down in the NFL.

 

[PahtyTom]

I was just checking out the Tampa Bay message board, and if this is true, it seems some of the fans there feel as though Bennett will be a backup to Graham.

 

[MrPhoenix]

This is all a ploy to motivate Matt Millen to trade Tatum Bell to the Bucs.

 

[enfuego]

The fact is that whomever it is will not see the end zone much as Gruden is the most pass-heavy coach in the league. The schedule is favorable but don't get your expectations up too high.

Michael Bennett is a good receiver out of the backfield. He would fill Pittman's role pretty well as would Mewelde Moore. I just dropped Mrs. Warner and picked up Bennett just in case.It will be interesting to see if Priest actually plays another down in the NFL.

There is the key to playing RB for Gruden....

 

[QuizGuy66]

Well the KC fan I happened to be watching last week's game had nothing but bad things to say about Bennett FWIW.

-QG

 

[Michael Brown]

Trade link

 

[jeter23]

The Kansas City Star is reporting that the Chiefs have traded RB Michael Bennett to the Buccaneers.

The deal isn't official, but Bennett told the paper he was informed of the deal by both teams. It's uncertain what the Chiefs' got, but it shouldn't be more than a fourth-round pick. The injury-prone Bennett hasn't been an effective backup since 2003. The deal could be an indication the Chiefs believe Priest Holmes (PUP, neck) is ready to play again. For now, Kolby Smith will be Larry Johnson's primary backup.

 

[Craig]

The fact is that whomever it is will not see the end zone much as Gruden is the most pass-heavy coach in the league. The schedule is favorable but don't get your expectations up too high.

Michael Bennett is a good receiver out of the backfield. He would fill Pittman's role pretty well as would Mewelde Moore. I just dropped Mrs. Warner and picked up Bennett just in case.It will be interesting to see if Priest actually plays another down in the NFL.

There is the key to playing RB for Gruden....

Spot on!. That is why it made sense and it happened. For me, Bennett is trade bait, but, a potential starting RB is valuable.One owner hurting at RB just offered me Boldin for Bennett. I am waiting on other offers. I don't need any more RB's, but I do need WR's.

If Bennett is available in your league (redraft), grab him quick.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

I'm not sure I can get excited about Bennett, no matter what. No lateral movement or hip wiggle, poor vision, an average receiver (if that) and the Bucs want this guy? This guy has always run stiff and is a straight-line runner. His only asset is his speed. Not a good match for the Bucs IMO. I think this speaks more highly of Kolby Smith than Bennett.

 

[southeastjerome]

The fact is that whomever it is will not see the end zone much as Gruden is the most pass-heavy coach in the league. The schedule is favorable but don't get your expectations up too high.

Michael Bennett is a good receiver out of the backfield. He would fill Pittman's role pretty well as would Mewelde Moore. I just dropped Mrs. Warner and picked up Bennett just in case.It will be interesting to see if Priest actually plays another down in the NFL.

There is the key to playing RB for Gruden....

Spot on!. That is why it made sense and it happened. For me, Bennett is trade bait, but, a potential starting RB is valuable.One owner hurting at RB just offered me Boldin for Bennett. I am waiting on other offers. I don't need any more RB's, but I do need WR's.

If Bennett is available in your league (redraft), grab him quick.

Boldin for Bennett? Wow. I would accept that before he changes his mind or it comes out that he'll be splitting carries with Ernest Graham.

 

[Bri]

Just grabbed him...

Jaguars Asking For 3rd Round Pick For RB ToefieldMichael C. Wright, Florida Times-Union - [Full Article]The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly asking for a third round draft pick in exchange for running back LaBrandon Toefield. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have inquired about Toefield, but have only offered a fifth round pick in return.

He hasn't played(maybe games but not plays) enough to warrant that high of a pick IMO. I know a select few out there still think he has talent and a future but cmon now, he's done precious little in the NFL.

 

[David Yudkin]

I own both Holmes and Bennett in a few leagues, so could be a situation worth keeping my eyes on.

 

[Bri]

The Kansas City Star is reporting that the Chiefs have traded RB Michael Bennett to the Buccaneers.The deal isn't official, but Bennett told the paper he was informed of the deal by both teams. It's uncertain what the Chiefs' got, but it shouldn't be more than a fourth-round pick. The injury-prone Bennett hasn't been an effective backup since 2003. The deal could be an indication the Chiefs believe Priest Holmes (PUP, neck) is ready to play again. For now, Kolby Smith will be Larry Johnson's primary backup.

