Caddy is Ready! (1 Viewer)

[bb7278]

From CBS Sportslinhe, I know but it gets me jacked to have Caddy!

HE"S READY TO FIGHT!!!!!

Aug. 30, 2007

Jamey Eisenberg

Senior Fantasy Writer

Tell Jamey your opinion

Cadillac Williams has a message for coach Jon Gruden, and it goes a little something like this: Stop worrying about throwing the ball, and let's get the ground game going.

"I'd like for him to run it 50 times," Williams said.

Now that would be something. Of course, if Tampa Bay ran Cadillac 50 times his wheels would fall off, but some added carries could be just what Williams needs to prove he can thrive in the NFL after a disappointing season a year ago.

Last season was a disaster for Williams, and it could be because he didn't get enough touches. He only had more than 24 carries once, and it was one of his two 100-yard games in 2006, when he rushed 27 times for 122 yards against Washington.

In Williams' career he has eight 100-yard games, and six of them have come when he's gotten 24 carries or more. Williams said for him to be productive he needs to be involved in the offense. That means give him the ball, coach, and see what he can do.

"When I get the ball once or twice and then go two or three series without getting the rock, it's frustrating," Williams said. "It takes me out of the rhythm. Hopefully things like that won't happen."

The problem with Williams getting more carries is he's been injury prone in his first two seasons. As a rookie in 2005, when Williams started the season on fire with 88 carries for 434 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games -- all with more than 24 carries -- he then missed two games in October with a foot injury.

And last year Williams was limited with back spasms from Week 2 on and then had another foot injury that kept him out of the final two games of the season. Williams, who is 5-foot-11, 217 pounds, doesn't think he's fragile.

"A lot of folks want to put the season on my injuries," Williams said about last year. "I was healthy for the most part of the year. I missed the last two games. I definitely don't want to use that as an excuse. I feel like this year I'll be able to compete. ... I'm fresh and I feel good."

Williams said he's rejuvenated after only getting 225 carries last year for 798 yards and one touchdown. He spent the offseason working out hard and went to Arizona just before training camp for some extra workouts with former Auburn teammate and current Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown. But Williams has work to do on his comeback trail.

He had a stellar rookie campaign where he had 290 carries for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns and appeared on his way to NFL stardom. He started off as the best running back in a loaded class with Brown, Cedric Benson, Frank Gore, Vernand Morency, Marion Barber and Brandon Jacobs.

But after last year's performance, many are questioning if Williams still has what it takes to be a top-flight running back. He thinks he can still get it done.

"I'm just ready to fight," Williams said. "We, as a team, had a disappointing season. Me personally, I had a disappointing season. I'm coming out and giving my all. I'm ready to fight. I'm coming to play every Sunday."

That's what Fantasy owners want to hear. They also want to see Williams get the ball enough times where he can be productive and not get hurt.

Williams has the chance to surprise people this season because he will be drafted as a low-end No. 2 running back or even as a third option. But if the offense improves behind a beaten up offensive line, coupled with the addition of Jeff Garcia at quarterback, Williams could be in line for a bounce back year.

He just wants the ball to prove what he can do.

"Last year was tough," Williams said. "It was tough. I never went through a season like that. Thank God for second chances. It's a new year, and I'm ready for it."

 

[H.K.]

But after last year's performance, many are questioning if Williams still has what it takes to be a top-flight running back.

This question has already been answered. He's an unequivocal bust. Except for his first few games, he's been awful.

 

[kncks12]

From CBS Sportslinhe, I know but it gets me jacked to have Caddy!

HE"S READY TO FIGHT!!!!!

Aug. 30, 2007

Jamey Eisenberg

Senior Fantasy Writer

Tell Jamey your opinion

Cadillac Williams has a message for coach Jon Gruden, and it goes a little something like this: Stop worrying about throwing the ball, and let's get the ground game going.

"I'd like for him to run it 50 times," Williams said.

Now that would be something. Of course, if Tampa Bay ran Cadillac 50 times his wheels would fall off, but some added carries could be just what Williams needs to prove he can thrive in the NFL after a disappointing season a year ago.

Last season was a disaster for Williams, and it could be because he didn't get enough touches. He only had more than 24 carries once, and it was one of his two 100-yard games in 2006, when he rushed 27 times for 122 yards against Washington.

