Graham Proves He's Capable (1 Viewer)

[BustedKnuckles]

Graham Proves He's Capable Of Carrying Load

By JOE HENDERSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 22, 2007

DETROIT - The Bucs have been scouring the NFL for the past couple weeks, looking for any running back they could find to help a unit depleted by injuries. But the way Earnest Graham played Sunday was perhaps the biggest positive to come out of a deflating 23-16 loss to Detroit.

Graham had his best overall day in his three-plus-year career, rushing for 92 yards and catching 13 passes for 99 more.

'Earnest did some excellent things as a ball carrier and as a receiver, to say the least,' Bucs coach Jon Gruden said.

His play calmed, temporarily at least, fears that the Bucs wouldn't have enough of a ground game to contend for a playoff spot. They had gained 47 yards on the ground the last two weeks combined before Sunday. To shore up that unit, they acquired veteran Zack Crockett as a free agent and made a trade with Kansas City for Michael Bennett.

Bennett showed his speed with an 18-yard burst in the fourth quarter to Detroit's 1 - the Bucs lost a fumbled snap a play later - but this day was about Graham.

'Things are starting to pick up,' Graham said. 'I'm starting to see my reads a little better and get better in the passing game. I'm trying to improve every week. I'm somewhat happy with that tonight, the progress, but the score doesn't show it as far as the team is concerned.'

The biggest surprise was how effectively Graham worked as a receiver. His 13 catches eclipsed his receiving total for his entire career prior to the game - he had one catch for 4 yards in his first three full seasons in the league, then 10 more through the first six games of this season. He also tied James Wilder's team record for most receptions in a game.

The Lions played Cover 2 on defense almost exclusively, which took away a lot of deep routes and made Graham a big player coming out of the backfield.

'He did a great job when he had the opportunity of running the football to get north and south and get positive yardage, and then he was huge coming out of the backfield as a receiver,' quarterback Jeff Garcia said. 'We knew the way they play defensively that he was going to be critical in the passing game. He took advantage of that. We couldn't have asked any more out of him today. He did a great job.'

Graham said he just needs to build on this game and carry it through the rest of the season.

'It's getting better,' he said. 'I didn't feel like I played too well last week. I felt like I was kind of rusty in the passing game - I wasn't on time with Jeff - and I wasn't seeing things too well in the run game. Today, I just felt more comfortable, but at the same time I'm definitely down right now. Any time you go out there and you don't come away with the victory, it's tough. We know we let it get away. We had too many mistakes.

'You have games like that in the NFL, and when you do, you lose. We have to make sure that doesn't happen again.'

 

[gump]

I've been a critic on this board of Graham, and didn't see the game yesterday. I'm not sold yet, but if he is starting to "see his reads better"...that's a good sign. He did not see holes well his first few games.

 

[bigfeet_88]

He was PPR Gold yesterday.

 

[Bender]

He was PPR Gold yesterday.

To say the least...I'm having trouble thinking if any receiver has topped 13 catches in a game this season. I think he can entrench himself with a good game this week. As good as he was last week, it was Detroit. But he's certainly done enough to where even if he doesn't have a great game, he won't lose his job. People who overbid for Michael Bennett, you should be a little concerned it was a waste, especially with Pittman inching closer to a return to fill the 3rd down back role....although, if Ernie shows the skills he did last week, regularly, he'll be the undisputed every down back the rest of the season.If you're a believer like me, ride it out...if you're not, trade him while he has high value.

 

[packersfan]

If you're a believer like me, ride it out...if you're not, trade him while he has high value.

I'm thrilled with what he did but I am trying to move him in my league (which is PPR) this week. I think his value will take a hit next week after the Jacksonville game and so this may be the week to strike while the iron is hot. And should Pittman return after the bye that will likely cut into his reception total at the very least. Worst-case scenario is Pittman regains his starting role completely and Graham's value takes an even greater hit.

 

[EdwardCat]

So...what's the scoop out of Tampa? Does Pittman cut heavily into Graham's production once he returns? Or is Graham the guy?

 

[Sabertooth]

I think Pittman's strength is catching. But how much of this is due to Caddy's ability? Graham seems comfortable in that role as well.

 

[EdwardCat]

Anyone going after this guy? It sounds like his schedule is pretty easy from here on out. Or are people nervous about him losing carries to Pittman? Considering Graham caught 13 passes against Detroit, it is safe to say he's just as good, if not better, than Pittman.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Anyone going after this guy? It sounds like his schedule is pretty easy from here on out. Or are people nervous about him losing carries to Pittman? Considering Graham caught 13 passes against Detroit, it is safe to say he's just as good, if not better, than Pittman.

