Cadillac Williams vs. Earnest Graham (1 Viewer)

[Bender]

Here's my question, for the Tampa Bay homers.

How in love with Cadillac Williams is Jon Gruden?

I have Caddy on my team, but it's time to face facts that there's certain issues with the guy (durability; a seemingly complete inability to gain anything over three yards in a rushing attempt.)

Earnest Graham from what I heard looked good in preseason. He spelled Caddy for much of the second half today and racked up 71 yards and a TD on 7 carries.

Cadillac's health, with his ribs, is questionable.

Is this going to be a situation where Gruden keeps throwing Cadillac out there each game, until he runs out of gas and then goes to Pittman/Graham later in the game, or are we going to see him just sit Cadillac for a few weeks until he's 100%?

I fear the first...the second intrigues me...I'd like to see what Graham could do with 15-20 carries a game.

 

[jcole76]

I'll preface this by saying that I didn't see the game but I followed it on the gamecast. I don't see why there is any real cause for concern here. Williams averaged just under 4 ypc, scored a TD and did have a fumble that obviously didn't sway the outcome of the game. He is still fresh from an injury so I can see Gruden not wanting to use him in an unnecessary situation.

While Graham looked good it was against a team that seemed to give up in the second half. I'm sure that there will be a rush to pick Graham up but I think to assume he would see any real playing time (without a Caddy major injury) is baseless.

 

[Texican]

Tampa homers - please chime in.

I have been wanting to target Caddy because of his schedule. I know someone (a homer) said that no way Graham could be a starter - not good enough. Of course this was after game 1. Anyways, so far he looks to be putting up goo d numbers when given the chance (granted 4th quarter stuff).

 

[Capella]

Graham has been sitting on the bench for 4 years. I don't think he's good enough, but that was impressive yesterday. Never seen him run like that. He runs tough but isn't particularly fast and never really displayed any vision to create holes where they're not.

Caddy is fine though, he ran well until the fumble. Some of the media down here speculated it had to do with the jacket he was wearing to protect his ribs, but I'm not sure. Either way, he's the starter and at worst should continue to receive 65-70% of the carries. Then you have Pittman as well for third downs.

 

[mt-wabo]

Graham basically got in there during garbage time, plus caddy got banged up one play and with them blowing out the Rams why risk it anymore with Caddy so Gruden decided to put graham and pittman in, but Caddy is the man in Tampa the line looked really good too, and they can defintiely run on Carolina this week coming up,

And yes Iam a tampa homer, so any questions send em my way.

 

[Texican]

Graham basically got in there during garbage time, plus caddy got banged up one play and with them blowing out the Rams why risk it anymore with Caddy so Gruden decided to put graham and pittman in, but Caddy is the man in Tampa the line looked really good too, and they can defintiely run on Carolina this week coming up,

And yes Iam a tampa homer, so any questions send em my way.

I thought Caddy left when it was 10-0?

 

[ceo3west]

Graham basically got in there during garbage time, plus caddy got banged up one play and with them blowing out the Rams why risk it anymore with Caddy so Gruden decided to put graham and pittman in, but Caddy is the man in Tampa the line looked really good too, and they can defintiely run on Carolina this week coming up, And yes Iam a tampa homer, so any questions send em my way.

I don't know, but it seems to me that this will turn into an RBBC if it isn't already. Not good for Caddy owners including myself.

 

[Club Leftwich]

As a big Earnest Graham fan dating back to his days in Gainesville, I feel confident in saying that he'll never be a starting NFL running back unless forced to spot start due to injuries to Caddy and Pittman. He's a good player to have on your NFL team and he runs tough in a straight line, but he really has no moves and only limited speed.

 

[pghrob]

The Rams were ripe for being run on yesterday. It's unfortunate for Caddy owners that he fumbled. My guess is he got a little banged up and Gruden decided that they could afford to hold him the rest of the way. He, Pittman and Graham were getting decent yardage. Does not look too serious that Caddy will miss alot of time.

 

[atcdav]

Caddy is still hurting, he'll be fine

 

[gump]

IMO...Pittman will be the one who loses carries to Graham...not CW. As Capella said, CW should continue to get the majority of the carries when healthy.

 

[bigums]

Not to mention, the O-line was really mauling in the second half. Graham was at the second level before first contact on many of those carries.

 

[JohnnyU]

After watching him rush for 75 yards on eight carries Sunday, coach Jon Gruden said that he plans to get Earnest Graham more involved in the offense going forward.

"Obviously, now we're going to have to put our minds together and figure out how to get Earnest Graham more involved because clearly he's also deserving of the football," Gruden said. "That's a good problem to have." Between Graham and Michael Pittman, Cadillac Williams is in danger of losing significant snaps even if he's healthy.

