Where is the love for derrick ward this year (1 Viewer)

[whosurmama]

I think this guy is going to have a great year. The coach is already quoted" d. ward will be our featured offensive player on our team this year". I think this guy is going to get quite a few receptions, and i,d say he will be in the range of 275 carries this year. Anyone else have any thoughts.

 

[TheWheel]

Unless the Bucaneers run as much as the Ravens, a team with QB issues marginalizes every other story.

With the QB issues in mind, the ONLY way Ward is going to have any relevancy is if the defense is good and the QB situation sorts itself out successfully.

Best case scenario: Freeman starts and defense forces turnovers

Worst case scenario: Whoever starts stinks and defense is bad. (most likely scenario)

 

[rocketsauce]

I wouldn't say nobody has been talking about him. Fantasy Index has been all over his jock, ranking him in the top 10 in PPR. I'm leaning towards that direction as well. He can catch the ball, Tampa Bay historically threw the ball to the its backs quite a bit, and with a roster full of chump quarterbacks, there could be plenty of dinking and dunking to be done. Unfortunately I've also seen press on Earnest Graham and how the coaches are yet to give up on him.

If there is definitive news on Ward being the man, I'll upgrade him even higher than I have him already. For right now, he is a guy I would LOVE to see still available in the 4th round, where I'll gladly take him. I have a feeling he is gonna bust one in preseason and shoot up draft boards once people remember where he went.

But yeah, I love him. Great O-Line, Great Defense, and what I believe will be a ball control offense.

 

[Arnold. S]

shhhhhhhhh

 

[H.K.]

I think this guy is going to have a great year. The coach is already quoted" d. ward will be our featured offensive player on our team this year". I think this guy is going to get quite a few receptions, and i,d say he will be in the range of 275 carries this year. Anyone else have any thoughts.

The reason he isn't getting any love is we haven't seen any quotes from a coach saying that....sounds like you may be referring to this snippet which was taken from a column of pure speculation and musings from a sportswriter: John Czarnecki from Fox Sports, reports everyone knows that ex-Giant Derrick Ward will be featured and new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski wants to run. In the same column he also predicts "Favre fails but T-Jack bails out Childress.", too.It's too early to tell where Ward will fit in Tampa, especially with Graham already there, and don't forget about Caddy, who is ready for camp and finished the year with 115 total yards and 2 TD's in week 17. Clifton Smith is a guy they like, too.

Ward is also one of the most fragile players in the league, as well. It's why most see Graham as the value play, because he'll get the goal line looks all season in the RBBC role and then be the feature guy after Ward gets hurt early in the year. Graham is the guy to get in this backfield.

 

[mlball77]

A TB homer in one of my leagues commented that currently Graham is being talked about as the starter... said it has been reported locally. Is this the case right now? I had assumed it was a RBBC, but one where Ward was the favorite to start and see a few more touches.

Anyway, Graham (and RBBC) is the main reason I'm not that high on Ward. Secondarily, Ward will no longer have the benefit of coming in after Jacobs has punished a D... and I think that could have a small impact on his effectiveness. Only time will tell.

 

[Sinrman]

Personally, I think he is seriously flying under the radar, and will be a great pickup in most leagues. IF he can stay healthy, he should have a good year and easily outdo where he gets picked in fantasy drafts.

 

[whosurmama]

A TB homer in one of my leagues commented that currently Graham is being talked about as the starter... said it has been reported locally. Is this the case right now? I had assumed it was a RBBC, but one where Ward was the favorite to start and see a few more touches. Anyway, Graham (and RBBC) is the main reason I'm not that high on Ward. Secondarily, Ward will no longer have the benefit of coming in after Jacobs has punished a D... and I think that could have a small impact on his effectiveness. Only time will tell.

this a quote 4 days ago-(Rotoworld) The St. Petersburg Times projects Earnest Graham to be the Bucs' first-team tailback when training camp opens. Analysis: This doesn't really mean much. The Bucs will use a platoon in the backfield, and Graham probably only has the upper hand because he's the incumbent. Ward is the pick of the new coaching staff and offers a better array of skills.(Rotoworld) Coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski promises the Bucs will be an aggressive, run-first offense this season. Analysis: "We will be a successful team running the ball, I promise you that," said Jags. "We are going to be a one-cut, downhill, physical football team.

