Tampa Bay RB situation after the first 1/4 of the season (1 Viewer)

[QUEZILLA]

Dunn

WK TM OPP RSH YD TD TARG REC YD TD FPT

1 TB NO 9 54 0 1 1 11 0 6.5 [play-by-play]

2 TB ATL 12 49 1 4 3 21 0 13.0 [play-by-play]

3 TB CHI 5 31 0 5 4 27 0 5.8 [play-by-play]

4 TB GB 16 63 0 5 2 23 0 8.6 [play-by-play]

TOT 42 197 1 15 10 82 0 33.9

Graham

WK TM OPP RSH YD TD TARG REC YD TD FPT

1 TB NO 10 91 0 3 3 27 0 11.8 [play-by-play]

2 TB ATL 15 116 1 2 1 12 0 18.8 [play-by-play]

3 TB CHI 12 16 0 0 0 0 0 1.6 [play-by-play]

4 TB GB 20 111 1 2 1 3 0 17.4 [play-by-play]

TOT 57 334 2 7 5 42 0 49.6

At the beginning of the season many people thought EG was going to be the feature back with Dunn coming in on 3rd down situations. We are 1/4 into the season, and it is quite apparent the Bucs have equally used both of their RBs. Dunn is a little more involved in the passing game, which makes him valuable in ppr leagues, but Graham is still the guy to own. Graham has been getting most of his big caries in the 2nd half of games, and if it were not for a few big runs he wouldn't have nearly as many points. I expect EG to remain consistent, but he will definitely have his off games. Dunn looks to be a decent flex option through the bye weeks.

Bennet has been non-existent, but if the opportunity arises I expect him to do well.

I don't think anyone will be in a rush to force Caddy to come back when he gets off of the PUP, and they will probably ease him back in very slowly. He must remain there until the first six weeks is up, after which the team would have a three-week window in which to evaluate the player in practices and decide whether to activate him.

This is the NFL, and it is rare to go half a season with 2 healthy backs. Odds are Graham, or Dunn will get hurt giving an opportunity to either Caddy or Bennet. It's crazy how Graham was a 3rd string back last year, and due to injuries was propelled into the starting lineup very early in the season. Yet, this year everyone has been completely healthy. You never know what can happen, and seeing Steelers lose 2 RBs already has made me thankful we haven't gotten the injury bug yet.

Also, Davin Joseph will be returning soon. He was considered one of the better run blockers on the line, so this should bode well for the run game. Rookie Jeremy Zuttah has played very well in his absence, so it's unlikely Joseph would completely supplant him immediately upon his return. The Bucs o-line actually hasn't given up a single sack all season.

 

[CommuterMan]

Is there any news in TB about Caddie? I thought that he was close to being back but then the Bucs placed him on the PUP and since then there has been very little info. I figured that the team would just put the Caddie on blocks for the year and look to him next season.

 

[bucsbaby]

I'm surprised Bennett hasn't gotten a few more carries, but I attribute that to Dunn playing so well. I knew people who drafted Graham as a #2 RB would be disappointed. Imo, he will end up as a solid #3RB, but at best a low-end #2RB. I would still try to sell as high as possible before Caddy comes back. If Caddy comes back and starts to play ok, Graham's value could substantially diminish. Gruden seems to love Caddy and I can't say I blame him--if Caddy is healthy.

 

[towney]

What is the time table for Caddy?

 

[Ghost Rider]

I knew people who drafted Graham as a #2 RB would be disappointed.

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

 

[gump]

I've watched every second of every game.

I have NO IDEA why Gruden has not used EG more in the 2nd half. I'm baffled.

Hopefully the GB results change that.

Keep in mind also the the Bears blitzed 60 times in that game. I think that week is the example we will see the least going forward.

 

[QUEZILLA]

I've watched every second of every game.I have NO IDEA why Gruden has not used EG more in the 2nd half. I'm baffled. Hopefully the GB results change that.Keep in mind also the the Bears blitzed 60 times in that game. I think that week is the example we will see the least going forward.

I really don't understand throwing on 1st & 10 in the 3rd with a 2 score lead.

 

[Birdie048]

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

I see the stat line and I agree it is nice for a RB2, but a recent article on the EG run at the end of the GB game (a 47 yrd run followed by a 1 yrd TD plunge) made his line look better that it was in the actual game. 19 carries for 64 yard is 3.37 ypc. Not Top 10 value, but why discount the late run? I don't have the link, but IIRC it was Rotoworld write up that implied he looks so-so and that he won't keep the job unless he improves by breaking some tackles for more than a 3 yard drop.Don't own him or Dunn. Might take a free agent claim and pick up Caddy to stash on my IR until his status is decided.

 

[QUEZILLA]

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

I see the stat line and I agree it is nice for a RB2, but a recent article on the EG run at the end of the GB game (a 47 yrd run followed by a 1 yrd TD plunge) made his line look better that it was in the actual game. 19 carries for 64 yard is 3.37 ypc. Not Top 10 value, but why discount the late run? I don't have the link, but IIRC it was Rotoworld write up that implied he looks so-so and that he won't keep the job unless he improves by breaking some tackles for more than a 3 yard drop.Don't own him or Dunn. Might take a free agent claim and pick up Caddy to stash on my IR until his status is decided.

