Ernest Graham (1 Viewer)

[bucsbaby]

Gruden LOVES old players...when they signed Dunn I got real nervous about Graham, not to mention that IF Caddy makes it back in time for the fantasy football playoffs...

I agree that Graham is definitely a sell-high candidate mid-way through the season

 

[Banger]

Have people seen Warrick Dunn lately? The guy looked washed up last year. His YPC has declined each of the past two seasons and it was a pathetic 3.1 last year. If Gruden is planning on giving Dunn a lot of touches, that tells me he's lost his mind. I don't think Graham is a major talent but he looked MUCH better last season than Dunn did (or Cadillac for that matter). Again, I'm not selling Graham as a major talent but I think he's easily the best RB the Bucs have right now. If his production doesn't decline, I don't see why Gruden would take a significant number of carries away from him this season. Dunn's a great guy and it's a nice story that he's back in TB but I think Gruden would be making a huge mistake giving him more than a handful of carries a game (though I do think he'll be useful as a third-down RB).

The guy was coming off back surgery in training camp, so he probably didn't come into the season in shape and when he got there that team was an absolute mess in nearly every single position. With his body of work I'll give him a mulligan for last year. Gruden moved quickly, gave him a decent contract and has spoken well about him. Gruden loves taking guys off the scrap heap....we'll see what happens.

 

[JamesTheScot]

The guy was coming off back surgery in training camp, so he probably didn't come into the season in shape and when he got there that team was an absolute mess in nearly every single position. With his body of work I'll give him a mulligan for last year. Gruden moved quickly, gave him a decent contract and has spoken well about him. Gruden loves taking guys off the scrap heap....we'll see what happens.

With his 33 year old body, you shouldn't be giving him a mulligan period.A 30-somthing smallish RB recovering from backsurgery. Oh yeah, let me bump him up since he's had another offseason to recover! Dunn having back trouble in his 30's IS a significant problem and should have you downgrading the guy. Consider how both Mike Alstott and Lamont Jordan have been limited in production by their recurring/lingering back injuries. Even if Dunn seems to be healthy this training camp, he is literally one hit or even a no contact cut away from tweaking his back and getting spot on the PUP or IR. Guys don't bounce back from injury near as well in their 30's anyway, not to mention a back injury.

Norwood racked up 890 yards on 131 touches last season to Dunn's 958 on 264 touches (more than twice as many). They were on the same horrible team last year. Dunn has declined every year into his 30's AND he's had a recent back injury which clearly limited his production last year.

Am I sold on EG as a perennial NFL starter? No.

Am I sold on EG as the TB starter for 2008? Yes I am.

Of course I have him as my RB3/4 so that should figure into my optimism.

 

[dmac37]

From Rotoworld

Earnest Graham-RB-Buccaneers Aug. 4 - 4:48 pm et

Earnest Graham is atop the Bucs' depth chart at tailback, as expected.

Warrick Dunn is second with Michael Bennett, Ken Darby, and rookie Clifton Smith bringing up the rear. There is talk of a timeshare in Tampa, but Graham is the Bucs' best option as a feature back. He may not approach 250 carries, but should dominate early-down work and all the goal-line chances.

Source: buccaneers.com

Nothing major, just confirms that Graham is on top of the depth chart.

 

[joffer]

When I watched Graham last season, I simply wasn't that impressed. He reminded me of a Dominic Rhodes, Olandis Gary type of player. Journeyman who could fill in OK if the starter was lost, but that's it.

I agree that as a RB he isn't overly impressive. What was impressive was his ability to catch the ball with consistency. He is also a great closer. That's why I think he is going to really help out in the 2nd half of games when Tampa is trying to secure a lead. If you remember this is when Gruden started usng him last year before Caddy went out in the Stl. game. Stl. D was tired, and Graham just kept wearing them down. I see Gruden using Graham like like Alstott.

yep. i wasn't impressed when i first saw him, but these things stuck out the more i watched him.

 

[cstruk]

The guy shows a lot of heart which goes with the closer label. When everyone is tired in the 4th quarter, the guy was clearly putting forth major effort. No looking for a nice soft spot to fall down but would bang it up into the line and be falling forward to get those first downs. His hands were not great but they are pretty good and Garcia and Gruden love the passes to the backs. Assuming he plays a full season this year that is 2 extra games this year (the anti-Steve Smith). Overall, I think the point total will be similar to last year (lower ppg) as he loses a few catches to Dunn but gains a few more rushes. Bennett may be good for a few rushes on Astroturf but that is about it.