 

[benm3218]

Ward is the epitome of boring. He played on a team that most agree has the best o-line in the entire league, with a good QB, and with a BEAST MULE of a RB in front of him to smash the defense to pieces before he came in and picked up easy yards.

It is RBBC. To thin otherwise is silly. They have a proven guy n Graham, Caddy, and Ward. He may be a good flex player or a good RB 3, but I seriously doubt he is ANYTHING special at all this year. He was a ok guy in a perfect system.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Graham is the one that is being overlooked, not Ward. This is a 50/50 committee, and Graham is the one the coaches know and trust already. The RB coach called Ward the change of pace to Graham, not the other way around. People underestimate how much respect TB coaches have for what Graham has done. Ward also had durability issues until last year, so if one of these two gets to be the starter by injury, it's more likely to be Graham. Graham is the value, not Ward.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

Graham is the one that is being overlooked, not Ward. This is a 50/50 committee, and Graham is the one the coaches know and trust already. The RB coach called Ward the change of pace to Graham, not the other way around. People underestimate how much respect TB coaches have for what Graham has done. Ward also had durability issues until last year, so if one of these two gets to be the starter by injury, it's more likely to be Graham. Graham is the value, not Ward.

i gotta disagree the bucs didn't sign ward to much wealthier deal(ward 09 4yr 17mill, graham 08 4yr 11mill) to backup/even split with a guy coming off of major ankle surgery and who has inferior talent. Graham can play don't get me wrong but he isn't as talented as ward. the coaches favorite idea doesn't sit well, wouldn't we be looking at LeRon McClain as the workhorse in Baltimore? coaches favorites remain in play till someone else more talented that can help coaches win(keep their job) comes along. we've seen this countless times, and since the new coaching staff brought in Ward.......don't like the idea that Ward was so much more effective b/c jacobs beat down the defense. this wasn't a case of Jacobs bullying the defense for 3quarters and when the D was beat to a pulp Ward came in and finished them off late in the game. Ward and Jacobs often alternated series. then of course the 3games(against AZ/Carolina/Vikes)he started where he averaged 4.3 YPC must have been all b/c jacobs emotionally beat down the defenses from the sidelines. i'll give the Giants OL is a better all-round unit, the young maulers the Bucs OL has can be just as good at run blocking however. i don't think Ward will be a total workhorse but i see no reason he can't get 65% of the backfield touches. his rushing total may only be slightly better than what he had last year, but he should pick up more receptions and more total TD's.ward 240 carries for 1100yards rushing 52rec for 490yards and 11total TD's. his YPC won't be as high b/c of lack of passing game threat and i don't expect a real high amount of TD's for same reason(offense bogging down).

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

A TB homer in one of my leagues commented that currently Graham is being talked about as the starter... said it has been reported locally. Is this the case right now? I had assumed it was a RBBC, but one where Ward was the favorite to start and see a few more touches.

Anyway, Graham (and RBBC) is the main reason I'm not that high on Ward. Secondarily, Ward will no longer have the benefit of coming in after Jacobs has punished a D... and I think that could have a small impact on his effectiveness. Only time will tell.

Ward is the epitome of boring. He played on a team that most agree has the best o-line in the entire league, with a good QB, and with a BEAST MULE of a RB in front of him to smash the defense to pieces before he came in and picked up easy yards.

What?Through '07 + '08, in 8 games where Jacobs didn't play (he had 6 carries in one of those), Ward averaged 18 carries/game for 4.9 yds/carry (adding 3.4 catches/game).

What was Jacobs doing to 'punish the defense' --- sending them nasty e-mails before the game?

Where do you people come up with this stuff?

I'm seriously asking.