In Williams' career he has eight 100-yard games, and six of them have come when he's gotten 24 carries or more. Williams said for him to be productive he needs to be involved in the offense. That means give him the ball, coach, and see what he can do.

"When I get the ball once or twice and then go two or three series without getting the rock, it's frustrating," Williams said. "It takes me out of the rhythm. Hopefully things like that won't happen."

The problem with Williams getting more carries is he's been injury prone in his first two seasons. As a rookie in 2005, when Williams started the season on fire with 88 carries for 434 yards and two touchdowns in his first three games -- all with more than 24 carries -- he then missed two games in October with a foot injury.

And last year Williams was limited with back spasms from Week 2 on and then had another foot injury that kept him out of the final two games of the season. Williams, who is 5-foot-11, 217 pounds, doesn't think he's fragile.

"A lot of folks want to put the season on my injuries," Williams said about last year. "I was healthy for the most part of the year. I missed the last two games. I definitely don't want to use that as an excuse. I feel like this year I'll be able to compete. ... I'm fresh and I feel good."

Williams said he's rejuvenated after only getting 225 carries last year for 798 yards and one touchdown. He spent the offseason working out hard and went to Arizona just before training camp for some extra workouts with former Auburn teammate and current Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown. But Williams has work to do on his comeback trail.

He had a stellar rookie campaign where he had 290 carries for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns and appeared on his way to NFL stardom. He started off as the best running back in a loaded class with Brown, Cedric Benson, Frank Gore, Vernand Morency, Marion Barber and Brandon Jacobs.

But after last year's performance, many are questioning if Williams still has what it takes to be a top-flight running back. He thinks he can still get it done.

"I'm just ready to fight," Williams said. "We, as a team, had a disappointing season. Me personally, I had a disappointing season. I'm coming out and giving my all. I'm ready to fight. I'm coming to play every Sunday."

That's what Fantasy owners want to hear. They also want to see Williams get the ball enough times where he can be productive and not get hurt.

Williams has the chance to surprise people this season because he will be drafted as a low-end No. 2 running back or even as a third option. But if the offense improves behind a beaten up offensive line, coupled with the addition of Jeff Garcia at quarterback, Williams could be in line for a bounce back year.

He just wants the ball to prove what he can do.

"Last year was tough," Williams said. "It was tough. I never went through a season like that. Thank God for second chances. It's a new year, and I'm ready for it."

 

[BRONG]

Is this the "whoever drafted Caddy, check in here and get excited" thread?

'nother fluff piece...

 

[Jason Wood]

How is this any different than the guy who gets eye surgery and is now ready to catch 100 balls? Or the back who is going to "push for 2,500 yards rushing this year" or the miscreant who has "finally seen the light?"

As far as I can tell, Caddy has never been afraid of toting the rock; and he didn't miss much time last year. It's just that he absolutely SUCKED when Gruden did give him the rock.

I'm selling Caddy in a big way this year.

 

[Chalie14]

Gotta love the desire however, if the offensive line hasn't been improved . . . it will be the same results as 2006 (no matter who is the QB)

 

[BeTheMatch]

How is this any different than the guy who gets eye surgery and is now ready to catch 100 balls? Or the back who is going to "push for 2,500 yards rushing this year" or the miscreant who has "finally seen the light?"

As far as I can tell, Caddy has never been afraid of toting the rock; and he didn't miss much time last year. It's just that he absolutely SUCKED when Gruden did give him the rock.

I'm selling Caddy in a big way this year.

Are you suggesting this had nothing to do with his offensive line?

 

[bostonfred]

Cadillac has averaged just over 100 yards rushing in Tampa wins in his career. Maybe the problem was that Tampa didn't win much last year. Or maybe the reason Tampa didn't win much last year was that Cadillac sucked. I tend to think it's a combination of the two - the whole Tampa team sucked last year, including Cadillac. This year, though, there's reason for optimism. The upgrade from Gradkowski to, well, anyone, is huge. Think about the difference from Brooks Bollinger to Chad Pennington last year. A bad quarterback can destroy a team offense. The Bucs improved their offensive line with Pettigout and Sears, got rid of goal line vulture Mike Alstott (9 TDs the last two seasons), and improved their defense. Cadillac's healthy, they get to play a demoralized Atlanta team twice, they get to play New Orleans' soft D twice, and with few exceptions, their schedule through week 16 looks pretty soft with good matchups in weeks 14-16 - @SEA, NO, STL, @CAR, @IND, TEN, @DET, JAC, ARI, BYE, @ATL, WAS, @NO, @HOU, ATL, @SF.

