LaGarrette Blount in RBBC? (1 Viewer)

[ponchsox]

LeGarrette Blount, RB TB

News: Bucs GM Mark Dominik made an intriguing comment Wednesday during an interview with ProFootballTalk Live. Dominik was talking about the role second-year RB LeGarrette Blount would have in 2011, and he said the Bucs will use a committee approach to the running game this season. Dominik added that Blount will get the bulk of carries, but Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin will also be in the mix out of the backfield. Graham has already been deemed the team's third-down back at the start of the season.

 

[moderated]

did you really expect him to get 100% of the carries?

 

[OddibeMcD]

And would Blumpkin get carries over Bradford?

 

[ponchsox]

What does Graham and Lumpkin bring to the table that Blount doesn't?

 

[ImTheScientist]

LeGarrette Blount, RB TBNews: Bucs GM Mark Dominik made an intriguing comment Wednesday during an interview with ProFootballTalk Live. Dominik was talking about the role second-year RB LeGarrette Blount would have in 2011, and he said the Bucs will use a committee approach to the running game this season. Dominik added that Blount will get the bulk of carries, but Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin will also be in the mix out of the backfield. Graham has already been deemed the team's third-down back at the start of the season.

Read the third sentence slowly and get back to me.

 

[urbanhack]

LeGarrette Blount, RB TBNews: Bucs GM Mark Dominik made an intriguing comment Wednesday during an interview with ProFootballTalk Live. Dominik was talking about the role second-year RB LeGarrette Blount would have in 2011, and he said the Bucs will use a committee approach to the running game this season. Dominik added that Blount will get the bulk of carries, but Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin will also be in the mix out of the backfield. Graham has already been deemed the team's third-down back at the start of the season.

Read the third sentence slowly and get back to me.

let's shut this one down

 

[fred_1_15301]

LeGarrette Blount, RB TBNews: Bucs GM Mark Dominik made an intriguing comment Wednesday during an interview with ProFootballTalk Live. Dominik was talking about the role second-year RB LeGarrette Blount would have in 2011, and he said the Bucs will use a committee approach to the running game this season. Dominik added that Blount will get the bulk of carries, but Earnest Graham and Kregg Lumpkin will also be in the mix out of the backfield. Graham has already been deemed the team's third-down back at the start of the season.

I can't think of one situation where the backup running backs aren't also "in the mix". Not sure why you're making a big deal out of this. At least see how it plays out first before panicking.

 

[ponchsox]

I guess a better question is who is the better backup to roster here?

 

[Widbil83]

Yep nothing to see here. Scared me for a second, Blount is my "all in" player.

 

[CA_7]

What does Graham and Lumpkin bring to the table that Blount doesn't?

I think the better question is what does TB lose by not running Blount into the ground.From an NFL perspective, RBBC makes senses. Keeps guys fresh and reduce risk of wearing down. RBBC just sucks for your FF team.But to answer your question, Graham has been very productive when given the opportunity. He also sounds like a team player and was asked to play FB quite a bit in the past.

 

[duaneok66]

What does Graham and Lumpkin bring to the table that Blount doesn't?

intelligence and pass blocking . . .

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Hands of stone and as nimble as a crane. Not surprised. He won't sniff 3rd down at all, I don't think that comes as a surprise to anyone. Losing carries on first and second may, I suppose.

 

[joffer]

don't own him, but was surprised by his numbers yesterday. what happened? they were just behind the whole time?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The score yesterday doesn't tell the whole story. The Bucs were pretty much dominated most of the game. Freeman was not that good, the offense was hit and miss, the defense was terrible against the pass. It's week 1, let's revisit this next week.

 

[Woogie Lee]

buy low

 

[Go deep]

buy low

Sell while you still have a chance.

 

[footballnerd]

Morris does not trust Blount with pass protection. I have a feeling this year again will be the "will the Bucs be up in this game" type starts each week, because if they have to play catch up you will not see Blount. Ugh....

 

[Ministry of Pain]

buy low

Agreed...Blount being talked about on the NFLN right now...they were in the 2 minute hurry up the entire 2nd half so that's why Blount was not in there. Woogie nails it, BUY LOW BUY LOW BUY LOW!!!

 

[Insein]

If anything, yesterday will be a wake up call for Morris to NOT go away from the run all year. Expect Blount to get at least 15 carries a game from here on out.