 

[benm3218]

A TB homer in one of my leagues commented that currently Graham is being talked about as the starter... said it has been reported locally. Is this the case right now? I had assumed it was a RBBC, but one where Ward was the favorite to start and see a few more touches.

Anyway, Graham (and RBBC) is the main reason I'm not that high on Ward. Secondarily, Ward will no longer have the benefit of coming in after Jacobs has punished a D... and I think that could have a small impact on his effectiveness. Only time will tell.

Ward is the epitome of boring. He played on a team that most agree has the best o-line in the entire league, with a good QB, and with a BEAST MULE of a RB in front of him to smash the defense to pieces before he came in and picked up easy yards.

What?Through '07 + '08, in 8 games where Jacobs didn't play (he had 6 carries in one of those), Ward averaged 18 carries/game for 4.9 yds/carry (adding 3.4 catches/game).

What was Jacobs doing to 'punish the defense' --- sending them nasty e-mails before the game?

Where do you people come up with this stuff?

I'm seriously asking.

Well considering 8 games over 2 years is a very small sample size I don't know what your point is and stand by mine. And if Ward gets 1600 yards and 11 TD's I'll buy the other poster a subscription next year. That's ludicrous.

 

[mlball77]

A TB homer in one of my leagues commented that currently Graham is being talked about as the starter... said it has been reported locally. Is this the case right now? I had assumed it was a RBBC, but one where Ward was the favorite to start and see a few more touches.

Anyway, Graham (and RBBC) is the main reason I'm not that high on Ward. Secondarily, Ward will no longer have the benefit of coming in after Jacobs has punished a D... and I think that could have a small impact on his effectiveness. Only time will tell.

Ward is the epitome of boring. He played on a team that most agree has the best o-line in the entire league, with a good QB, and with a BEAST MULE of a RB in front of him to smash the defense to pieces before he came in and picked up easy yards.

What?Through '07 + '08, in 8 games where Jacobs didn't play (he had 6 carries in one of those), Ward averaged 18 carries/game for 4.9 yds/carry (adding 3.4 catches/game).

What was Jacobs doing to 'punish the defense' --- sending them nasty e-mails before the game?

Where do you people come up with this stuff?

I'm seriously asking.

In just looking at the 3 games that Jacobs didn't play in 2008, Ward's yards per rush was 4.3, which is quite respectable, yet a far fetch from his season's average of 5.6.

In looking at Ward's 2007 starts where Jacobs was MIA (weeks 2-4) he averaged 4.4 yards per rush, less than his season average of 4.8.

This isn't to suggest that Ward is a slouch, simply that Jacobs helped his productivity per touch, imho.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

A TB homer in one of my leagues commented that currently Graham is being talked about as the starter... said it has been reported locally. Is this the case right now? I had assumed it was a RBBC, but one where Ward was the favorite to start and see a few more touches.

Anyway, Graham (and RBBC) is the main reason I'm not that high on Ward. Secondarily, Ward will no longer have the benefit of coming in after Jacobs has punished a D... and I think that could have a small impact on his effectiveness. Only time will tell.

Ward is the epitome of boring. He played on a team that most agree has the best o-line in the entire league, with a good QB, and with a BEAST MULE of a RB in front of him to smash the defense to pieces before he came in and picked up easy yards.

What?Through '07 + '08, in 8 games where Jacobs didn't play (he had 6 carries in one of those), Ward averaged 18 carries/game for 4.9 yds/carry (adding 3.4 catches/game).

What was Jacobs doing to 'punish the defense' --- sending them nasty e-mails before the game?

Where do you people come up with this stuff?

I'm seriously asking.

In just looking at the 3 games that Jacobs didn't play in 2008, Ward's yards per rush was 4.3, which is quite respectable, yet a far fetch from his season's average of 5.6.

In looking at Ward's 2007 starts where Jacobs was MIA (weeks 2-4) he averaged 4.4 yards per rush, less than his season average of 4.8.

This isn't to suggest that Ward is a slouch, simply that Jacobs helped his productivity per touch, imho.

