Joe never wants to hear about Michael Clayton's blocking. That will mean Clayton is catching balls thrown his way.

Joe is rooting for Michael Clayton. Assuming the Bucs’ offense stays healthy, Clayton could be the unit’s most important player in 2009.

If he can catch the ball with any consistency, a big if, that will take pressure and attention off Antonio Bryant, lessen the loss of Ike Hilliard (and Joe believes that’s a huge loss) and help everyone forget the Bucs don’t have a No. 3 receiver with experience.

Pat “Vacation Man” Yasinskas, of ESPN.com, talked to Clayton and ponders the question Joe has considered since Clayton got his fat new contract.

The Bucs are paying a wide receiver more than some of their offensive linemen to block for their running backs? There’s a bit more to it than that, but the basic answer is the Bucs view Clayton’s blocking as a huge positive.

“I really think that’s why I stayed here because they value the blocking so much,” Clayton said.

It seems every time new coach Raheem Morris talks these days, he uses the words “violent” and “physical.” That’s how he wants his team to play. It seems every time new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski speaks, he mentions how important it is to run the ball.

That’s why Clayton has found a home.

As Joe has mentioned previously, he is very proud of Michael Clayton’s blocking. However, Joe hopes he never hears anyone talk about Clayton’s blocking this season.

That will be the indicator that Clayton is catching the ball.