Source: St. Petersburg Times

 

[Capella]

And to counter that, Gruden just said in his press conference that Caddy is the feature back. Didn't even hint at a RBBC.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

And to counter that, Gruden just said in his press conference that Caddy is the feature back. Didn't even hint at a RBBC.

 

[parrot]

Graham basically got in there during garbage time, plus caddy got banged up one play and with them blowing out the Rams why risk it anymore with Caddy so Gruden decided to put graham and pittman in, but Caddy is the man in Tampa the line looked really good too, and they can defintiely run on Carolina this week coming up,

And yes Iam a tampa homer, so any questions send em my way.

I thought Caddy left when it was 10-0?

Have you seen the Rams' offense? 10 points is a blowout.

 

[Texican]

Graham basically got in there during garbage time, plus caddy got banged up one play and with them blowing out the Rams why risk it anymore with Caddy so Gruden decided to put graham and pittman in, but Caddy is the man in Tampa the line looked really good too, and they can defintiely run on Carolina this week coming up,

And yes Iam a tampa homer, so any questions send em my way.

I thought Caddy left when it was 10-0?

Have you seen the Rams' offense? 10 points is a blowout.

Very good point!

 

[djjosee]

Graham basically got in there during garbage time, plus caddy got banged up one play and with them blowing out the Rams why risk it anymore with Caddy so Gruden decided to put graham and pittman in, but Caddy is the man in Tampa the line looked really good too, and they can defintiely run on Carolina this week coming up,

And yes Iam a tampa homer, so any questions send em my way.

I thought Caddy left when it was 10-0?

Have you seen the Rams' offense? 10 points is a blowout.

That made me laugh ...

 

[az_prof]

IMO...Pittman will be the one who loses carries to Graham...not CW. As Capella said, CW should continue to get the majority of the carries when healthy.

Is he ever healthy?

 

[PranksterJD]

After watching him rush for 75 yards on eight carries Sunday, coach Jon Gruden said that he plans to get Earnest Graham more involved in the offense going forward.

"Obviously, now we're going to have to put our minds together and figure out how to get Earnest Graham more involved because clearly he's also deserving of the football," Gruden said. "That's a good problem to have." Between Graham and Michael Pittman, Cadillac Williams is in danger of losing significant snaps even if he's healthy.

Source: St. Petersburg Times

Of course he said that. He has to say that after a guy blows it up like that. The bolded part is speculation, but something to be concerned over.For Graham, however, you have to remember that the defense almost certainly did absolutely NO preparation for this guy. It happens all the time ( see Deshawyn Winn last week ). Randomly one of them will turn into the real thing, but 80-90% of the time its a one game thing until next week's defense gets some tape.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Graham basically got in there during garbage time, plus caddy got banged up one play and with them blowing out the Rams why risk it anymore with Caddy so Gruden decided to put graham and pittman in, but Caddy is the man in Tampa the line looked really good too, and they can defintiely run on Carolina this week coming up, And yes Iam a tampa homer, so any questions send em my way.

I don't know, but it seems to me that this will turn into an RBBC if it isn't already. Not good for Caddy owners including myself.

I tend to agree.With the injuries mounting for Caddy,it makes perfect sense not to grind himinto the ground. I believe the RBBC makes perfect sense in this situation, provided thatGraham can continue to run like he did yesterday.....which may be a stretch.

 

[zamboni]

Pittman has also looked good in the past in a limited role, as did Graham yesterday. Graham get a few more carries here and there, but Gruden loves Caddy and no doubt will continue to feature him.

ETA: Watson looked great subbing for an injured - and ineffective at the time - Rudi Johnson. I wouldn't make much out of one week.

 

[mt-wabo]

Caddy still the starter, Piscitelli has fractured foot

Gruden press conference aired live on WDAE

Monday, September 24, 2007

Jon Gruden started his press conference off by announcing that one of the team's key defensive backs has a fractured foot and could be out for a while.

But that flew over the heads of those media in attendance, who got right into asking -- and asking, and asking -- about the No. 1 topic on everyone's minds.

And Gruden answered it the same way, about five or six times: Cadillac Williams is still the starting running back.

Monday's press conference aired live on WDAE as it does every Monday at 10 a.m.

Even though Earnest Graham had two touchdowns and Williams did not see the ball after a fumble, Williams will still get the start Sunday at Carolina.

Gruden reminded everyone that until the fumble Williams had a good game going, and that Graham did fumble it in the team's lone loss to Seattle.

However Gruden acknowledged that he will try to get Michael Pittman and Graham the ball more.

As for the injury Sabby Piscitelli did suffer that foot fracture. Gruden said they'll know about his status later Monday afternoon.