 

[theoneandonly]

buy low

I am selling high before he goes lower! He looks like 1 oversized lost man who cant catch or block too me. Mad I took him he was such a great WW guy last season for me.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

buy low

I am selling high before he goes lower! He looks like 1 oversized lost man who cant catch or block too me. Mad I took him he was such a great WW guy last season for me.

Did he look like that last year?

 

[Raiderfan32904]

buy low

Agreed...Blount being talked about on the NFLN right now...they were in the 2 minute hurry up the entire 2nd half so that's why Blount was not in there. Woogie nails it, BUY LOW BUY LOW BUY LOW!!!

Sorry MOP,I am tending to disagree here. That Bucs D looked awful, and they didn't even smudge Stafford's jersey. They also couldn't stop the run. The D-Line is young and undersized and relies too much on speed and has no beef up the middle. The Lions put a beatdown on them and the 7 point margin was not indicitave of the rout it actually was. At one point at the end of the first quarter, the Bucs had more points (10) than total yards. They could not keep the opposing offense off the field, and if this is an indicator of their defense, they will be playing from behind a great deal this year. I don't much care for Blount as a back in an offense playing catchup. I'd hold till he hits a decent game and sell low (before the value plunges).

 

[Go deep]

buy low

Agreed...Blount being talked about on the NFLN right now...they were in the 2 minute hurry up the entire 2nd half so that's why Blount was not in there. Woogie nails it, BUY LOW BUY LOW BUY LOW!!!

Sorry MOP,I am tending to disagree here. That Bucs D looked awful, and they didn't even smudge Stafford's jersey. They also couldn't stop the run. The D-Line is young and undersized and relies too much on speed and has no beef up the middle. The Lions put a beatdown on them and the 7 point margin was not indicitave of the rout it actually was. At one point at the end of the first quarter, the Bucs had more points (10) than total yards. They could not keep the opposing offense off the field, and if this is an indicator of their defense, they will be playing from behind a great deal this year. I don't much care for Blount as a back in an offense playing catchup. I'd hold till he hits a decent game and sell low (before the value plunges).

The Bucs play the Colts in a couple weeks. The Bucs dont have the schedule they had last year, so the Colts game might be Blount owners chance to get rid of him.

 

[Jason Wood]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him

2) One week does not a season make

3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

 

[theoneandonly]

buy low

I am selling high before he goes lower! He looks like 1 oversized lost man who cant catch or block too me. Mad I took him he was such a great WW guy last season for me.

Did he look like that last year?

TBH last season he looked ok in the 1 game I seen him the entire game against the lions. Besides that I think I only caught him on redzone so I did not see the entire package. I also figured he would be a better blocker from last year.After watching the entire game yesterday lions bucs I think by end of the season your gonna be seeing more Graham and less Blount. He has no blocking ability and rubber hands. I do not see them leaving Blount in to let the qb get killed. I am just hoping someone did not see the game and will give me decent value back. Maybe I am overreacting too 1 game. I have done it before but if I can get anything decent for him I am gonna move him before people realize Graham is the bucs rb to have.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

buy low

Agreed...Blount being talked about on the NFLN right now...they were in the 2 minute hurry up the entire 2nd half so that's why Blount was not in there. Woogie nails it, BUY LOW BUY LOW BUY LOW!!!

Sorry MOP,I am tending to disagree here. That Bucs D looked awful, and they didn't even smudge Stafford's jersey. They also couldn't stop the run. The D-Line is young and undersized and relies too much on speed and has no beef up the middle. The Lions put a beatdown on them and the 7 point margin was not indicitave of the rout it actually was. At one point at the end of the first quarter, the Bucs had more points (10) than total yards. They could not keep the opposing offense off the field, and if this is an indicator of their defense, they will be playing from behind a great deal this year. I don't much care for Blount as a back in an offense playing catchup. I'd hold till he hits a decent game and sell low (before the value plunges).