Is there some reason you just picked out those 2 groups of 3 games?I find it very confusing as to why you left out a couple weeks to cook up your ~4.4 numbers, but then plugged them back in as included in his higher season averages. (ie subtracting out 24 carries at 6.4 y/c wk13 '07 in his 'solo' games, but adding it back in to the season average for comparison)

I really hope you're not the one doing somebody's taxes.

Are you disputing my numbers?

edit ps

Nobody in their right mind is extrapolating 5.6 y/c over 250 carries in Tampa for Ward, if that's the case you're making.

 

[mlball77]

A TB homer in one of my leagues commented that currently Graham is being talked about as the starter... said it has been reported locally. Is this the case right now? I had assumed it was a RBBC, but one where Ward was the favorite to start and see a few more touches.

Anyway, Graham (and RBBC) is the main reason I'm not that high on Ward. Secondarily, Ward will no longer have the benefit of coming in after Jacobs has punished a D... and I think that could have a small impact on his effectiveness. Only time will tell.

Ward is the epitome of boring. He played on a team that most agree has the best o-line in the entire league, with a good QB, and with a BEAST MULE of a RB in front of him to smash the defense to pieces before he came in and picked up easy yards.

What?Through '07 + '08, in 8 games where Jacobs didn't play (he had 6 carries in one of those), Ward averaged 18 carries/game for 4.9 yds/carry (adding 3.4 catches/game).

What was Jacobs doing to 'punish the defense' --- sending them nasty e-mails before the game?

Where do you people come up with this stuff?

I'm seriously asking.

In just looking at the 3 games that Jacobs didn't play in 2008, Ward's yards per rush was 4.3, which is quite respectable, yet a far fetch from his season's average of 5.6.

In looking at Ward's 2007 starts where Jacobs was MIA (weeks 2-4) he averaged 4.4 yards per rush, less than his season average of 4.8.

This isn't to suggest that Ward is a slouch, simply that Jacobs helped his productivity per touch, imho.

Is there some reason you just picked out those 2 groups of 3 games?I find it very confusing as to why you left out a couple weeks to cook up your ~4.4 numbers, but then plugged them back in as included in his higher season averages. (ie subtracting out 24 carries at 6.4 y/c wk13 '07 in his 'solo' games, but adding it back in to the season average for comparison)

I really hope you're not the one doing somebody's taxes.

Are you disputing my numbers?

Missed wk 13 in 07... my bad.But I am only counting games where Ward started and Jacobs did not play... that is the only game I missed, I do believe. Admittedly a great game for Ward.

As for the tax preparation quip... sort of sad you would resort to that.

Edit to add:

In looking at 2007 and 2008 reg season games where Ward started and Jacobs did not play, I come up with the following (and I am still not coming up with 4.9 avg, so I must be missing something still? not sure):

Rushes 133

Rush Yds 628

Avg 4.7

In games where Jacobs played in that same period (whether starting or off of bench) Ward posted the following:

Rushes 174

Rush Yds 999

Avg 5.7

Have to admit that I didn't expect the yards per rush to be a full yard lower for Ward when Jacobs didn't play. That is a bit bigger than even I expected.

 

[mlball77]

edit psNobody in their right mind is extrapolating 5.6 y/c over 250 carries in Tampa for Ward, if that's the case you're making.

I wasn't either... I made the comment in my post that Ward is no slouch, just that he likely benefited somewhat from Jacobs bruising running style.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I don't know what it is with you guys who just come on here to win some internet argument rather than actually discussing the facts of fantasy football.

Don't you really think this has been pretty much beat to death?

I don't have any idea what it is you're not understanding, so I'll just have to quote my original post, and maybe the third pass through this you can read it.

Through '07 + '08, in 8 games where Jacobs didn't play (he had 6 carries in one of those), Ward averaged 18 carries/game for 4.9 yds/carry (adding 3.4 catches/game).

What was Jacobs doing to 'punish the defense' --- sending them nasty e-mails before the game?

So far, it seems you have reluctantly acknowledged 7 of those games, and I have complete faith that you'll eventually find the 8th.What, exactly, is the case you are making?