 

[Traders2001]

Gotta love the desire however, if the offensive line hasn't been improved . . . it will be the same results as 2006 (no matter who is the QB)

Funny each time a young RB does nt perform it s always his OL.Brown - Caddy - M Lynch ( Pre season ) etc etc etc , maybe those guys are just bad .

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Smart money is on Caddy...1st rounder last season was too high...4th rounder this season is value.

1,200+ yds total

6-8 TDs

A decent RB2 in large leagues.

 

[nygiants56]

Gotta love the desire however, if the offensive line hasn't been improved . . . it will be the same results as 2006 (no matter who is the QB)

Funny each time a young RB does nt perform it s always his OL.Brown - Caddy - M Lynch ( Pre season ) etc etc etc , maybe those guys are just bad .

Actually, Brown has performed exceedingly well in spite of his O-line problems.the guy averages 4.3 per carry ( lifetime) behind a makeshift line. he ran for nearly 1000 yards as a rookie, when Ricky was stealing carries from him.Ran for 1000+ last season before he got hurt.added some 35 receptions last season, as well..he's performing people keep trying to knock the guy, I mean I could see it if he was averaging a pedestrian 3.4 per carry, but he's over 4 yards per clip.Caddy is an overblown,overrated bust, and Lynch is going to be the next JJ Arrington...

 

[valence]

Gotta love the desire however, if the offensive line hasn't been improved . . . it will be the same results as 2006 (no matter who is the QB)

Funny each time a young RB does nt perform it s always his OL.Brown - Caddy - M Lynch ( Pre season ) etc etc etc , maybe those guys are just bad .

Actually, Brown has performed exceedingly well in spite of his O-line problems.the guy averages 4.3 per carry ( lifetime) behind a makeshift line. he ran for nearly 1000 yards as a rookie, when Ricky was stealing carries from him.Ran for 1000+ last season before he got hurt.added some 35 receptions last season, as well..he's performing people keep trying to knock the guy, I mean I could see it if he was averaging a pedestrian 3.4 per carry, but he's over 4 yards per clip.Caddy is an overblown,overrated bust, and Lynch is going to be the next JJ Arrington...

The only thing Lynch and JJ have in common is their alma mater

 

[BeTheMatch]

Gotta love the desire however, if the offensive line hasn't been improved . . . it will be the same results as 2006 (no matter who is the QB)

Funny each time a young RB does nt perform it s always his OL.Brown - Caddy - M Lynch ( Pre season ) etc etc etc , maybe those guys are just bad .

No, it's not always the OL's fault. But if you watched any Bucs games last year, you'd know that - in this case - it was the OL.

 

[Sammy B]

Guy's a hump.

 

[Sleeper 43]

But after last year's performance, many are questioning if Williams still has what it takes to be a top-flight running back.

This question has already been answered. He's an unequivocal bust. Except for his first few games, he's been awful.

few games ='s the ROY honors I guess.

 

[Sleeper 43]

Is this the "whoever drafted Caddy, check in here and get excited" thread?'nother fluff piece...

No its a last chance for all the haters to bury themselves in an even deeper hole.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

 

[harryhood]

Did you guys not follow the first 5 weeks of the season for the Bucs. It was a M.A.S.H unit

 

[zamboni]

Did you guys not follow the first 5 weeks of the season for the Bucs. It was a M.A.S.H unit

The rest of the season was an even worse After MASH. Few, if any, RBs could have performed well under those circumstances.

 

[harryhood]

Did you guys not follow the first 5 weeks of the season for the Bucs. It was a M.A.S.H unit

The rest of the season was an even worse After MASH. Few, if any, RBs could have performed well under those circumstances.

absolutely, no starting G, T or QB. Call pettigout a scrub, but he IS an upgrade whether you like it or not. So is Garcia. The passing game will be there and will allow the Running game to be as well. Not RB1 numbers by any stretch, but no one needs that out of him in this years drafts.