I appreciate what you are saying but Blount had 5 carries yesterday. Yes I watched the game, Bucs fan as most know. It was a rough 1st week but I'm not ready to throw the baby out with the bathwater just yet. Look at other teams that stunk yesterday that probably will not look as bad every week...Atlanta, New York, Pittsburgh, lot of teams looked like horsespit yesterday but they won't look that bad every week. I'm not going to go back and forth because I respect your alls opinion and I take this stuff when I am writing the weekly but I do feel this is a little overreacting and I want to see a couple games before i say Blount is a disaster. he was a 4th round pick, RB2 type for a lot of owners so maybe they roll with their RB3/4 for a week or two until blunt and the offense settles a bit. Freeman has to set the tone at Qb and he was not effective yesterday. Good stuff 32904

 

[theoneandonly]

Fwiw I was dumb and took him in a ppr league. Not thinking he was gonna start catching the ball as I do not think players hands are gonna improve all that much by time they reach nfl level football. More so cause I thought he could rush for 1200 yds and maybe 10tds as what I thought was gonna be tbs workhorse.

 

[joffer]

Morris does not trust Blount with pass protection. I have a feeling this year again will be the "will the Bucs be up in this game" type starts each week, because if they have to play catch up you will not see Blount. Ugh....

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris said the reason RB LeGarrette Blount had just five carries for 15 yards in the team's Week 1 game was because the team went to the two-minute offense often during the game. Morris added Blount must improve in a faster-paced offense like the two-minute offense. 'When we get to our two-minute offense - our faster-pace offense - that kind of took him out of the game a little bit,' Morris said. 'It's an area he has got to improve in, obviously, with the pass protection and all those aspects of it. He kind of got himself out of the game that started fast, and that hurt him and his ability to touch the ball, his ability to be effective on Detroit.'

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'll offer this up for discussion. If Blount is not the guy then who do the Bucs start rolling with at RB? No baiting here, just want to know what the board envisions.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him2) One week does not a season make3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

Wood,I think you are overlooking the defensive issues. Blount got 5 carries, and only 2 in the second half. They were trailing from the moment they gave up that 4th and two TD to Calvin Johnson, and Aquib Talib got roasted after trash talking at the start. No disrespect for the Lions, but I don't think they are top 3 NFC team like some Lions homers are claiming. They could be a wildcard team, certainly won't challenge the Packers and even the Bears have something to say about the Lions being a playoff team. That said, the Bucs are going to face much tougher opponents this year. The D-Line is an absolute failure, even though the Bucs have spent high draft picks the last 2 years to fix it. They have been too cheap to bring in an old vet (like Richard Seymour on the Raiders for example) to solidify the line. With the defensive personnel on the Bucs, upcoming teams on their schedule will be licking their chops to gash them up the middle. This keeps the Bucs total plays down, and what little plays they have are in catch-up mode. Really sucks for Blount in that situation, since he's not much of a receiver. Sorry, but pass pro is one thing, but the Bucs D is waaaaayyyy more of a factor, imo.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

TBH last season he looked ok in the 1 game I seen him the entire game against the lions. Besides that I think I only caught him on redzone so I did not see the entire package. I also figured he would be a better blocker from last year.

After watching the entire game yesterday lions bucs I think by end of the season your gonna be seeing more Graham and less Blount. He has no blocking ability and rubber hands. I do not see them leaving Blount in to let the qb get killed.

I am just hoping someone did not see the game and will give me decent value back. Maybe I am overreacting too 1 game. I have done it before but if I can get anything decent for him I am gonna move him before people realize Graham is the bucs rb to have.

Nice post, let's focus on this rather than Blount is the suxor. Graham has done it for the Bucs and done it "OK", and I would hope maybe Premier can slide into this thread and see if he also thinks that Graham was OK when he started(2007/2008?) but overall the Bucs were limited on offense with Graham in there. I do think that statement has a lot of merit and is worthy of some deeper discussion. Still feel that Blount needs a couple more weeks before we throw dirt on his coffin.

 

[Ray_T]

Morris does not trust Blount with pass protection. I have a feeling this year again will be the "will the Bucs be up in this game" type starts each week, because if they have to play catch up you will not see Blount. Ugh....

