3C's
Footballguy
Not yet. But I don't think I'd be starting him unless you have no other choices.Time to unload Graham?
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Bucs May Be Closing In On RB Bennett? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter cmv5
- Start date
Bodysnatcher
Footballguy
This only seems important to those who need to pick up Larry Johnson's new backup. Michael Bennet is a dead end road. Someone to come in on passing downs, and change the pace of Graham. You have to remember that Bennet has no idea what TB running system is, and they aren't going to hand him the reigns.
Nigel Tufnel
Footballguy
Thought Graham might be a good play this weekend.
Brutis
Footballguy
I wonder if you actually believe that?
Craig
Footballguy
With all due respect, Bennett is what Pittman was in regards to the running/passing game out of the backfield. Take your blinders off. Bennett is a possible work horse, I doubt it actually, but he will be involved in the 3rd down game plan and maybe more. Don't dis-regard him.
Bankerguy
Footballguy
On CBS...
Michael Bennett, RB KC
News: The Kansas City Star is among those reporting on Tuesday that the Chiefs have traded RB Michael Bennett to the Buccaneers for an undisclosed second-day draft pick. Bennett confirmed the trade. "It was a shock to me," Bennett said. "It really caught me off-guard. I heard the speculation for the past few days, but nobody from the Chiefs said anything to me, so I guessed it wasn't going to happen. I was wrong. It's a business. It's just one of those things that happen."
Analysis: Bennett is expected to compete for playing time right away in Tampa Bay and is actually an incredible fit for the Bucs. Because Tampa Bay runs the west coast offense, Bennett's value as a receiver will help the club, which has been decimated by injuries at the running back position. Bennett has not played much since 2005, when he started six games for the Vikings. He has good speed, great hands (20-plus receptions in four seasons) and is well rested. Make a play for Bennett off the waiver wire in all leagues, but don't expect big stats from him anytime in the next couple of weeks.
Michael Bennett, RB KC
News: The Kansas City Star is among those reporting on Tuesday that the Chiefs have traded RB Michael Bennett to the Buccaneers for an undisclosed second-day draft pick. Bennett confirmed the trade. "It was a shock to me," Bennett said. "It really caught me off-guard. I heard the speculation for the past few days, but nobody from the Chiefs said anything to me, so I guessed it wasn't going to happen. I was wrong. It's a business. It's just one of those things that happen."
Analysis: Bennett is expected to compete for playing time right away in Tampa Bay and is actually an incredible fit for the Bucs. Because Tampa Bay runs the west coast offense, Bennett's value as a receiver will help the club, which has been decimated by injuries at the running back position. Bennett has not played much since 2005, when he started six games for the Vikings. He has good speed, great hands (20-plus receptions in four seasons) and is well rested. Make a play for Bennett off the waiver wire in all leagues, but don't expect big stats from him anytime in the next couple of weeks.
gump
Footballguy
I'm not looking up stats to compare to other coaches...but Gruden likes to run WHEN he has a RB who can carry the load. Look at Watters' carries in Philly and CW's carries in Tampa. Also look back at the Super Bowl in '03...Pittman had 29 carries.Gruden is pass-happy right now...for two reasons:1) Garcia can control the game well with a short passing attack...which ends up being similiar to running the ball2) He has no legit options at RB...which us "homers" have been telling you guys for weeks. Graham is a backup for a reason.Personally, I see Gruden using Bennett in a Garner-like role and Graham in a Wheatley-like role...with neither being as talented or productive as the originals and both being spelled at the GL by Crockett.Bottom line...the Bucs will rely on a defense that 'bends but doesn't break'...therefore ending up on the short end of TOP often and not producing much firepower offensively. The offense will rely on the short passing attack (hopefully with Bennett involved now) and the big play. It's a formula that could win quite a few games in the NFC, but will not produce many fantasy points.weasel3515 said:
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zamboni
Footballguy
Forgot about Crockett being signed. I'm not sure if he has anything left, but if he does and is used in his previous role, that could be quite a fantasy nightmare.
taz
Footballguy
The Bucs simply needed a body, and Bennett is the type of back who best complements what they were left with - a guy with speed, a good receiver, and decent change-of-pace. They went into the Tennessee game with Graham, Askew, Crockett and Gates - absolutely no speed whatsoever.In terms of how they came into the season:Graham = Cadillac, although he'll give up a few more carries to other backs. Still the primary guy.Bennett = Pittman (primarily a third-down back who may get a few carries, once he learns Gruden's system).Askew = Alstott (a good receiver, and bigger back who gives them a different look in short-yardage. Also could see a few series if Graham continues to struggle).Crockett = DepthGates = Special teams guy, now that Graham's out of that equation. Nothing more.
Ron_Mexico
I Love Doggies
Is this some kind of joke ?Earnest Graham is a farce who will fade to blacksooner than later.I believe Michael Bennett will be on the IR with regular playing time,but for fook sake, Bennett will not be Graham's 3rd down beeotch.