 

[David Yudkin]

Smart money is on Caddy...1st rounder last season was too high...4th rounder this season is value. 1,200+ yds total6-8 TDsA decent RB2 in large leagues.

Caddy has scored 7 times in 565 chances. Now he will potentially scored more than times in one season than the past two years? I suppode it could happen, but as I have expressed in many other TB player threads their offense the past few years has been well below average, and I don't see where they made major improvements to suddenly be a good offense.As for Williams, he may be slightly undervalued if he falls far enough, but I hardly think he will be a difference maker for any of his fantasy owners. He'll blow hot and cold all year, so he may see a few 100 yard outings but then a month of nominal production. If that's what you want from your RB2, knock yourself out, but I suspect there will be better options across the board when you would need to draft him and there will be more productive backs taken after him as well.

 

[WarRedbirds]

Smart money is on Caddy...1st rounder last season was too high...4th rounder this season is value. 1,200+ yds total6-8 TDsA decent RB2 in large leagues.

Caddy has scored 7 times in 565 chances. Now he will potentially scored more than times in one season than the past two years? I suppode it could happen, but as I have expressed in many other TB player threads their offense the past few years has been well below average, and I don't see where they made major improvements to suddenly be a good offense.As for Williams, he may be slightly undervalued if he falls far enough, but I hardly think he will be a difference maker for any of his fantasy owners. He'll blow hot and cold all year, so he may see a few 100 yard outings but then a month of nominal production. If that's what you want from your RB2, knock yourself out, but I suspect there will be better options across the board when you would need to draft him and there will be more productive backs taken after him as well.

Watching Williams in the preseason, this guy is an explosive back. If he played for the Eagles, Chargers, Broncos, and a handful of other teams, he would be a stud. I agree with Yudkin however, due to the circumstances of his team, his fantasy scoring will be very inconsistent.What is interesting is how people jump off the bandwagon because a guy gets stuck in a terrible situation. Williams is not a horrible back...or a bust...he's just in an offense that can't get rolling.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Is he going to get goal line carries?

 

[zamboni]

Caddy has scored 7 times in 565 chances. Now he will potentially scored more than times in one season than the past two years? I suppode it could happen, but as I have expressed in many other TB player threads their offense the past few years has been well below average, and I don't see where they made major improvements to suddenly be a good offense.

Fair points, David, as a sharp increase in TDs may be overly optimistic without some unexpected major uptick in the offense's production.Still, we have to remember that virtually any time Caddy got within sniffing distance of the goal line the past few years, Alstott came in. And there were few red zone carries to begin with last year. As such, the past is probably not a good barometer of Caddy's TD prowess (or lack thereof).

 

[zamboni]

Is he going to get goal line carries?

The homers probably know better, but I would say yes. Without Alstott, there doesn't seem a guy on the roster who would likely take those carries. Pittman has never been a good short-yardage guy, so I would guess he's out.

 

[David Yudkin]

Caddy has scored 7 times in 565 chances. Now he will potentially scored more than times in one season than the past two years? I suppode it could happen, but as I have expressed in many other TB player threads their offense the past few years has been well below average, and I don't see where they made major improvements to suddenly be a good offense.

Fair points, David, as a sharp increase in TDs may be overly optimistic without some unexpected major uptick in the offense's production.Still, we have to remember that virtually any time Caddy got within sniffing distance of the goal line the past few years, Alstott came in. And there were few red zone carries to begin with last year. As such, the past is probably not a good barometer of Caddy's TD prowess (or lack thereof).

The Bucs RB have scored very few TD in the Gruden era, with or without Williams. The only real change is the addition of Garcia. I have a hard time thinking that a nearly 38 year QB could stimulate a major offensive production upgrade. I know people will say what about Gannon in OAK, but I don't see TB with the likes of Rice, Brown, Garner, Porter, etc. If you look at the TB team stats each year, the only truly good year was 2003 and it's been downhill ever since. Garcia on the other hand has had pretty much one really good game in about 4 years. Sure, maybe he can be an average QB if he stays healthy and that average would be an improvement over last year, but I sdtruggle to come up with a scenario where any of the Bucs players are really forces in fantasy football. I know some people are high on Galloway and he may have another solid year, but he's another player that is getting long in the tooth agewise and many times that is not a good thing for fantasy production. A lot of this may hinge on how well the defense plays, and last year the defense looked old and a step slower.