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris said the reason RB LeGarrette Blount had just five carries for 15 yards in the team's Week 1 game was because the team went to the two-minute offense often during the game. Morris added Blount must improve in a faster-paced offense like the two-minute offense. 'When we get to our two-minute offense - our faster-pace offense - that kind of took him out of the game a little bit,' Morris said. 'It's an area he has got to improve in, obviously, with the pass protection and all those aspects of it. He kind of got himself out of the game that started fast, and that hurt him and his ability to touch the ball, his ability to be effective on Detroit.'

ok, so it's a pass protection issue. This is the coach saying 'learn to block better or you will sit'

 

[Shutout]

Blount seems to be the new Michael Turner: can be incredibly effective as long as the team is dictating the style and is very vulnerable to losing most FF value if the team falls behind. So, if you believe the Bucs will be good when you look at their schedule, you may want to play accordingly.

My thoughts are that the defensive line isn't going to be able to get it done consistently so I think its an up and down year for Blount. If I owned him, I would likely hold him and pray to goodness he doesn't look anything less than awesome against the colts (there is a certain level of expected goodness when you play them now). If I did not own him I do not think I am in the buyer's market.

 

[Jason Wood]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him

2) One week does not a season make

3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

Wood,I think you are overlooking the defensive issues. Blount got 5 carries, and only 2 in the second half. They were trailing from the moment they gave up that 4th and two TD to Calvin Johnson, and Aquib Talib got roasted after trash talking at the start. No disrespect for the Lions, but I don't think they are top 3 NFC team like some Lions homers are claiming. They could be a wildcard team, certainly won't challenge the Packers and even the Bears have something to say about the Lions being a playoff team. That said, the Bucs are going to face much tougher opponents this year. The D-Line is an absolute failure, even though the Bucs have spent high draft picks the last 2 years to fix it. They have been too cheap to bring in an old vet (like Richard Seymour on the Raiders for example) to solidify the line.

With the defensive personnel on the Bucs, upcoming teams on their schedule will be licking their chops to gash them up the middle. This keeps the Bucs total plays down, and what little plays they have are in catch-up mode. Really sucks for Blount in that situation, since he's not much of a receiver.

Sorry, but pass pro is one thing, but the Bucs D is waaaaayyyy more of a factor, imo.

I don't think we disagree. If you look at my preseason projections, I had him with:305 rushes/ 1,290 rushing yards / 9 TDs

12 recs / 65 yards / 0 Rec TDs

And this is what I said about him in the conclusion of the LeGarrette Blount Player Spotlight:

LeGarrette Blount was one of the more surprising breakout players of 2010. Best known for his poor judgment and hot temper, Blount seemed like an afterthought when the Bucs claimed him off waivers from the Titans. Yet, by midseason he was the Bucs' workhorse starter and helping Tampa to a shocking 10 win season. And this wasn't a case of a plodder being the only game in town. Blount LEAD THE LEAGUE IN MISSED TACKLES, and averaged 5 yards a rush one he got the starting gig. He's a special, power back. With his offensive line intact, Blount can easily be among the NFC's leading rushers. His lack of receiving skills limit his upside, but you should be happy to roster Blount as your RB2 this year -- he'll deliver.

The issue isn't this week's 5 carries, it's the fact that he's got to do better as a blocker to not be anything more than a 2-down runner. Realistically, for anyone that's counting on Blount as more than a low end RB2, he needs to add that other dimension to his game.

 

[Casting Couch]

RB Earnest Graham, TB - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - When LeGarrette Blount proved ineffective against the staunch Detroit defense, the Buccaneers turned to Graham as their primary ball carrier. Although he was also ineffective rushing the ball, he was more effective in taking short passes and turning them into nice gains and first downs. When the game was on the line, and Tampa was trying to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, Graham had two short receptions that he turned into first downs and almost 30 yards. While we initially thought that Blount would receive the bulk of the Tampa carries, it appears Graham and Blount will share the carries and Graham will be used in passing downs. FBG

 

[ImTheScientist]

RB Earnest Graham, TB - *** POTENTIAL WAIVER WIRE GEM *** - When LeGarrette Blount proved ineffective against the staunch Detroit defense, the Buccaneers turned to Graham as their primary ball carrier. Although he was also ineffective rushing the ball, he was more effective in taking short passes and turning them into nice gains and first downs. When the game was on the line, and Tampa was trying to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, Graham had two short receptions that he turned into first downs and almost 30 yards. While we initially thought that Blount would receive the bulk of the Tampa carries, it appears Graham and Blount will share the carries and Graham will be used in passing downs. FBG

If u listened to them last week you started ward over Tate.

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him2) One week does not a season make3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

I'm curious what FBG's rationale was in the email update telling us to expect to see a "50/50 split" going forward?