You can't discount a late run, and I full expect plenty more of them. Especially, in the 2nd half when the D is tired. Personally, I would prefer a more consistent runner on my teams, but who wouldn't.

 

[packersfan]

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

I see the stat line and I agree it is nice for a RB2, but a recent article on the EG run at the end of the GB game (a 47 yrd run followed by a 1 yrd TD plunge) made his line look better that it was in the actual game. 19 carries for 64 yard is 3.37 ypc. Not Top 10 value, but why discount the late run? I don't have the link, but IIRC it was Rotoworld write up that implied he looks so-so and that he won't keep the job unless he improves by breaking some tackles for more than a 3 yard drop.

RotoWorld's been down on Graham for months so I tend to question their bias on this. I'm not a Graham owner but in my opinion he should be getting more carries. He isn't a star RB by any means but he runs well, gets good yardage most of the time and is a solid receiver out of the backfield. My belief is that the fewer carries Graham gets, the more that helps the defense he's facing. I sure wish it was Dunn getting that carry against the Packers when Graham broke Green Bay's backs.

 

[Cenobite]

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

I see the stat line and I agree it is nice for a RB2, but a recent article on the EG run at the end of the GB game (a 47 yrd run followed by a 1 yrd TD plunge) made his line look better that it was in the actual game. 19 carries for 64 yard is 3.37 ypc. Not Top 10 value, but why discount the late run? I don't have the link, but IIRC it was Rotoworld write up that implied he looks so-so and that he won't keep the job unless he improves by breaking some tackles for more than a 3 yard drop.Don't own him or Dunn. Might take a free agent claim and pick up Caddy to stash on my IR until his status is decided.

That was Caddy's m.o. during his first year. Gruden didn't have a problem with that and even seemed to embrace it.

 

[BoulderBob]

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

I see the stat line and I agree it is nice for a RB2, but a recent article on the EG run at the end of the GB game (a 47 yrd run followed by a 1 yrd TD plunge) made his line look better that it was in the actual game. 19 carries for 64 yard is 3.37 ypc. Not Top 10 value, but why discount the late run? I don't have the link, but IIRC it was Rotoworld write up that implied he looks so-so and that he won't keep the job unless he improves by breaking some tackles for more than a 3 yard drop.

RotoWorld's been down on Graham for months so I tend to question their bias on this. I'm not a Graham owner but in my opinion he should be getting more carries. He isn't a star RB by any means but he runs well, gets good yardage most of the time and is a solid receiver out of the backfield. My belief is that the fewer carries Graham gets, the more that helps the defense he's facing. I sure wish it was Dunn getting that carry against the Packers when Graham broke Green Bay's backs.

I expect Graham to be fed the ball more as the season progresses. Dunn looks like a 26 year old again, but I don't think that will last. Of course, if Williams can play this year, and I don't expect him to, we have a problem.

 

[Ghost Rider]

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

I see the stat line and I agree it is nice for a RB2, but a recent article on the EG run at the end of the GB game (a 47 yrd run followed by a 1 yrd TD plunge) made his line look better that it was in the actual game. 19 carries for 64 yard is 3.37 ypc. Not Top 10 value, but why discount the late run? I don't have the link, but IIRC it was Rotoworld write up that implied he looks so-so and that he won't keep the job unless he improves by breaking some tackles for more than a 3 yard drop.Don't own him or Dunn. Might take a free agent claim and pick up Caddy to stash on my IR until his status is decided.

You can't discount a late run, and I full expect plenty more of them. Especially, in the 2nd half when the D is tired. Personally, I would prefer a more consistent runner on my teams, but who wouldn't.

Yards are yards, and touchdowns are touchdowns. I don't care if they come in the first quarter or in the last minute of the game. Yes, if you are following the game, Graham's early game struggles are a tad annoying, but the bottom line is ultimately what matters. And with Dunn getting some touches, you could argue that the 1-2 punch wears the defense down, which enables a more fresh Graham to break those big runs at the end.

 

[Banger]

I wasn't a fan of Graham for this exact reason. I posted in a number of threads throughout the offseason that they went out and got Dunn for a reason and that he would take a decent bite of the pie. Most said Dunn=Done but he's been underrated his whole career. EG is the better guy to own but Dunn's impact is watering down his value and it will continue IMO. I would deal Graham if you can package him up for a better RB.

 

[QUEZILLA]

He is the 13th ranked RB in the league I have him in. Dunn getting so many touches is somewhat worrisome, yes, but results are ultimately what matters, and through four games, Graham has 334 rushing yards (8th in the NFL), two 100-yard games, and two touchdowns. And he is averaging nearly 6 yards per carry, so good luck keeping him off the field.