 

[LHUCKS]

Outside of Barry Sanders, nobody could have done much with what Caddy was given...horrible Oline and horrible offense makes it tough on any back.

Caddy will modestly improve on his '06 numbers...write it down.

 

[LHUCKS]

Is this the "whoever drafted Caddy, check in here and get excited" thread?'nother fluff piece...

No its a last chance for all the haters to bury themselves in an even deeper hole.

 

[David Yudkin]

Outside of Barry Sanders, nobody could have done much with what Caddy was given...horrible Oline and horrible offense makes it tough on any back.Caddy will modestly improve on his '06 numbers...write it down.

I agree with everything here . . . but what does that really translate into? He was the #39 RB last year. If he "modestly improves" to the #30 RB is that worth much fantasy wise?I see his upside being a bottom tier RB2. Again, maybe a decent guy to have on your team but not a difference maker. Basically, I think people hoping that Caddy will lead them to the promised land on his own will be disappointed again.

 

[Eagle Eye]

I know people will say what about Gannon in OAK, but I don't see TB with the likes of Rice, Brown, Garner, Porter, etc. If you look at the TB team stats each year, the only truly good year was 2003 and it's been downhill ever since. Garcia on the other hand has had pretty much one really good game in about 4 years.

I don't think you're being very fair to Garcia here. He played very well last year as an NFL QB, fantasy stats aside. He has produced top-flight numbers whenever playing in a west coast system. Gruden hasn't had the mobile veteran QB that he needs to run his offense. He does now and while I'm not expecting Gannon type numbers (based on the difference in surronding talent as you mentioned) out of Garcia, this offense will be much improved and Caddy should benefit.

 

[Jason Wood]

How is this any different than the guy who gets eye surgery and is now ready to catch 100 balls? Or the back who is going to "push for 2,500 yards rushing this year" or the miscreant who has "finally seen the light?"

As far as I can tell, Caddy has never been afraid of toting the rock; and he didn't miss much time last year. It's just that he absolutely SUCKED when Gruden did give him the rock.

I'm selling Caddy in a big way this year.

Are you suggesting this had nothing to do with his offensive line?

Of course the offensive line has something to do with it, but are you confident his line is any better this year?

 

[harryhood]

Outside of Barry Sanders, nobody could have done much with what Caddy was given...horrible Oline and horrible offense makes it tough on any back.Caddy will modestly improve on his '06 numbers...write it down.

I agree with everything here . . . but what does that really translate into? He was the #39 RB last year. If he "modestly improves" to the #30 RB is that worth much fantasy wise?I see his upside being a bottom tier RB2. Again, maybe a decent guy to have on your team but not a difference maker. Basically, I think people hoping that Caddy will lead them to the promised land on his own will be disappointed again.

If he can be top 25 - 30 as far as RB production, in my eyes that would be a great thing. All he needs to do for me is produce RB3 numbers. David, do you really think there are teams that paid a high price for him and slotted him in as a High RB2? I would be surprised if thats the case.

 

[David Yudkin]

Outside of Barry Sanders, nobody could have done much with what Caddy was given...horrible Oline and horrible offense makes it tough on any back.Caddy will modestly improve on his '06 numbers...write it down.

I agree with everything here . . . but what does that really translate into? He was the #39 RB last year. If he "modestly improves" to the #30 RB is that worth much fantasy wise?I see his upside being a bottom tier RB2. Again, maybe a decent guy to have on your team but not a difference maker. Basically, I think people hoping that Caddy will lead them to the promised land on his own will be disappointed again.

If he can be top 25 - 30 as far as RB production, in my eyes that would be a great thing. All he needs to do for me is produce RB3 numbers. David, do you really think there are teams that paid a high price for him and slotted him in as a High RB2? I would be surprised if thats the case.

Yes. I have seen team taking him as their RB2 after going with some combo of WR, QB, or TE in the second or third rounds.