 

[Raiderfan32904]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him2) One week does not a season make3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

I'm curious what FBG's rationale was in the email update telling us to expect to see a "50/50 split" going forward?

I won't answer for FBG's, but it could well be an even split. Earnest Graham is highly thought of in Tampa, and Raheem Morris and staff remember what he was able to do a couple of years back, he's very versatile. He can pass protect in the hurry up, and that is something that Blount struggles with mightily. Blount may not be conditioned for the two-minute drill, and is sloppy in pass pro. Graham is the guy that is going to keep Freeman upright. I think the Bucs miss Cadillac Williams. He could have been signed for cheap. But the Bucs felt like that Graham was a duplicate of the same type of runner, and a luxury on their 53 man squad. But I remember times last year when the game was crazy, and the Bucs needed a big play to get them over the top. It was Cadillac who seemed to calm down Josh Freeman and reset the offense in the huddle. That veteran presence is missing and Blount is still very limited in what he can do, or willing to do. That and the leadership on that Tampa O is lacking.

 

[Team ROFLCOPTERS]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him2) One week does not a season make3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

I'm curious what FBG's rationale was in the email update telling us to expect to see a "50/50 split" going forward?

I won't answer for FBG's, but it could well be an even split. Earnest Graham is highly thought of in Tampa, and Raheem Morris and staff remember what he was able to do a couple of years back, he's very versatile. He can pass protect in the hurry up, and that is something that Blount struggles with mightily. Blount may not be conditioned for the two-minute drill, and is sloppy in pass pro. Graham is the guy that is going to keep Freeman upright. I think the Bucs miss Cadillac Williams. He could have been signed for cheap. But the Bucs felt like that Graham was a duplicate of the same type of runner, and a luxury on their 53 man squad. But I remember times last year when the game was crazy, and the Bucs needed a big play to get them over the top. It was Cadillac who seemed to calm down Josh Freeman and reset the offense in the huddle. That veteran presence is missing and Blount is still very limited in what he can do, or willing to do. That and the leadership on that Tampa O is lacking.

All of that is very true, but I'm curious what makes this year different than last year? The only change in variable is that Williams is gone leaving the water less murky.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

The defense has regressed, notice Barrett Ruud led the entire NFL in tackles yesterday. He was much underappreciated in Tampa last year. What the Bucs have left is a bunch of rookies and second year players. The good news is the O line did a great job and held Suh to just one tackle. Pretty much kept Freeman upright. That's good news for Blount.

And if there is an "x" factor that is the difference, I am of the opinion that losing C. Williams hurt Blount instead of helping him. I know it's counter-intuitive in fantasy terms, but Williams had a leadership role that is missed. If anything, he helped Blount.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

just because the Lions smashed in the bucs looks like blount is be scapegoated? he had what 5 touches? and if he cant block or catch, then he wont be on the field in the hurry up.

 

[texansfan80]

just because the Lions smashed in the bucs looks like blount is be scapegoated? he had what 5 touches? and if he cant block or catch, then he wont be on the field in the hurry up.

What ^ said. Take notes.

 

[The Ref]

Lots of major over reaction in here. Be warned that Blount (and the rest of the team) had a bad game running the ball vs a team that some say will be the best Run D this year. Lets wait and see how the player who ran for ~ 1K yards in half a season does vs a different team when they are not playing from behind.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Lots of major over reaction in here. Be warned that Blount (and the rest of the team) had a bad game running the ball vs a team that some say will be the best Run D this year. Lets wait and see how the player who ran for ~ 1K yards in half a season does vs a different team when they are not playing from behind.

If they can't play run defense it won't matter. Blount sucks in the hurry up offense.

 

[Daywalker]

Bucs will be competitive this year. 8-8. Don't think anyone has them going 4-12. Their will be plenty of close games for Blount to get his carries. How can you be surprised L. Blount had a bad game after getting 5 carries? No one thinks he's a stud. He's top 20 cause the current state of NFL RB schemes.

Blount isn't going to get 90 carries on the year as their lead back. Calm down everyone. Not much to see here just a bad game all the way around.

 

[Go deep]

Bucs will be competitive this year. 8-8. Don't think anyone has them going 4-12. Their will be plenty of close games for Blount to get his carries. How can you be surprised L. Blount had a bad game after getting 5 carries? No one thinks he's a stud. He's top 20 cause the current state of NFL RB schemes.