 

[poo flingin monkey]

good opportunity, avg talent at best.

Depends what you mean by talent. EG might not have ball busting speed, but he showed to me that he could handle the punishment without getting injured and the guy delivered solid fantasy points each week. That's talent to me!

R.Droughns is a fair comparison with three exceptions:

1) EG runs lower to the ground

2) EG can catch the ball

3) EG does not fumble

I think EG is a safe and solid #2 option.

 

[gump]

I think you will see EG on 1st downs in the first half, and much more if we are holding onto a lead n the 2nd half.

This is where the answer lies. How well do you think the Bucs will do this season? If you see a 5-11 year, Graham will be a bust. If you see a 11-5 year, he'll be a great RB2. Most likely somewhere in between...weighing performance towards whatever end of the W/L spectrum they go.

 

[ravnzfan]

Graham = Tyrone WheatleyDunn = Charlie Garner

Garner couldn't hold Dunn's jock.

while that is true, I think the point Moz was trying to make is that (IIRC-will confirm) is that while Gruden did NOT pound 1 back exclusively, there was a rotation that had a couple guys worthy of roster spots....a rotation that had OAK #1 rush offense 1 of JG's last years on the left coastGraham and Dunn will both be worthy of roster spots and situational spot starts in 12 man leagues---I'd look at carrying either as RB'3 on my team, I wouldn't want to count too much on Graham as my every week RB2Graham...850 combined/8Dunn......900 combined/4

 

[Liquid Tension]

EG got nearly every carry and never came out of the game last year because they had absolutely no depth. Gruden said as much in quotes I've read and that will not be the case this year. I say it in every EG thread...IMO Dunn will be more of a threat than most people realize. Gruden loves his skill set and has recently said that his skillset fits their offense the best of any backs on the team. Dunn is always under rated, is a very good NFL RB and can do it all. He may not be a workhorse but he'll get enough touch's to put a serious dent in Graham's value. Even in Graham's "good season" he had a 4.0 ypc on a 1st place team with a good line. He's just not that good...he's L. Betts... a good backup Rb.

Dunn looked awful last year. He is 33 years old and was probably one of the least productive backs to ever get over 200 carries (somebody want to run the numbers?)

 

[Mark Wimer]

The guy shows a lot of heart which goes with the closer label. When everyone is tired in the 4th quarter, the guy was clearly putting forth major effort. No looking for a nice soft spot to fall down but would bang it up into the line and be falling forward to get those first downs. His hands were not great but they are pretty good and Garcia and Gruden love the passes to the backs. Assuming he plays a full season this year that is 2 extra games this year (the anti-Steve Smith). Overall, I think the point total will be similar to last year (lower ppg) as he loses a few catches to Dunn but gains a few more rushes. Bennett may be good for a few rushes on Astroturf but that is about it.

another reason to like Graham - I like a guy who is a "closer" to be on my fantasy team(s)...

 

[Banger]

EG got nearly every carry and never came out of the game last year because they had absolutely no depth. Gruden said as much in quotes I've read and that will not be the case this year. I say it in every EG thread...IMO Dunn will be more of a threat than most people realize. Gruden loves his skill set and has recently said that his skillset fits their offense the best of any backs on the team. Dunn is always under rated, is a very good NFL RB and can do it all. He may not be a workhorse but he'll get enough touch's to put a serious dent in Graham's value. Even in Graham's "good season" he had a 4.0 ypc on a 1st place team with a good line. He's just not that good...he's L. Betts... a good backup Rb.

Dunn looked awful last year. He is 33 years old and was probably one of the least productive backs to ever get over 200 carries (somebody want to run the numbers?)

Everyone looked awful on that team. What you need to know is that Gruden went and quickly signed him for $3 mill/year and he will play.

 

[poo flingin monkey]

EG got nearly every carry and never came out of the game last year because they had absolutely no depth. Gruden said as much in quotes I've read and that will not be the case this year. I say it in every EG thread...IMO Dunn will be more of a threat than most people realize. Gruden loves his skill set and has recently said that his skillset fits their offense the best of any backs on the team. Dunn is always under rated, is a very good NFL RB and can do it all. He may not be a workhorse but he'll get enough touch's to put a serious dent in Graham's value. Even in Graham's "good season" he had a 4.0 ypc on a 1st place team with a good line. He's just not that good...he's L. Betts... a good backup Rb.