That the 4.7 yds/carry you just arrived at is insufficient for a starter, or those 6 carries for 26 yds that Jacobs logged in that 8th game had smashed the defense down so much that Ward shouldn't get credit for it?

Wait....on second thought, this is more than enough.

 

[mlball77]

I don't know what it is with you guys who just come on here to win some internet argument rather than actually discussing the facts of fantasy football.

Don't you really think this has been pretty much beat to death?

I don't have any idea what it is you're not understanding, so I'll just have to quote my original post, and maybe the third pass through this you can read it.

Through '07 + '08, in 8 games where Jacobs didn't play (he had 6 carries in one of those), Ward averaged 18 carries/game for 4.9 yds/carry (adding 3.4 catches/game).

What was Jacobs doing to 'punish the defense' --- sending them nasty e-mails before the game?

So far, it seems you have reluctantly acknowledged 7 of those games, and I have complete faith that you'll eventually find the 8th.What, exactly, is the case you are making?

That the 4.7 yds/carry you just arrived at is insufficient for a starter, or those 6 carries for 26 yds that Jacobs logged in that 8th game had smashed the defense down so much that Ward shouldn't get credit for it?

Wait....on second thought, this is more than enough.

Ok man, I can see that you are just going to be condescending about this. My original post said RBBC is the main issue I have with Ward this year, secondarily was what I see as the impact of losing Jacobs as a complement. Again, RBBC was the main issue I have with any potential Ward hype... and I even commented in my second post that he is no slouch. Not sure what you are getting at here other than maybe some chest thumping on the message board.I think the numbers I provided in my last post were solid. The one game where Jacobs was injured early can be thrown in either grouping I suppose, but Ward clearly didn't start that game... and that was the criteria I used (we can agree to disagree there, frankly, it should probably be removed all together from this analysis).

I don't know how to say it any more clearly that I am not bashing Ward, just the RBBC with Graham is a deterrent for me and the secondary issue is that I believe the numbers show that Ward benefited a bit from Jacobs.

 

[prgromek]

I like Ward a lot in PPR leagues. I see a 50/50 rushing split or 60/40 in favor of Ward but Derrick will catch lots of balls this year. I think he's a good 4th round pick in PPR leagues.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

i'll concede that Ward may have benefitted from being a totally different running style than jacobs, which would 'throw off' defense's i guess. the idea of jacobs beating down or softening defense is idiotic. they alternated series, ward wasn't the closer that comes in at the end of games. he faired seemingly well enuff when pressed into action when jacobs missed games or left games injured. jacobs can run like a 'beast' but often he runs to upright voiding much of his immense power. now when in short yardage/goaline situations he's money and he gets hid pad level down

 

[two_dollars]

Graham is the one that is being overlooked, not Ward. This is a 50/50 committee, and Graham is the one the coaches know and trust already. The RB coach called Ward the change of pace to Graham, not the other way around. People underestimate how much respect TB coaches have for what Graham has done. Ward also had durability issues until last year, so if one of these two gets to be the starter by injury, it's more likely to be Graham. Graham is the value, not Ward.

i gotta disagree the bucs didn't sign ward to much wealthier deal(ward 09 4yr 17mill, graham 08 4yr 11mill) to backup/even split with a guy coming off of major ankle surgery and who has inferior talent.

It's very possible. Sproles is making top 5 rb money in SD, but it's very clear he's not the #1 guy there. He's getting top 5 money to backup and be COP for a guy coming off several injurues with declining talent. I'm not saying, I'm just saying..

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

It's very possible. Sproles is making top 5 rb money in SD, but it's very clear he's not the #1 guy there. He's getting top 5 money to backup and be COP for a guy coming off several injurues with declining talent. I'm not saying, I'm just saying..

Those 2 situations have nothing in common.