Blount isn't going to get 90 carries on the year as their lead back. Calm down everyone. Not much to see here just a bad game all the way around.

I predicted them for no more than 4-5 wins earlier in the offseason. Im sure i could dig it up here, but im hoping you will just take my word.

I know its only one game, and i also know Detroit is an improved team, but good teams dont get destroyed at home by teams like the Lions.

While anything is possible, i would bet my house the Bucs dont win 8 games this year.

 

[Daywalker]

Bucs will be competitive this year. 8-8. Don't think anyone has them going 4-12. Their will be plenty of close games for Blount to get his carries. How can you be surprised L. Blount had a bad game after getting 5 carries? No one thinks he's a stud. He's top 20 cause the current state of NFL RB schemes.

Blount isn't going to get 90 carries on the year as their lead back. Calm down everyone. Not much to see here just a bad game all the way around.

I predicted them for no more than 4-5 wins earlier in the offseason. Im sure i could dig it up here, but im hoping you will just take my word.

I know its only one game, and i also know Detroit is an improved team, but good teams dont get destroyed at home by teams like the Lions.

While anything is possible, i would bet my house the Bucs dont win 8 games this year.

Well Vegas has them at 8 wins. You should make a bundle of money.

 

[Proximo]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him

2) One week does not a season make

3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

Broken tackles....def players miss tackles.I think you are overlooking the defensive issues. Blount got 5 carries, and only 2 in the second half. They were trailing from the moment they gave up that 4th and two TD to Calvin Johnson, and Aquib Talib got roasted after trash talking at the start. No disrespect for the Lions, but I don't think they are top 3 NFC team like some Lions homers are claiming. They could be a wildcard team, certainly won't challenge the Packers and even the Bears have something to say about the Lions being a playoff team. That said, the Bucs are going to face much tougher opponents this year. The D-Line is an absolute failure, even though the Bucs have spent high draft picks the last 2 years to fix it. They have been too cheap to bring in an old vet (like Richard Seymour on the Raiders for example) to solidify the line.

With the defensive personnel on the Bucs, upcoming teams on their schedule will be licking their chops to gash them up the middle. This keeps the Bucs total plays down, and what little plays they have are in catch-up mode. Really sucks for Blount in that situation, since he's not much of a receiver.

Sorry, but pass pro is one thing, but the Bucs D is waaaaayyyy more of a factor, imo.

I don't think we disagree. If you look at my preseason projections, I had him with:305 rushes/ 1,290 rushing yards / 9 TDs

12 recs / 65 yards / 0 Rec TDs

And this is what I said about him in the conclusion of the LeGarrette Blount Player Spotlight:

LeGarrette Blount was one of the more surprising breakout players of 2010. Best known for his poor judgment and hot temper, Blount seemed like an afterthought when the Bucs claimed him off waivers from the Titans. Yet, by midseason he was the Bucs' workhorse starter and helping Tampa to a shocking 10 win season. And this wasn't a case of a plodder being the only game in town. Blount LEAD THE LEAGUE IN MISSED TACKLES, and averaged 5 yards a rush one he got the starting gig. He's a special, power back. With his offensive line intact, Blount can easily be among the NFC's leading rushers. His lack of receiving skills limit his upside, but you should be happy to roster Blount as your RB2 this year -- he'll deliver.

The issue isn't this week's 5 carries, it's the fact that he's got to do better as a blocker to not be anything more than a 2-down runner. Realistically, for anyone that's counting on Blount as more than a low end RB2, he needs to add that other dimension to his game.

 

[Jason Wood]

1) I never expected Blount to be a pass catcher, and anyone that projected him with a hefty receiving bump deserves what they get if they reached for him2) One week does not a season make3) The issue is pass pro. When your head coach specifically calls you out on pass pro after Week One, you have issues you better fix if you have any hope of living up to the preseason hype fantasy owners put on you

I'm curious what FBG's rationale was in the email update telling us to expect to see a "50/50 split" going forward?

I didn't write the email update, so I don't want to put words in someone else's mouth.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

While anything is possible, i would bet my house the Bucs dont win 8 games this year.

willing to co-sign my mortgage on that bet.