Dunn looked awful last year. He is 33 years old and was probably one of the least productive backs to ever get over 200 carries (somebody want to run the numbers?)

Everyone looked awful on that team. What you need to know is that Gruden went and quickly signed him for $3 mill/year and he will play.

Norwood didn't when he got the chance.

 

[saintfool]

Norwood didn't when he got the chance.

Norwood looked so good that they benched Dunn last year? The same Norwood who is sitting behind unproven starter Michael Turner?

 

[joffer]

Norwood didn't when he got the chance.

Norwood looked so good that they benched Dunn last year? The same Norwood who is sitting behind unproven starter Michael Turner?

regardless of what the coaching staff did with the RB situation, are you saying Norwood didn't look good last year given his opportunities?

 

[poo flingin monkey]

I can't answer that one. Norwood has 600 yds each of the last two years with a yearly avg of 100 attempts.

6 yds per carry works for me. I think most guys are baffled by the Turner signing.

 

[Christo]

I can't answer that one. Norwood has 600 yds each of the last two years with a yearly avg of 100 attempts. 6 yds per carry works for me. I think most guys are baffled by the Turner signing.

Kinda like most guys are baffled when they find out water is wet?

 

[poo flingin monkey]

I can't answer that one. Norwood has 600 yds each of the last two years with a yearly avg of 100 attempts. 6 yds per carry works for me. I think most guys are baffled by the Turner signing.

Kinda like most guys are baffled when they find out water is wet?

I guess Turner has obviously proven himself more than Norwood???All backups have looked good in SD - even Sproles played averaged 4.4 yds per carry.

 

[PahtyTom]

I can't answer that one. Norwood has 600 yds each of the last two years with a yearly avg of 100 attempts.

6 yds per carry works for me. I think most guys are baffled by the Turner signing.

Kinda like most guys are baffled when they find out water is wet?

I guess Turner has obviously proven himself more than Norwood???All backups have looked good in SD - even Sproles played averaged 4.4 yds per carry.

This argument has already been made at length in this norwood thread . Please don't derail this thread and upset the Michael Turner fanboys with a sensical argument.

 

[poo flingin monkey]

I can't answer that one. Norwood has 600 yds each of the last two years with a yearly avg of 100 attempts.

6 yds per carry works for me. I think most guys are baffled by the Turner signing.

Kinda like most guys are baffled when they find out water is wet?

I guess Turner has obviously proven himself more than Norwood???All backups have looked good in SD - even Sproles played averaged 4.4 yds per carry.

This argument has already been made at length in this norwood thread . Please don't derail this thread and upset the Michael Turner fanboys with a sensical argument.

My bad.

 

[Tanner9919]

Graham stands to make the most of the pending Brett Favre deal to Tampa..if he's traded to TB, Graham moves up the draft boards..Favre gives TB the legit threat at the QB position they've been lacking for some time..that should open up the rushing lanes in a big way.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Graham stands to make the most of the pending Brett Favre deal to Tampa..if he's traded to TB, Graham moves up the draft boards..Favre gives TB the legit threat at the QB position they've been lacking for some time..that should open up the rushing lanes in a big way.

I somewhat agree. Garcia is a top notch QB in the short to intermediate range, and an excellent scrambler. The problem is that he couldn't hit the open WR deep down the field. Brett Favre would cause defenses to back up, and leave the run lanes open. I don't think Graham necessary has the most to gain, but I think he defiantly will perform better than his current ADP. I think Clayton / Stovall have the most to gain, and I am leaning toward Stovall because he has been looking good on deep routes. Don't sleep on Paris Warren, and Antonio Bryant either. Favre has turned no name WR's into decent fantasy options on plenty of occasions. If anyone can get a WR open it is Gruden, but he hasn't had the players to execute. Either the QB throws the ball short, or the WR drops it.One of the passing TE's is bound to emerge as well.Dunn will be a great dump off option for Favre, and will pose as a home run threat every time. But, as soon as Tampa establishes a lead look for a heavy dose of Graham. Bennet will probably relieve him more often than Dunn in the 2nd half, but I have a feeling you will see a good dose of Dunn in the first half of games.