Thanks for the updateI don't think Bennett's tough enough. I don't know what it is but he's not the same guy he was in Minny years ago. Is he running scared now? scared of getting hurt? Is he just not the same after the injury? He did look real good years ago but I don't think he's the answer here for TB.Also IMO it's Oline issues and play calls. I don't think anyone other than a real stud like LJ or LT2 would have done well in recent weeks, and even they would have had to move some piles and put some esp nice moves on defenders to do well.Also, is it just me or is no one believing Priest is a possibility?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I was just checking out the Tampa Bay message board, and if this is true, it seems some of the fans there feel as though Bennett will be a backup to Graham.

Graham's performance on Sunday didn't do much to cement his job. He'll be given more chances, but the Bucs see a chance to make a run now. They aren't going to let Graham "grow into the role." He needs to show something against the Lions (which is entirely possible).

 

[Bri]

Also, is it just me or is no one believing Priest is a possibility?

Didn't see thishttp://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...howtopic=356312

 

[Bri]

I was just checking out the Tampa Bay message board, and if this is true, it seems some of the fans there feel as though Bennett will be a backup to Graham.

Graham's performance on Sunday didn't do much to cement his job. He'll be given more chances, but the Bucs see a chance to make a run now. They aren't going to let Graham "grow into the role." He needs to show something against the Lions (which is entirely possible).

what did he do wrong and/or not well?I watched alot of that game and Tennessee's D line played great IMO and oWned Tampa's line on running plays

 

[3MTA3]

So does Khreem Smith become LJs backup?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I was just checking out the Tampa Bay message board, and if this is true, it seems some of the fans there feel as though Bennett will be a backup to Graham.

Graham's performance on Sunday didn't do much to cement his job. He'll be given more chances, but the Bucs see a chance to make a run now. They aren't going to let Graham "grow into the role." He needs to show something against the Lions (which is entirely possible).

what did he do wrong and/or not well?I watched alot of that game and Tennessee's D line played great IMO and oWned Tampa's line on running plays

He didn't show anything. He can break down weak defenses late in a game, but you have to do something when you're playing a playoff-caliber team. I'm not saying the line was playing well, but you have to step up and do something when given a chance...or you'll lose it. If they were really happy with Graham they would have backed him up with Darby and signed a nobody as depth. I don't think it's a coincidence that they make this trade after the game. They wanted to see if they had to bother giving up a draft pick. And they think they did. He's not finished, but he didn't do much to cement his job. That's all.

 

[H.K.]

He didn't show anything. He can break down weak defenses late in a game, but you have to do something when you're playing a playoff-caliber team. I'm not saying the line was playing well, but you have to step up and do something when given a chance...or you'll lose it. If they were really happy with Graham they would have backed him up with Darby and signed a nobody as depth. I don't think it's a coincidence that they make this trade after the game. They wanted to see if they had to bother giving up a draft pick. And they think they did.

He's not finished, but he didn't do much to cement his job. That's all.

I agree with your post, but I don't understand the Darby part. Are you saying they cut Darby for Gates because they didn't like Graham? If so, why?

 

[Couch Potato]

Every time people begin to get excited about Bennett I like to keep in mind a stat that I don't think many realize.

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times... and in those three games his YPC was 3.7 (29/106 in 2002), 4.1 (25/103 in 2003), and 3.6 (22/79 in 2005). Also, he scored zero TDs in his 18 games over two seasons in KC in 2006 ands 2007.

No one should think for a second he is going to TB to take on a workhorse role. He'll be a complementary player and no more.

To an earlier poster -- give up Bennett for Boldin? In a nanosecond!

 

[3C's]

Every time people begin to get excited about Bennett I like to keep in mind a stat that I don't think many realize.

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times... and in those three games his YPC was 3.7 (29/106 in 2002), 4.1 (25/103 in 2003), and 3.6 (22/79 in 2005). Also, he scored zero TDs in his 18 games over two seasons in KC in 2006 ands 2007.

No one should think for a second he is going to TB to take on a workhorse role. He'll be a complementary player and no more.

To an earlier poster -- give up Bennett for Boldin? In a nanosecond!

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

 

[Arnold. S]

Every time people begin to get excited about Bennett I like to keep in mind a stat that I don't think many realize.

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times... and in those three games his YPC was 3.7 (29/106 in 2002), 4.1 (25/103 in 2003), and 3.6 (22/79 in 2005). Also, he scored zero TDs in his 18 games over two seasons in KC in 2006 ands 2007.

No one should think for a second he is going to TB to take on a workhorse role. He'll be a complementary player and no more.

To an earlier poster -- give up Bennett for Boldin? In a nanosecond!

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

a less talented, less experienced version of Charlie Garner/Tyron Wheatley combo?

 

[BigTex]

Has anyone seen Capella? Probably over at the FFA causing mayhem. If anyone sees him, tell him he's needed please.