I see the stat line and I agree it is nice for a RB2, but a recent article on the EG run at the end of the GB game (a 47 yrd run followed by a 1 yrd TD plunge) made his line look better that it was in the actual game. 19 carries for 64 yard is 3.37 ypc. Not Top 10 value, but why discount the late run? I don't have the link, but IIRC it was Rotoworld write up that implied he looks so-so and that he won't keep the job unless he improves by breaking some tackles for more than a 3 yard drop.Don't own him or Dunn. Might take a free agent claim and pick up Caddy to stash on my IR until his status is decided.

You can't discount a late run, and I full expect plenty more of them. Especially, in the 2nd half when the D is tired. Personally, I would prefer a more consistent runner on my teams, but who wouldn't.

Yards are yards, and touchdowns are touchdowns. I don't care if they come in the first quarter or in the last minute of the game. Yes, if you are following the game, Graham's early game struggles are a tad annoying, but the bottom line is ultimately what matters. And with Dunn getting some touches, you could argue that the 1-2 punch wears the defense down, which enables a more fresh Graham to break those big runs at the end.

I agree, bottom line is what matters. Problem is that if he doesn't bust out a big run, then his numbers are mediocre at best. That's all I was trying to say.

 

[Koya]

Problem is that if he doesn't bust out a big run, then his numbers are mediocre at best.

He and just about every other RB... Why do people want to dismiss RBs that can consistently break off one or two big ones a game? Those are the backs that can be gamebreakers and win FF games.

 

[QUEZILLA]

Problem is that if he doesn't bust out a big run, then his numbers are mediocre at best.

He and just about every other RB... Why do people want to dismiss RBs that can consistently break off one or two big ones a game? Those are the backs that can be gamebreakers and win FF games.

Not discounting, and I agree just about every other RB is like this. It's those few, like Marshawn Lynch, and Portis that seem to get 15 points no matter what that I am comparing him to.

 

[Restricted]

Running against Atl this week is a tasty match-up on paper for EG but I'm scared that they will give Dunn some extra carries to extract revenge on his former team...

 

[Tanner9919]

Running against Atl this week is a tasty match-up on paper for EG but I'm scared that they will give Dunn some extra carries to extract revenge on his former team...

um, the Bucs play Denver this weekend....

EG should be good for about 140 and 2 tds, with ease...by far this should be his best game as a pro..

upcoming games after Denver:

Carolina

Seattle

Dallas

KC

Vikings

Lions

Saints

Carolina

Atl

Raiders

those are some creampuff matchups , everyone one not named Carolina..Dallas is OK against the run, Vikings are

overrated, and the Lions,Saints, Falcons, Chiefs, Broncos, Raiders all make up the bottom 3rd in the NFL in terms of rushing yards allowed. Seattle isn't great against the run either..

Caddy won't make a dent this season, EG is firmly entrenced as RB #1/#1a in TB..

I'm trying to trade FOR EG at the moment...

I can see him finishing with seven 100+ yard games over the next few weeks...100 against denver, Lions, Saints, Cowboys, Atl, Raiders, Chiefs...

not saying he's going to lead the NFL in rushing, but the guy is about to turn into a poor man's stud RB...

 

[Nemesis]

Also wanted to chime in here and remind that the TB defense looks pretty good which does bode well for a game plan of running the football, keeping the opposing offense off the field and not having to pass to keep up with opponents.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

I'm not surprised that Dunn is involved a lot...I have a bet with Yudkin that he will rack up 100 points in non PPR leagues...gonna be a close one.

 

[Restricted]

Running against Atl this week is a tasty match-up on paper for EG but I'm scared that they will give Dunn some extra carries to extract revenge on his former team...

um, the Bucs play Denver this weekend....

Oops. :embarrassed:

 

[fathermurphy]

I actually traded Lendale White/Bucs D for Graham/Pats D prior to week2. I feel like it was a bad decision now with LenDale consistently getting a lot of goal line scores and the Bucs D coming on strong. The Pats D has fallen apart and Graham is up and down...mostly up but if I wanted a committee back I'd have kept White....

 

[JamesTheScot]

One irritated EG owner here.

I was skeptical that Dunn would eat into EG's carries in the preseason. I was wrong.

If you go into the play-by-plays you actually see a pretty similar pattern for both EG and Dunn. They both show a lot of variance in the lengths of their runs. A run for 0 yards will be followed by a run of 9 yards. Not sure what's causing this or why EG and Dunn (with pretty different running styles and body types) seem to keep having similar results.

There are some odd plays called in this offense as well as someone previously noted.

 

[Arid Filch]

I'm a disappointed Earnest "last minute" Graham owner myself. So far, I've been lucky in that I benched during week 3. But I lack the depth to continue playing match-ups. If you have the depth to only plug him in when the match-up is favorable, then you can probably continue to enjoy success with him for the rest of the year. Even if Caddy comes back this year, I think Warrick is much more a threat to steal carries. And we've already seen that Dunn and Graham can both put up good numbers against poor defenses.