 

[JamesTheScot]

Graham = Tyrone WheatleyDunn = Charlie Garner

Garner couldn't hold Dunn's jock.

while that is true, I think the point Moz was trying to make is that (IIRC-will confirm) is that while Gruden did NOT pound 1 back exclusively, there was a rotation that had a couple guys worthy of roster spots....a rotation that had OAK #1 rush offense 1 of JG's last years on the left coastGraham and Dunn will both be worthy of roster spots and situational spot starts in 12 man leagues---I'd look at carrying either as RB'3 on my team, I wouldn't want to count too much on Graham as my every week RB2Graham...850 combined/8Dunn......900 combined/4

I don't think you are giving Garner enough credit. He ran angry like he was 240 pounds...kinda like a mini-Barber. He probably shortened his career in that manner. Once he lost his step, he was not going to be effective. Same for Dunn.

 

[Ghoti]

I would like to know if there are any more thoughts on this guy and the team timeshare, particularly from TB homers. I was in need of some RB depth and drafted him this past weekend (12 team, no PPR) at the end of the fifth. I am oscillating between feelings that I got him in a good spot and “buyer’s remorse”.

There were still a few decent RB’s left on the board (Edge, Selvin Young) but I drafted Graham due to the potential of a RB on a good team that probably won’t be passing a ton (because of question marks/health issues at WR and an old fart at QB). But there just hasn’t been much talk on Graham this offseason. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing in itself, but it makes me a little nervous nonetheless.

I understand there are question marks with the timeshare possibility, but would appreciate any insight if/when things become a little more clear.

 

[flranger]

The Bucs DEF looks good this year which plays well for someone to grind out games. EG can do that. Dunn will have an impact, especially on the receptions that Graham looked like he was going to get when Pittman left. I also expect Graham to get the goal line carries.

Don't forget the Bucs have their starting (and soon to be Pro Bowl) guard out the first 6 or so games. It could get better as the seaon goes along.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I would like to know if there are any more thoughts on this guy and the team timeshare, particularly from TB homers. I was in need of some RB depth and drafted him this past weekend (12 team, no PPR) at the end of the fifth. I am oscillating between feelings that I got him in a good spot and “buyer’s remorse”.There were still a few decent RB’s left on the board (Edge, Selvin Young) but I drafted Graham due to the potential of a RB on a good team that probably won’t be passing a ton (because of question marks/health issues at WR and an old fart at QB). But there just hasn’t been much talk on Graham this offseason. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing in itself, but it makes me a little nervous nonetheless. I understand there are question marks with the timeshare possibility, but would appreciate any insight if/when things become a little more clear.

He is ADP 29, and you got him at the end of the 5th round. I would say you got good value.From the looks of it Dunn definitely isn't just going to be a 3rd down back, but Graham is still the guy.

 

[Kwai Chang Caine]

Took Kevin Smith over him yesterday as my third RB. The owner that selected me groaned as he took Graham. I have been wondering if I made a mistake taking Smith? I figured the gig is his and am concerned about Gruden's continuous subterfuge. I still think Graham is a pretty good value as a third back.

 

[Ghoti]

He is ADP 29, and you got him at the end of the 5th round. I would say you got good value.

Perhaps. According to ADP, certainly, but that wasn’t really my point. Regardless of where he is drafted, the question from my FF perspective is how he is valued according to other guys available at the same spot. Is he worth taking over an older guy who has arguably lost a step but will be the sure thing at the position (Edge) or another young guy with a potentially higher ceiling (Selvin Young)? Are the fears of his timeshare any more worrisome than that of Jonathan Stewart’s?

From the looks of it Dunn definitely isn't just going to be a 3rd down back, but Graham is still the guy.

That seems to be the general consensus. It appears that nobody knows but Gruden (if even he knows right now), and it might stay that way until Week 1 of the regular season. But there seems to be much more talk of Jonathan Stewart and Selvin Young around here than Earnest Graham, and they are all going in about the same general area of the draft (5th round +/- 1 round) so I believe there is some value in the discussion. All insights/opinions are appreciated.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Remember this: 68 carries and 26 receptions need to be replaced with Michael Pittman's departure.

Also, even if Cadillac comes off PUP, the backfield set-up of Graham, Dunn and Bennett will have had time to produce. If they are producing at a level Gruden likes, I would doubt he would try and insert a significant change into the rotation just to get Caddy back on the field. So the bottomline is that if the Bucs running game is productive at the outset, Caddy simply won't be a factor to worry about. If it hasn't been, then Graham hasn't produced as expected. Either way - Caddy won't be the cause of Graham's demise.