Graham- 68.6 percent of targets caught, ytdPittman- 61.1 percent of targets caught, ytd

 

[delusional]

Process of trading Griese & Boldin ( and maybe Hanson(k)) for Anderson(qb) & Graham ( and maybe chris henry(rb))

 

[EdwardCat]

Process of trading Griese & Boldin ( and maybe Hanson(k)) for Anderson(qb) & Graham ( and maybe chris henry(rb))

The Graham owner in my league offered him to me for Stallworth. I'm tempted to take it as Stallworth is so up and down. 7 catches for 80 yards over two weeks isn't barely a 3rd receiver. Yeah, he had a TD...but considering Brady has thrown a million in that two game span, it is hardly something to be excited about.

 

[Sabertooth]

I'd probably do that Stallworth deal. I am considering dropping Stallworth outright.

 

[gump]

I don't own any...but I would definitely worry about Pitt if I owned Graham. I guarantee you Gruden will give Pittman carries...probably trying to get him to the outside.

And don't forget about Bennett and his TD last Sunday.

Bottom line to me (still) is that Graham is not an every-down back. His running is too one-dimensional.

 

[packersfan]

If Graham does well this week I think he keeps the starting job when Pittman returns with Pittman resuming his role as the third-down receiving RB. My guess is Graham's production against the Jags is a pretty good indicator of what he'll do if he maintains the starting job the rest of the season - 60+ rushing yards/1 reception with an outside shot at a TD every once in awhile.

I still think he's a guy his owners should be looking to trade. I think he's done well as the starter but I don't see any way his value improves once Pittman returns. The only place Graham has to go is down - especially in PPR leagues.

 

[Sabertooth]

If Graham does well this week I think he keeps the starting job when Pittman returns with Pittman resuming his role as the third-down receiving RB. My guess is Graham's production against the Jags is a pretty good indicator of what he'll do if he maintains the starting job the rest of the season - 60+ rushing yards/1 reception with an outside shot at a TD every once in awhile. I still think he's a guy his owners should be looking to trade. I think he's done well as the starter but I don't see any way his value improves once Pittman returns. The only place Graham has to go is down - especially in PPR leagues.

FWIW, he only has one tough matchup from here on out. With Jacksonville being perhaps the toughest team in the NFL for backs to face, I see that as the low-end of Graham's potential. This week vs. Arizona would be more indicative of what to expect from him.Week 9 ARI -- --Week 10 < bye > -- --Week 11 @ATL -- --Week 12 WAS -- --Week 13 @NOR -- --Playoff Week 1 @HOU -- --Playoff Week 2 ATL -- --Playoff Week 3 @SFO -- --

 

[packersfan]

If Graham does well this week I think he keeps the starting job when Pittman returns with Pittman resuming his role as the third-down receiving RB. My guess is Graham's production against the Jags is a pretty good indicator of what he'll do if he maintains the starting job the rest of the season - 60+ rushing yards/1 reception with an outside shot at a TD every once in awhile. I still think he's a guy his owners should be looking to trade. I think he's done well as the starter but I don't see any way his value improves once Pittman returns. The only place Graham has to go is down - especially in PPR leagues.

FWIW, he only has one tough matchup from here on out. With Jacksonville being perhaps the toughest team in the NFL for backs to face, I see that as the low-end of Graham's potential. This week vs. Arizona would be more indicative of what to expect from him.Week 9 ARI -- --Week 10 < bye > -- --Week 11 @ATL -- --Week 12 WAS -- --Week 13 @NOR -- --Playoff Week 1 @HOU -- --Playoff Week 2 ATL -- --Playoff Week 3 @SFO -- --

I agree that's a nice schedule and if he retains the starting job I think he'll be a nice RB3. But I don't see him catching many passes when Pittman returns. That's Pittman's role and he's very good at it. So in PPR leagues I think Graham's value is going to take a hit and possibly a big one. I think we saw the first signs of that last week against Jacksonville. He ran well, averaging over 4 YPC which is good against the Jags, but he only caught one pass. If you're a Graham owner in PPR leagues I don't think you should be counting on him getting the reception totals he had been putting up prior to the Jacksonville game. I think 1-2 a game is probably more realistic with Pittman getting 4-5.