 

[Avery]

Caddy still the starter, Piscitelli has fractured footGruden press conference aired live on WDAEMonday, September 24, 2007Jon Gruden started his press conference off by announcing that one of the team's key defensive backs has a fractured foot and could be out for a while. But that flew over the heads of those media in attendance, who got right into asking -- and asking, and asking -- about the No. 1 topic on everyone's minds. And Gruden answered it the same way, about five or six times: Cadillac Williams is still the starting running back.Monday's press conference aired live on WDAE as it does every Monday at 10 a.m.Even though Earnest Graham had two touchdowns and Williams did not see the ball after a fumble, Williams will still get the start Sunday at Carolina. Gruden reminded everyone that until the fumble Williams had a good game going, and that Graham did fumble it in the team's lone loss to Seattle. However Gruden acknowledged that he will try to get Michael Pittman and Graham the ball more.As for the injury Sabby Piscitelli did suffer that foot fracture. Gruden said they'll know about his status later Monday afternoon.

The spacing and formatting were making me dizzy.

 

[Koya]

I think there is some overeaction here - but certainly some cause for concern.

Realistically speaking, if Graham is THAT talented, why has it taken him years to show it? Outside of your rare Tiki Barber type mid career skyrocket, stardum does not usually lurk before showing its talents.

Caddy has been dinged, fumbled as perhaps a result of his injury/rib protection and the team had a big lead and the defense of the Rams had already given up. Why risk another fumble, or more importantly injury to your star RB when the other guys are doing great as your offensive linemen plow a defeated teams D line over time and time again?

Yeah, keep your eye on this, but Caddy if healthy would likely have had a number of those touches. Only time will tell.

 

[cstu]

I think there is some overeaction here - but certainly some cause for concern.

Realistically speaking, if Graham is THAT talented, why has it taken him years to show it? Outside of your rare Tiki Barber type mid career skyrocket, stardum does not usually lurk before showing its talents.

Caddy has been dinged, fumbled as perhaps a result of his injury/rib protection and the team had a big lead and the defense of the Rams had already given up. Why risk another fumble, or more importantly injury to your star RB when the other guys are doing great as your offensive linemen plow a defeated teams D line over time and time again?

Yeah, keep your eye on this, but Caddy if healthy would likely have had a number of those touches. Only time will tell.

Interesting thread to revisit considering how well Graham has played. I do think that a healthy Cadillac would have put up similar numbers, but that's not to downplay Graham's production - which has surprised most of us. It does look like TB will be RBBC next year unless Caddy can fully recover (and then some). I also think TB drafts a RB first day as an insurance policy against Cadillac.Also, here's a little news on Caddy's rehab:

Link

CADDY PARKED IN TAMPA: Bucs RB Cadillac Williams returned to Tampa this week and is continuing his rehabilitation after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 4.

"He has a long road ahead of him, but he's in great spirits. He's off to a good start," Gruden said. "He's here. If you look around carefully, you might see him. ... I have no idea what stage of rehab he's in right now, or which room he's in, but he's here somewhere.

"He's walking around a little bit, but he still has a long way to go. This was a very serious knee injury, and he had a great performance with the operation. Now it's a matter of him applying himself and committing himself, which you know he will, to a daily grind, and it's not easy. We have the right people to help him, and it's going to be a collaborative effort, but it will get done."

 

[saintfool]

Interesting thread to revisit considering how well Graham has played. I do think that a healthy Cadillac would have put up similar numbers, but that's not to downplay Graham's production - which has surprised most of us. It does look like TB will be RBBC next year unless Caddy can fully recover (and then some). I also think TB drafts a RB first day as an insurance policy against Cadillac.

why would it be RBBC? gruden's comments don't make me optimistic for cadillac's chances to be effective next season. that kind of injury doesn't make me too confident either. maybe as the season progresses but not early on. EG has shown he can carry the load and be very effective. they're in no hurry to hasten cadillac's recovery and full rehab.

 

[cstu]

Interesting thread to revisit considering how well Graham has played. I do think that a healthy Cadillac would have put up similar numbers, but that's not to downplay Graham's production - which has surprised most of us. It does look like TB will be RBBC next year unless Caddy can fully recover (and then some). I also think TB drafts a RB first day as an insurance policy against Cadillac.

why would it be RBBC? gruden's comments don't make me optimistic for cadillac's chances to be effective next season. that kind of injury doesn't make me too confident either. maybe as the season progresses but not early on. EG has shown he can carry the load and be very effective. they're in no hurry to hasten cadillac's recovery and full rehab.

You may be right since Buckhalter re-tore his patellar tendon after rehabbing it for a year. I'm sure they don't want that to happen to Cadillac. That said, I think Cadillac can be healthy by next season given that Buckhalter was able to return in 2006 after having torn the tendon in two consecutive years. The question is will he be given a chance to play or if they'll play it safe with him.