When you think about RB carries in Tampa though, consider that the combination of Caddy, Graham, Pittman and Bennett totaled 385 carries - I certainly think Graham should be the recipient of the same amount of carries he received last year, if not more. Dunn plays the Jerious Norwood role this year ironically.

 

[george]

.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Any more recent thoughts here? I'm really torn...

he's sitting there for me @ 5.3 (PPR league and 5pts TD passing) and I have Romo, Westy, Bush, Winslow Jr. and we have 2 flex spots (up to 3 RB and only 2WR or a combo of)...

Roddy White and Lee Evans are the only two WR's left on the board of note...I assume I could get a guy like Chambers in the 6th if I go Graham here and I'll have a formidable RB stable started...I really put myself into a bind here I feel like though...

Help?

 

[Lupe]

Any more recent thoughts here? I'm really torn...he's sitting there for me @ 5.3 (PPR league and 5pts TD passing) and I have Romo, Westy, Bush, Winslow Jr. and we have 2 flex spots (up to 3 RB and only 2WR or a combo of)...Roddy White and Lee Evans are the only two WR's left on the board of note...I assume I could get a guy like Chambers in the 6th if I go Graham here and I'll have a formidable RB stable started...I really put myself into a bind here I feel like though...Help?

FWIW, I grabbed Graham in 5th round (PPR) and then got Lee Evans and Santana Moss in rounds 6/7. What other RBs are left? Selvin Young? Thomas Jones?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

Have people seen Warrick Dunn lately? The guy looked washed up last year. His YPC has declined each of the past two seasons and it was a pathetic 3.1 last year. If Gruden is planning on giving Dunn a lot of touches, that tells me he's lost his mind. I don't think Graham is a major talent but he looked MUCH better last season than Dunn did (or Cadillac for that matter). Again, I'm not selling Graham as a major talent but I think he's easily the best RB the Bucs have right now. If his production doesn't decline, I don't see why Gruden would take a significant number of carries away from him this season. Dunn's a great guy and it's a nice story that he's back in TB but I think Gruden would be making a huge mistake giving him more than a handful of carries a game (though I do think he'll be useful as a third-down RB).

He's been looking good in TC, and busted off a 40 yd TD run last week. He's not just using him as a 3rd down back either.

I could see Gruden giving him carries. He's stubborn enough to do that. However, I believe that unless Dunn shows significant improvement compared to last season and Graham shows a significant decline, giving Dunn a significant number of carries will be a mistake - and quite possibly a huge one. Watching him last season, he looked washed up. And yes I realize he was on a bad team, but I'm not sure how many 33-year-old RBs bounce back from a two-year decline in production and a previous season that was nothing short of terrible.

There is a huge difference in Dunns situation the last 2 seasons, and his situation this year. Tampa Bay's o-line is sick & very deep. not to mention Askew is a great blocking FB, and Gilmore is a good run blocking TE. Anyone carrying the ball for Tampa is going to do well.

Dunn is also older. I'm not sure how many 33-year-old RBs in the history of the league have shown a marked improvement once they begin to decline. I think he'd be best served as a third-down RB who gets 4-5 carries a game to keep Graham fresh. Based on how bad he looked last year and given his decline in production the past two, I think it would be a mistake to give him more as long as Graham is healthy and doesn't drop off from what he showed last season.But I can see Gruden forcing Dunn into a larger role and I can also see the Bucs suffering because of it.

IIRC, Dunn said he is looking to get about 17 touches a game. He said him and Gruden were on the same page with that when he signed.

I remember when the Falcons signed him and said they were committed to giving him 20 touches a game. A month later they drafted T.J. (I go this way) Duckett and Dunn didn't see 20 touches prettu much until Mora got there.17 touches a game is 272 touches. I doubt it...maybe he's counting when he touches the ball on play-action fakes.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Any more recent thoughts here? I'm really torn...he's sitting there for me @ 5.3 (PPR league and 5pts TD passing) and I have Romo, Westy, Bush, Winslow Jr. and we have 2 flex spots (up to 3 RB and only 2WR or a combo of)...Roddy White and Lee Evans are the only two WR's left on the board of note...I assume I could get a guy like Chambers in the 6th if I go Graham here and I'll have a formidable RB stable started...I really put myself into a bind here I feel like though...Help?

FWIW, I grabbed Graham in 5th round (PPR) and then got Lee Evans and Santana Moss in rounds 6/7. What other RBs are left? Selvin Young? Thomas Jones?