 

[Sabertooth]

If Graham does well this week I think he keeps the starting job when Pittman returns with Pittman resuming his role as the third-down receiving RB. My guess is Graham's production against the Jags is a pretty good indicator of what he'll do if he maintains the starting job the rest of the season - 60+ rushing yards/1 reception with an outside shot at a TD every once in awhile. I still think he's a guy his owners should be looking to trade. I think he's done well as the starter but I don't see any way his value improves once Pittman returns. The only place Graham has to go is down - especially in PPR leagues.

FWIW, he only has one tough matchup from here on out. With Jacksonville being perhaps the toughest team in the NFL for backs to face, I see that as the low-end of Graham's potential. This week vs. Arizona would be more indicative of what to expect from him.Week 9 ARI -- --Week 10 < bye > -- --Week 11 @ATL -- --Week 12 WAS -- --Week 13 @NOR -- --Playoff Week 1 @HOU -- --Playoff Week 2 ATL -- --Playoff Week 3 @SFO -- --

I agree that's a nice schedule and if he retains the starting job I think he'll be a nice RB3. But I don't see him catching many passes when Pittman returns. That's Pittman's role and he's very good at it. So in PPR leagues I think Graham's value is going to take a hit and possibly a big one. I think we saw the first signs of that last week against Jacksonville. He ran well, averaging over 4 YPC which is good against the Jags, but he only caught one pass. If you're a Graham owner in PPR leagues I don't think you should be counting on him getting the reception totals he had been putting up prior to the Jacksonville game. I think 1-2 a game is probably more realistic with Pittman getting 4-5.

Gotcha. I could see that.

 

[sholditch]

Just benched him for FA. HE probably has a lot more value for your team than he does in a trade. People won't beleive it until he does it three times in a row, and even then wouldn't consider moving a really big name for him (unless that name is SA).

 

[EdwardCat]

Just benched him for FA. HE probably has a lot more value for your team than he does in a trade. People won't beleive it until he does it three times in a row, and even then wouldn't consider moving a really big name for him (unless that name is SA).

FA? Can't we type full names? I see FA and think free agent.

 

[Sabertooth]

That's what I thought too?

 

[sholditch]

Just benched SA for him. HE probably has a lot more value for your team than he does in a trade. People won't beleive it until he does it three times in a row, and even then wouldn't consider moving a really big name for him (unless that name is SA).

FA? Can't we type full names? I see FA and think free agent.

Sorry, typo, and wrote it wrong

 

[EdwardCat]

Just benched SA for him. HE probably has a lot more value for your team than he does in a trade. People won't beleive it until he does it three times in a row, and even then wouldn't consider moving a really big name for him (unless that name is SA).

FA? Can't we type full names? I see FA and think free agent.

Sorry, typo, and wrote it wrong

Gotcha. That one is recognizable. I agree. I think he'll do well down the stretch. Pittman will get some touches but not as many as people think. Graham has shown he can get the job done. SA on the other hand...that is a sad story. He has reached that magical number where RBs start breaking down in droves.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

If Graham does well this week I think he keeps the starting job when Pittman returns with Pittman resuming his role as the third-down receiving RB. My guess is Graham's production against the Jags is a pretty good indicator of what he'll do if he maintains the starting job the rest of the season - 60+ rushing yards/1 reception with an outside shot at a TD every once in awhile. I still think he's a guy his owners should be looking to trade. I think he's done well as the starter but I don't see any way his value improves once Pittman returns. The only place Graham has to go is down - especially in PPR leagues.

Bucs RB Graham stunning observers in starting role Oct. 31, 2007 Tampa Bay RB Earnest Graham followed a career-best performance — 191 all-purpose yards against Detroit in Week Seven — with 14 carries for 62 yards in a loss to Jacksonville Oct. 28. It marked a second consecutive quality performance for the fourth-year veteran, who many believed would lose his starting job to RB Michael Bennett after rushing for just 29 yards in a Week Six win over the Titans. “(Graham) surprised me,” one NFL scout told PFW. “I didn’t see that coming.” Graham is a between-the-tackles runner and doesn’t have enough speed to bounce outside, but he has had success as a receiver out of the backfield during his two-week surge. In Detroit, he tied a Bucs single-game record by hauling in 13 catches. Graham may have been able to hold off Bennett from passing him on the depth chart, but when RB Michael Pittman returns from a severe ankle sprain — which could happen Nov. 18 against Atlanta, following the team's bye week — his carries may decline as he's shuttled back to some special-teams units, where he is a valuable component.