 

[Jason Wood]

Outside of Barry Sanders, nobody could have done much with what Caddy was given...horrible Oline and horrible offense makes it tough on any back.

Caddy will modestly improve on his '06 numbers...write it down.

I agree with everything here . . . but what does that really translate into? He was the #39 RB last year. If he "modestly improves" to the #30 RB is that worth much fantasy wise?I see his upside being a bottom tier RB2. Again, maybe a decent guy to have on your team but not a difference maker. Basically, I think people hoping that Caddy will lead them to the promised land on his own will be disappointed again.

If he can be top 25 - 30 as far as RB production, in my eyes that would be a great thing. All he needs to do for me is produce RB3 numbers. David, do you really think there are teams that paid a high price for him and slotted him in as a High RB2? I would be surprised if thats the case.

I don't want to pick on you Harry, so please don't take it that way. But I see this (the bolded part) all the time to justify "sleepers."Someone will say, "So and so projects to QB15, which is a decent QB2 for my team" OR "Joe RB projects to 25-30, that would be a great thing as my RB3" OR "If that guy can deliver WR30 numbers I'm set at my WR3 with a value pick."

Yet, you don't win leagues that way.

You win leagues when your backup QB can deliver top 10-12 numbers when you play him...

You win leagues when your RB3 can deliver top 20-24 numbers (or higher)...

You win leagues when your WR3 is pushing for top-20 numbers...

Having an RB3 give you RB30 numbers is a surefire way to be behind the 8-ball in H2H each and every week because you're essentially rolling out the weakest RB3 in your league, or close to it.

You need a RB3 that's pushing top 21 numbers for it to be "great value."

 

[BRONG]

Is this the "whoever drafted Caddy, check in here and get excited" thread?'nother fluff piece...

No its a last chance for all the haters to bury themselves in an even deeper hole.

Are you telling me that article isn't a fluff piece?

 

[Capella]

How is this any different than the guy who gets eye surgery and is now ready to catch 100 balls? Or the back who is going to "push for 2,500 yards rushing this year" or the miscreant who has "finally seen the light?"

As far as I can tell, Caddy has never been afraid of toting the rock; and he didn't miss much time last year. It's just that he absolutely SUCKED when Gruden did give him the rock.

I'm selling Caddy in a big way this year.

Are you suggesting this had nothing to do with his offensive line?

Of course the offensive line has something to do with it, but are you confident his line is any better this year?

Petigout and Sears are a massive upgrade over Anthony Davis and whatever corpse was filling in at LG last year, yes. Also, I think most would agree Davin Joseph and Trueblood would improve as second-year players over their rookie campaign. Not to homer up, but Joseph looks unstoppable out there, and I did read one article where the guy said he was already a top-5 RG without a doubt. So yes, the line should be better.

 

[David Yudkin]

I know people will say what about Gannon in OAK, but I don't see TB with the likes of Rice, Brown, Garner, Porter, etc. If you look at the TB team stats each year, the only truly good year was 2003 and it's been downhill ever since. Garcia on the other hand has had pretty much one really good game in about 4 years.

I don't think you're being very fair to Garcia here. He played very well last year as an NFL QB, fantasy stats aside. He has produced top-flight numbers whenever playing in a west coast system. Gruden hasn't had the mobile veteran QB that he needs to run his offense. He does now and while I'm not expecting Gannon type numbers (based on the difference in surronding talent as you mentioned) out of Garcia, this offense will be much improved and Caddy should benefit.

THe bottom line for me is that he's had 2 really good games out of the last 50 or so NFL games. He's not getting any younger and the Bucs IMO are not on par with the Eagles talent wise. Hey, maybe I am completely misguided here (it certainly would not be the first time).

 

[sholditch]

Man, I've never heard a RB say they want the rock. 1500+ rushing for sure now.

 

[Lott's Fingertip]

Actually, Brown has performed exceedingly well in spite of his O-line problems.the guy averages 4.3 per carry ( lifetime) behind a makeshift line. he ran for nearly 1000 yards as a rookie, when Ricky was stealing carries from him.Ran for 1000+ last season before he got hurt.added some 35 receptions last season, as well..he's performing people keep trying to knock the guy, I mean I could see it if he was averaging a pedestrian 3.4 per carry, but he's over 4 yards per clip.Caddy is an overblown,overrated bust, and Lynch is going to be the next JJ Arrington...