Yound is but Jones went the pick before (grumble). I figure w/ that RB stable and my advantages @ QB and TE, I can find decent depth @ WR a little later while letting those positions cover for lack of stellar WR play. Thoughts?

 

[Ghoti]

Yound is but Jones went the pick before (grumble). I figure w/ that RB stable and my advantages @ QB and TE, I can find decent depth @ WR a little later while letting those positions cover for lack of stellar WR play. Thoughts?

No disrespect, but let's try and keep on topic here. Please go to the Assistant Coach Forum for specific team-related questions and leave this thread for news/thoughts on Earnest Graham.

 

[fasteddie_21]

Yound is but Jones went the pick before (grumble). I figure w/ that RB stable and my advantages @ QB and TE, I can find decent depth @ WR a little later while letting those positions cover for lack of stellar WR play. Thoughts?

No disrespect, but let's try and keep on topic here. Please go to the Assistant Coach Forum for specific team-related questions and leave this thread for news/thoughts on Earnest Graham.

Fair enough.That said, I have Graham = tne bottom of the WR2's on board. I think at @ round 5 (place in round 5 is irrelevant as most only have one pick each round), his value is solid. Obviously, this would be dictated by individual drafts, but I think that w/ the glut of WR's that are usually available nowadays, his value is equal to or greater than those left.

 

[notoriousbob]

I had devalued him due to the oline injury, but I felt I couldn't pass him up at 5.12. So now he is on my roster as my RB 2/3 and I'm not sure what to think. He will either lead me to a championship or be one of those guys that gets dropped or thrown into a trade. At that point in the draft, I felt like he was worth a shot. Having Dunn around can be viewed as a good thing, because there is no way he could make through a full season pounding the rock as a clear #1. So we will see...

 

[PahtyTom]

Having Dunn around can be viewed as a good thing, because there is no way he could make through a full season pounding the rock as a clear #1.

Are you talking about Graham? If so, what would lead you to believe that he couldn't "make through a full season pounding the rock as a clear #1"?

 

[notoriousbob]

Yeah I was referring to Graham. How many RBs could pound it 300+ carries? I'm just saying it will be good for his health over the course of the season to have someone to share some work with.

 

[PahtyTom]

Yeah I was referring to Graham. How many RBs could pound it 300+ carries? I'm just saying it will be good for his health over the course of the season to have someone to share some work with.

It's not that uncommon, and there is no history to suggest that he couldn't. He's not exactly a small guy. But I agree with what you are trying to say I believe.

 

[moderated]

I've officially moved Graham to my BUY list with the news Caddie is basically done.

Now there is 0 real competition for major carries. I'm gonna pencil him in for 275-300 carries and 40-50 receptions.

Dunn will spell a bit but at this stage of his career he doesn't do anything as good as Graham.

Running - Graham

Receiving - Graham (Dunn is still a decent receiver but Graham is actually a very good receiving back)

Blocking - Graham

Power - Graham

Dunn will basically be another RB player/coach over the next couple years who can fill in at times. I see him going into coaching full time after he retires and Gruden is grooming him.

 

[-baller]

I can see dunn vulturing a bunch of his catches, but who do you think is going to be in line for the td's -- dunn??

 

[Kiddnets]

Good start to the season but shut out today - anyone know what happened?? Dunn is getting carries but it still looks like EG is the guy...

 

[bentley]

Good start to the season but shut out today - anyone know what happened?? Dunn is getting carries but it still looks like EG is the guy...

Pretty sure the 1.3 YPC today didn't do him any favors.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Good start to the season but shut out today - anyone know what happened?? Dunn is getting carries but it still looks like EG is the guy...

the bears defense is what happened

 

[saintfool]

Good start to the season but shut out today - anyone know what happened?? Dunn is getting carries but it still looks like EG is the guy...

the bears defense is what happened

63 pass attempts from Griese helped kill EG's stat line too...

 

[valhallan]

Yeah, no luck against the Bears D early then the team got down by two scores. Not a lot of opportunity today.

 

[Nemesis]

Watched some of the game.

At one point, TB defense created a turnover around mid field and returned the ball to the 1 foot line. Gruden sent in his goal-line offense & I believe EG was the RB. Then, at the last moment, Gruden decided to challenge the play and sure enough, it showed that the TB defender made it into the End Zone.

So, the opportunity COULD have been there for EG, but as noted above, the Bears def was controlling the Bucs running game and TB was forced to air it out.