Capella
Footballguy
I agree with most of what Gump said, but I really don't think Bennett is going to be getting any sort of significant carries here. Graham isn't great, but at least he knows the offense, is willing to take on blitzes and can run a bit between the tackles. I'm sure Bennett will be utilized in some fashion with getting outside the tackles, catching passes, but probably nothing more than a healthy body for a team that really, really needs one.
Michael Pittman can't get back soon enough.
Michael Pittman can't get back soon enough.
Nigel Tufnel
Footballguy
I think I'm going to try to buy Graham low with this news. I need a super cheap back right now.
gump
Footballguy
Pittman will muddy the waters even more...as he is the most viable option of any TB RB to produce between the 20's.
John Maddens Lunchbox
Footballguy
is this the only thread on page 1 addressing the trade?
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
Buccaneers deal in desperation for Chiefs' Bennett
By PFW staff
Oct. 16, 2007
Tampa Bay traded for RB Michael Bennett Tuesday, hours before the NFL’s trade deadline. The Buccaneers will likely send a second-day draft pick to Kansas City in exchange for Bennett, a seven-year veteran. The former Chief has 20 carries for 52 yards and 10 catches for 47 yards in six games this season. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2002, but has struggled in the years since. Bennett will split time with RB Earnest Graham, who ran for 29 yards on 13 carries in his first career start Oct. 14 against Tennessee.
The PFW spin
The Buccaneers were desperate after losing RB Cadillac Williams for the season and his backup, Michael Pittman, for 6-8 weeks with a severe high ankle sprain. In Bennett, they add a player with a similar need for some rejuvenation. He hasn’t been a featured back since 2002, his second year in the league, when he ran for 1,296 yards and five touchdowns. In the five seasons since then, he has gained just 1,448 yards on the ground and added five touchdowns.
With the move, Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen signaled that he’s confident his squad already has what it needs to win the NFC South, because Bennett is no longer a game-changing back. If he had been willing to part with an earlier draft pick, Allen may have found a more talented runner. It would have given Tampa Bay a slight edge over Carolina, which has several issues of its own, in the struggle for the division title. Instead, the Buccaneers’ offense will remain one-dimensional, fully relying on the passing game to provide its scoring punch.
The trade provides the Bucs with some much-needed speed out of the backfield, and means Graham can go back to being a third-down option, where he belongs. Head coach Jon Gruden’s offense will still count on QB Jeff Garcia and his ability to avoid sacks, even when defenses know he’ll be throwing. Tampa Bay’s running woes aren’t solved by adding Bennett, but it does give the team a little bit of depth, an aspect that has become a luxury due to the major injuries. Once Pittman is able to return, the backfield will have a decent three-man rotation and should finally take some pressure off of Garcia.
Our fantasy take
If you're running out of healthy running backs, Bennett might help in a week
or two, but not right now. Once he has a better understanding of Gruden's
playbook, his snaps will increase and he has the potential to add some value
to your roster.
By PFW staff
Oct. 16, 2007
Tampa Bay traded for RB Michael Bennett Tuesday, hours before the NFL’s trade deadline. The Buccaneers will likely send a second-day draft pick to Kansas City in exchange for Bennett, a seven-year veteran. The former Chief has 20 carries for 52 yards and 10 catches for 47 yards in six games this season. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2002, but has struggled in the years since. Bennett will split time with RB Earnest Graham, who ran for 29 yards on 13 carries in his first career start Oct. 14 against Tennessee.
The PFW spin
The Buccaneers were desperate after losing RB Cadillac Williams for the season and his backup, Michael Pittman, for 6-8 weeks with a severe high ankle sprain. In Bennett, they add a player with a similar need for some rejuvenation. He hasn’t been a featured back since 2002, his second year in the league, when he ran for 1,296 yards and five touchdowns. In the five seasons since then, he has gained just 1,448 yards on the ground and added five touchdowns.
With the move, Tampa Bay GM Bruce Allen signaled that he’s confident his squad already has what it needs to win the NFC South, because Bennett is no longer a game-changing back. If he had been willing to part with an earlier draft pick, Allen may have found a more talented runner. It would have given Tampa Bay a slight edge over Carolina, which has several issues of its own, in the struggle for the division title. Instead, the Buccaneers’ offense will remain one-dimensional, fully relying on the passing game to provide its scoring punch.
The trade provides the Bucs with some much-needed speed out of the backfield, and means Graham can go back to being a third-down option, where he belongs. Head coach Jon Gruden’s offense will still count on QB Jeff Garcia and his ability to avoid sacks, even when defenses know he’ll be throwing. Tampa Bay’s running woes aren’t solved by adding Bennett, but it does give the team a little bit of depth, an aspect that has become a luxury due to the major injuries. Once Pittman is able to return, the backfield will have a decent three-man rotation and should finally take some pressure off of Garcia.
Our fantasy take
If you're running out of healthy running backs, Bennett might help in a week
or two, but not right now. Once he has a better understanding of Gruden's
playbook, his snaps will increase and he has the potential to add some value
to your roster.