Exceedingly well? What did Brown exceed?

 

[Eagle Eye]

I know people will say what about Gannon in OAK, but I don't see TB with the likes of Rice, Brown, Garner, Porter, etc. If you look at the TB team stats each year, the only truly good year was 2003 and it's been downhill ever since. Garcia on the other hand has had pretty much one really good game in about 4 years.

I don't think you're being very fair to Garcia here. He played very well last year as an NFL QB, fantasy stats aside. He has produced top-flight numbers whenever playing in a west coast system. Gruden hasn't had the mobile veteran QB that he needs to run his offense. He does now and while I'm not expecting Gannon type numbers (based on the difference in surronding talent as you mentioned) out of Garcia, this offense will be much improved and Caddy should benefit.

THe bottom line for me is that he's had 2 really good games out of the last 50 or so NFL games. He's not getting any younger and the Bucs IMO are not on par with the Eagles talent wise. Hey, maybe I am completely misguided here (it certainly would not be the first time).

Well, at least I got you up to 2 good games now.

 

[harryhood]

Outside of Barry Sanders, nobody could have done much with what Caddy was given...horrible Oline and horrible offense makes it tough on any back.

Caddy will modestly improve on his '06 numbers...write it down.

I agree with everything here . . . but what does that really translate into? He was the #39 RB last year. If he "modestly improves" to the #30 RB is that worth much fantasy wise?I see his upside being a bottom tier RB2. Again, maybe a decent guy to have on your team but not a difference maker. Basically, I think people hoping that Caddy will lead them to the promised land on his own will be disappointed again.

If he can be top 25 - 30 as far as RB production, in my eyes that would be a great thing. All he needs to do for me is produce RB3 numbers. David, do you really think there are teams that paid a high price for him and slotted him in as a High RB2? I would be surprised if thats the case.

I don't want to pick on you Harry, so please don't take it that way. But I see this (the bolded part) all the time to justify "sleepers."Someone will say, "So and so projects to QB15, which is a decent QB2 for my team" OR "Joe RB projects to 25-30, that would be a great thing as my RB3" OR "If that guy can deliver WR30 numbers I'm set at my WR3 with a value pick."

Yet, you don't win leagues that way.

You win leagues when your backup QB can deliver top 10-12 numbers when you play him...

You win leagues when your RB3 can deliver top 20-24 numbers (or higher)...

You win leagues when your WR3 is pushing for top-20 numbers...

Having an RB3 give you RB30 numbers is a surefire way to be behind the 8-ball in H2H each and every week because you're essentially rolling out the weakest RB3 in your league, or close to it.

You need a RB3 that's pushing top 21 numbers for it to be "great value."

Agreed to that extent, however I believe he has upside as an RB3. He may be safe and vanilla penciled in as an RB3, however, the way that team fell apart after 2 weeks last season, makes me think there could be a bounce back if they are healthy and run the offense effectively. We have seen year to year that teams surprise and players come back to form. If you are writing him off for an RB24 type season, I think it is a very blinded statement. I personally dont think he goes below RB30, and I may be one of the few who believes he pushes close to the top 20-24.

 

[David Yudkin]

I know people will say what about Gannon in OAK, but I don't see TB with the likes of Rice, Brown, Garner, Porter, etc. If you look at the TB team stats each year, the only truly good year was 2003 and it's been downhill ever since. Garcia on the other hand has had pretty much one really good game in about 4 years.

I don't think you're being very fair to Garcia here. He played very well last year as an NFL QB, fantasy stats aside. He has produced top-flight numbers whenever playing in a west coast system. Gruden hasn't had the mobile veteran QB that he needs to run his offense. He does now and while I'm not expecting Gannon type numbers (based on the difference in surronding talent as you mentioned) out of Garcia, this offense will be much improved and Caddy should benefit.

THe bottom line for me is that he's had 2 really good games out of the last 50 or so NFL games. He's not getting any younger and the Bucs IMO are not on par with the Eagles talent wise. Hey, maybe I am completely misguided here (it certainly would not be the first time).

Well, at least I got you up to 2 good games now.

Yeah. I had to double check what he actually did.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

I just traded for him. I feel like he's got nowhere to go but up.