Thank you

 

[Andy Dufresne]

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

He had one good season five years ago - which is a lifetime in NFL running back terms. And he's a terrible pass catcher. The one thing he had when he did have that good season was SPEED. I think he was faster than Randy Moss at the time. But then he hurt his leg/ankle (can't remember which) and he hasn't been close to the same since. Anyone expecting a Bennett rennaisance is fooling themselves.

 

[uconnalum]

It's a done deal. 620 WDAE has been reporting it as a trade that was made last night.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

Has anyone seen Capella? Probably over at the FFA causing mayhem. If anyone sees him, tell him he's needed please.Thank you

It's not even 9AM fella. Chill.

 

[Couch Potato]

Every time people begin to get excited about Bennett I like to keep in mind a stat that I don't think many realize.

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times... and in those three games his YPC was 3.7 (29/106 in 2002), 4.1 (25/103 in 2003), and 3.6 (22/79 in 2005). Also, he scored zero TDs in his 18 games over two seasons in KC in 2006 ands 2007.

No one should think for a second he is going to TB to take on a workhorse role. He'll be a complementary player and no more.

To an earlier poster -- give up Bennett for Boldin? In a nanosecond!

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

I disagree. 2002 is an eternity ago in the NFL. He's not a 'large role' type. Minnesota found that out or they would have kept him, and he's been a journeyman backup since (Saints, then dealt to KC when Bush was drafted).I have him on 3 teams, but I have no illusions that I've struck gold because of this trade.

 

[zamboni]

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times...

Wow - never would have guessed that. He wasn't a starting feature back for long, but I'm surprised that even in his one good year, he rarely carried the ball more than 20 times. Of course, being in a Denny Green offense with Culpepper at QB probably had something to do with it.

 

[Brutis]

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

He had one good season five years ago - which is a lifetime in NFL running back terms. And he's a terrible pass catcher. The one thing he had when he did have that good season was SPEED. I think he was faster than Randy Moss at the time. But then he hurt his leg/ankle (can't remember which) and he hasn't been close to the same since. Anyone expecting a Bennett rennaisance is fooling themselves.

I agree, he is much more valuable to his fantasy owners if he just stays in KC. Bottom line, if he is traded to the Bucs he is competing with a career 3rd stringer in Earnest Graham. I like his chances over that.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times...

Wow - never would have guessed that. He wasn't a starting feature back for long, but I'm surprised that even in his one good year, he rarely carried the ball more than 20 times. Of course, being in a Denny Green offense with Culpepper at QB probably had something to do with it.

Culpepper was actually pretty bad that year. Moss was pretty good though - 106/1347/7

 

[3C's]

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

He had one good season five years ago - which is a lifetime in NFL running back terms. And he's a terrible pass catcher. The one thing he had when he did have that good season was SPEED. I think he was faster than Randy Moss at the time. But then he hurt his leg/ankle (can't remember which) and he hasn't been close to the same since. Anyone expecting a Bennett rennaisance is fooling themselves.

I wouldn't expect a 1000yd/6td season (or anything close to it), but his competition is Earnest Graham and Lionel Gates. He could have a large role in the TB offense.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

He had one good season five years ago - which is a lifetime in NFL running back terms. And he's a terrible pass catcher. The one thing he had when he did have that good season was SPEED. I think he was faster than Randy Moss at the time. But then he hurt his leg/ankle (can't remember which) and he hasn't been close to the same since. Anyone expecting a Bennett rennaisance is fooling themselves.

I agree, he is much more valuable to his fantasy owners if he just stays in KC. Bottom line, if he is traded to the Bucs he is competing with a career 3rd stringer in Earnest Graham. I like his chances over that.

He's shown nothing on the field in five years, so even if he does beat out Graham, so what?

 

[Andy Dufresne]

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

He had one good season five years ago - which is a lifetime in NFL running back terms. And he's a terrible pass catcher. The one thing he had when he did have that good season was SPEED. I think he was faster than Randy Moss at the time. But then he hurt his leg/ankle (can't remember which) and he hasn't been close to the same since. Anyone expecting a Bennett rennaisance is fooling themselves.

I wouldn't expect a 1000yd/6td season (or anything close to it), but his competition is Earnest Graham and Lionel Gates. He could have a large role in the TB offense.

He's small and is taken down on first contact. Plus he doesn't have the speed he once did.He may have a large role, but he'll have little impact.It's just my guys. If you're thinking differently, I don't mind.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Every time people begin to get excited about Bennett I like to keep in mind a stat that I don't think many realize.

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times... and in those three games his YPC was 3.7 (29/106 in 2002), 4.1 (25/103 in 2003), and 3.6 (22/79 in 2005). Also, he scored zero TDs in his 18 games over two seasons in KC in 2006 ands 2007.

No one should think for a second he is going to TB to take on a workhorse role. He'll be a complementary player and no more.

To an earlier poster -- give up Bennett for Boldin? In a nanosecond!