 

[Gopher State]

Graham is the one that is being overlooked, not Ward. This is a 50/50 committee, and Graham is the one the coaches know and trust already. The RB coach called Ward the change of pace to Graham, not the other way around. People underestimate how much respect TB coaches have for what Graham has done. Ward also had durability issues until last year, so if one of these two gets to be the starter by injury, it's more likely to be Graham. Graham is the value, not Ward.

very when it's all said and down Graham and ward will have about the same numbers, the difference is someone will draft ward in the 4th round, and smart FF owner will draft Graham in the 9th round. I actually see Graham having more TD's and equal rushing numbers.But keep up building up ward, just means I get Graham that much more cheaper.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

Graham is the one that is being overlooked, not Ward. This is a 50/50 committee, and Graham is the one the coaches know and trust already. The RB coach called Ward the change of pace to Graham, not the other way around. People underestimate how much respect TB coaches have for what Graham has done. Ward also had durability issues until last year, so if one of these two gets to be the starter by injury, it's more likely to be Graham. Graham is the value, not Ward.

i gotta disagree the bucs didn't sign ward to much wealthier deal(ward 09 4yr 17mill, graham 08 4yr 11mill) to backup/even split with a guy coming off of major ankle surgery and who has inferior talent.

It's very possible. Sproles is making top 5 rb money in SD, but it's very clear he's not the #1 guy there. He's getting top 5 money to backup and be COP for a guy coming off several injurues with declining talent. I'm not saying, I'm just saying..

the chargers desperately wanted to keep sproles in town 1more year for 1more super bowl run with LT. he also brings a different variable to the table as he is one of the most dynamic kick returners. he's a awesome change of pace/insurance policy and top 5returner

the Bucs new coach sought after and brought in Ward with having Graham already on the roster. awfully weird that they'd pay a guy a total of 7mill more to do the exact same thing as graham if he is suppose to be the backup/50-50 split.

i also find it funny that ward has been mentioned as being so injury prone, my lord Graham is coming off of major ankle surgery.

 

[bucsbaby]

The Bucs also have a brutal schedule this year. There may be some value here, but I would be cautiously optimistic at best. I would also rather gamble on Graham in the 9th than Ward in the 4th, and I'm fairly high on Ward. I just think there are some legitimate question marks. Of course, where there is uncertainty, there can also be value...

 

[bocksheesh]

Thought I'd bump this up to revisit Derrick Ward.

Seems this guy is continuing to fly below the radar. Average draft position of mid 5th round. Seems perfectly positioned to be one of the overlooked RBs that emerges from the 4th or 5th round and becomes a very good RB2.

Biggest reason I say this is that the Tampa Bay offensive line looks quite strong and the new offense seems geared towards a power running game. Ward looked like he was hitting the hole hard in the first preseason game (yeah, it's just preseason).

Biggest reason I think Ward might not be all that is that, well, he might just be not that good, he could have been the beneficiary of the Giants great offensive line, and the Bucs offense could be awfully average.

Curious what others are thinking about him at the moment.

 

[TommyGilmore]

Thought I'd bump this up to revisit Derrick Ward. Seems this guy is continuing to fly below the radar. Average draft position of mid 5th round.

I wouldn't call that "below the radar".I'd rather grab Graham in the 11th than take a chance on Ward in the 5th.

 

[gump]

Curious what others are thinking about him at the moment.

I'm starting to come around to agreeing with you. Graham made his mark in '07, most of the time racking up points with the Bucs in the lead or close. The Bucs will not be in the lead or close much this season.Ward is a better receiver and faster, and should benefit more from playing catchup.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Any sense of what the breakdown for carries is gonna be between Ward and Graham? If it's anywhere close to 50-50, Graham is the play at their ADPs. Ward would need to get 50% more carries than Graham to justify his ADP relative to Graham's.

 

[Yellow Line is Unoffcial]

Graham is the one that is being overlooked, not Ward. This is a 50/50 committee, and Graham is the one the coaches know and trust already. The RB coach called Ward the change of pace to Graham, not the other way around. People underestimate how much respect TB coaches have for what Graham has done. Ward also had durability issues until last year, so if one of these two gets to be the starter by injury, it's more likely to be Graham. Graham is the value, not Ward.

Ward is a great complamentary back, not much else. Look at his stats in the games where Jacobs didn't play.