 

[Eagle Eye]

I know people will say what about Gannon in OAK, but I don't see TB with the likes of Rice, Brown, Garner, Porter, etc. If you look at the TB team stats each year, the only truly good year was 2003 and it's been downhill ever since. Garcia on the other hand has had pretty much one really good game in about 4 years.

I don't think you're being very fair to Garcia here. He played very well last year as an NFL QB, fantasy stats aside. He has produced top-flight numbers whenever playing in a west coast system. Gruden hasn't had the mobile veteran QB that he needs to run his offense. He does now and while I'm not expecting Gannon type numbers (based on the difference in surronding talent as you mentioned) out of Garcia, this offense will be much improved and Caddy should benefit.

THe bottom line for me is that he's had 2 really good games out of the last 50 or so NFL games. He's not getting any younger and the Bucs IMO are not on par with the Eagles talent wise. Hey, maybe I am completely misguided here (it certainly would not be the first time).

Well, at least I got you up to 2 good games now.

Yeah. I had to double check what he actually did.

Not to beat a dead hijacked horse here, but here are his stats in the 6 regular season games he started last year. 11 PHI TEN 26 48 189 1 13.5 12 PHI IND 19 23 140 2 15.7 13 PHI CAR 21 39 312 3 28.8 14 PHI WAS 15 23 164 2 16.9 15 PHI NYG 19 28 237 1 16.4 16 PHI DAL 15 23 238 1 19.2 He averaged over 18 PPG.

 

[Redding]

I'm selling Caddy in a big way this year.

At his present value, that would be a mistake. He will outperform his ADP. An easy BUY candidate.

 

[David Yudkin]

I know people will say what about Gannon in OAK, but I don't see TB with the likes of Rice, Brown, Garner, Porter, etc. If you look at the TB team stats each year, the only truly good year was 2003 and it's been downhill ever since. Garcia on the other hand has had pretty much one really good game in about 4 years.

I don't think you're being very fair to Garcia here. He played very well last year as an NFL QB, fantasy stats aside. He has produced top-flight numbers whenever playing in a west coast system. Gruden hasn't had the mobile veteran QB that he needs to run his offense. He does now and while I'm not expecting Gannon type numbers (based on the difference in surronding talent as you mentioned) out of Garcia, this offense will be much improved and Caddy should benefit.

THe bottom line for me is that he's had 2 really good games out of the last 50 or so NFL games. He's not getting any younger and the Bucs IMO are not on par with the Eagles talent wise. Hey, maybe I am completely misguided here (it certainly would not be the first time).

Well, at least I got you up to 2 good games now.

Yeah. I had to double check what he actually did.

Not to beat a dead hijacked horse here, but here are his stats in the 6 regular season games he started last year. 11 PHI TEN 26 48 189 1 13.5 12 PHI IND 19 23 140 2 15.7 13 PHI CAR 21 39 312 3 28.8 14 PHI WAS 15 23 164 2 16.9 15 PHI NYG 19 28 237 1 16.4 16 PHI DAL 15 23 238 1 19.2 He averaged over 18 PPG.

My definition of good game - 200/2, 300/1, or anything with 3 TD.

 

[einstein2u]

lets not forget his schedule....which is EASY.

this is the year to own Caddy.

good rb3

potential rb2.

 

[menobrown]

If the O-line is the problem why did Pittman not seem to have any problems running behind it the final two weeks of the season he got the rock when Caddy got hurt?

 

[Jason Wood]

I'm selling Caddy in a big way this year.

At his present value, that would be a mistake. He will outperform his ADP. An easy BUY candidate.

He's going 44th overall and RB23...I have him RB24 so while I don't have a major problem with his ADP or projections, I think he'll be hard pressed to materially exceed them also. At best, he's fairly valued.But in terms of draft strategy, the idea of taking Caddy in the 4th round versus going RB twice in the first two rounds and then grabbing an elite WR in round 4 makes little sense to me.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

If the O-line is the problem why did Pittman not seem to have any problems running behind it the final two weeks of the season he got the rock when Caddy got hurt?

Do you really want to make the argument that Pittman is a better running back than Caddy? If this were true, wouldn't the coaching staff know this by now?