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

It's 2007 now...about 40 years have passed in RB years.

 

[3C's]

Every time people begin to get excited about Bennett I like to keep in mind a stat that I don't think many realize.

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times... and in those three games his YPC was 3.7 (29/106 in 2002), 4.1 (25/103 in 2003), and 3.6 (22/79 in 2005). Also, he scored zero TDs in his 18 games over two seasons in KC in 2006 ands 2007.

No one should think for a second he is going to TB to take on a workhorse role. He'll be a complementary player and no more.

To an earlier poster -- give up Bennett for Boldin? In a nanosecond!

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

It's 2007 now...about 40 years have passed in RB years.

Not when you're a backup and not taking all the hits.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

It's 2007 now...about 40 years have passed in RB years.

Not when you're a backup and not taking all the hits.

I see. The Saints and Cheifs were just saving him until they really needed him. I wonder why they never needed him? You would have thought that he could have taken SOME of the 420 touches that Larry Johnson got last season, what with all that talent and everything.(Okay, that was pretty snotty. )

 

[zamboni]

Michael Bennett, in his entire career of 81 games through last weekend, has carried the ball more than 20 times in a game just three times...

Wow - never would have guessed that. He wasn't a starting feature back for long, but I'm surprised that even in his one good year, he rarely carried the ball more than 20 times. Of course, being in a Denny Green offense with Culpepper at QB probably had something to do with it.

Culpepper was actually pretty bad that year. Moss was pretty good though - 106/1347/7

I meant that having Culpepper back there took some of the carries away from Bennett. Indeed, Culpepper had 105 carries and 10 TDs that year in addition to his less than stellar passing stats.My bad about Denny Green though - it was Tice coaching at the time.

 

[3C's]

It's 2007 now...about 40 years have passed in RB years.

Not when you're a backup and not taking all the hits.

I see. The Saints and Cheifs were just saving him until they really needed him. I wonder why they never needed him? You would have thought that he could have taken SOME of the 420 touches that Larry Johnson got last season, what with all that talent and everything.(Okay, that was pretty snotty. )

No, that's fine. And a good point. I'd counter with 3 names. Deuce, Reggie (made him expendable) and LJ (Herm will ride him into the ground no matter who the backup is). He did have some carries last year. And averaged 5ypc.

 

[Brutis]

The bottom line is Bennetts value increases and his situation is much better in TB than if he stays in KC. I dont think thats debatable.

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

He also had 1600+ total yards and 6 tds in 2002. Backing up LJ in 2006 and 2007 means you're not going to get much action. So, he's definitely a guy who could very quickly take on a large role in TB.

He had one good season five years ago - which is a lifetime in NFL running back terms. And he's a terrible pass catcher. The one thing he had when he did have that good season was SPEED. I think he was faster than Randy Moss at the time. But then he hurt his leg/ankle (can't remember which) and he hasn't been close to the same since. Anyone expecting a Bennett rennaisance is fooling themselves.

I wouldn't expect a 1000yd/6td season (or anything close to it), but his competition is Earnest Graham and Lionel Gates. He could have a large role in the TB offense.

He's small and is taken down on first contact. Plus he doesn't have the speed he once did.He may have a large role, but he'll have little impact.It's just my guys. If you're thinking differently, I don't mind.

Agree. He's always been just a sprinter. And I can't imagine he hasn't lost some speed; not good -- especially so when you can't brake tackles.However, what I think is getting lost in this thread is the difference in each poster's needs. For some, 12-15 touches, and the shot at a TD is a nice hole to have filled...especially in week 7, so they're all over it and rightfully so. Arguing that there is significant talent there is wishful thinking; I think that's been proven.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

The bottom line is Bennetts value increases and his situation is much better in TB than if he stays in KC. I dont think thats debatable.

That is true. Enough to warrant a fantasy roster spot? Depends on the roster I suppose.I can see why someone would take a chance on him.

 

[3C's]

The bottom line is Bennetts value increases and his situation is much better in TB than if he stays in KC. I dont think thats debatable.

That is true. Enough to warrant a fantasy roster spot? Depends on the roster I suppose.I can see why someone would take a chance on him.

Deep leagues. Sure. It's worth sticking him at the end of the bench and seeing what happens. A potential starting rb who could be a decent bye week filler. Will he become a top 20 rb? No way. But he might help for a week or 2.

 

[towney]

Time to unload Graham?

 

[Brutis]

The bottom line is Bennetts value increases and his situation is much better in TB than if he stays in KC. I dont think thats debatable.

That is true. Enough to warrant a fantasy roster spot? Depends on the roster I suppose.I can see why someone would take a chance on him.

I have him on 2 dynasty rosters backing up LJ so its not like im taking a chance on the guy. He is on my roster for insurance and nothing more. I would much rather have him in TB tho, no question about it.