 

[saintfool]

Interesting thread to revisit considering how well Graham has played. I do think that a healthy Cadillac would have put up similar numbers, but that's not to downplay Graham's production - which has surprised most of us. It does look like TB will be RBBC next year unless Caddy can fully recover (and then some). I also think TB drafts a RB first day as an insurance policy against Cadillac.

why would it be RBBC? gruden's comments don't make me optimistic for cadillac's chances to be effective next season. that kind of injury doesn't make me too confident either. maybe as the season progresses but not early on. EG has shown he can carry the load and be very effective. they're in no hurry to hasten cadillac's recovery and full rehab.

You may be right since Buckhalter re-tore his patellar tendon after rehabbing it for a year. I'm sure they don't want that to happen to Cadillac. That said, I think Cadillac can be healthy by next season given that Buckhalter was able to return in 2006 after having torn the tendon in two consecutive years. The question is will he be given a chance to play or if they'll play it safe with him.

i can see him getting fed a few carries over the first few games to see how effective he is. has he been seriously injured before? depending on how those games go, he could see his workload increase by mid season. if EG struggles then Cadillac could supplant him as the starter, which would be ideal for him and Gruden. i just think they're totally willing to use EG up until he proves ineffective. he costs them peanuts. he's healthy and proving very effective. pittman hasn't shown much, so caddy is his only competition.

 

[Iron_Far]

Interesting thread to revisit considering how well Graham has played. I do think that a healthy Cadillac would have put up similar numbers, but that's not to downplay Graham's production - which has surprised most of us. It does look like TB will be RBBC next year unless Caddy can fully recover (and then some). I also think TB drafts a RB first day as an insurance policy against Cadillac.

why would it be RBBC? gruden's comments don't make me optimistic for cadillac's chances to be effective next season. that kind of injury doesn't make me too confident either. maybe as the season progresses but not early on. EG has shown he can carry the load and be very effective. they're in no hurry to hasten cadillac's recovery and full rehab.

You may be right since Buckhalter re-tore his patellar tendon after rehabbing it for a year. I'm sure they don't want that to happen to Cadillac. That said, I think Cadillac can be healthy by next season given that Buckhalter was able to return in 2006 after having torn the tendon in two consecutive years. The question is will he be given a chance to play or if they'll play it safe with him.

My question is, so WHAT if Cadillac is healthy? He has done next to nothing special outside of that one 40 yard run against Minnesota last year.

 

[cstu]

Interesting thread to revisit considering how well Graham has played. I do think that a healthy Cadillac would have put up similar numbers, but that's not to downplay Graham's production - which has surprised most of us. It does look like TB will be RBBC next year unless Caddy can fully recover (and then some). I also think TB drafts a RB first day as an insurance policy against Cadillac.

why would it be RBBC? gruden's comments don't make me optimistic for cadillac's chances to be effective next season. that kind of injury doesn't make me too confident either. maybe as the season progresses but not early on. EG has shown he can carry the load and be very effective. they're in no hurry to hasten cadillac's recovery and full rehab.

You may be right since Buckhalter re-tore his patellar tendon after rehabbing it for a year. I'm sure they don't want that to happen to Cadillac. That said, I think Cadillac can be healthy by next season given that Buckhalter was able to return in 2006 after having torn the tendon in two consecutive years. The question is will he be given a chance to play or if they'll play it safe with him.

i can see him getting fed a few carries over the first few games to see how effective he is. has he been seriously injured before? depending on how those games go, he could see his workload increase by mid season. if EG struggles then Cadillac could supplant him as the starter, which would be ideal for him and Gruden. i just think they're totally willing to use EG up until he proves ineffective. he costs them peanuts. he's healthy and proving very effective. pittman hasn't shown much, so caddy is his only competition.

Found this on a Texans website written in 2003 (before his breakout 2003 season):

Areas of Concern: This Cadillac has also spent a significant amount of time in the shop (that’s the last “Cadillac” pun, I promise). As a freshman (2001), he missed two games – one with an ankle injury and then Auburn’s bowl game with a broken clavicle. Last year (2002), Williams missed the final six games after he fractured his left fibula. He participated in spring practice but must continue to build his body, as he has done since he arrived at Auburn, if he is to take the beating that he will face at the NFL level.

How Would He Look in Steel Blue? Williams looks like a franchise running back in the making, if he can show that he can hold up to the rigors of the 16-week NFL season. He might give Dom Capers flashbacks of Tim Biakabutuka, the back with a similar running style that Capers’ Carolina Panthers drafted in the first round in 1996. Biakabutuka spent a great deal of his time in Carolina on the shelf with various injuries.

I believe he didn't have any injury problems in 2003 and 2004.