THE PESSIMIST: Caddy Precaution Ridiculous
August 15th, 2009
THE PESSIMIST is a diehard Bucs fan whose negative writings appear occasionally on JoeBucsFan.com. His views surely do not necessarily reflect those of Joe. However, Joe sure gets a kick out of them.
In the real world, one is usually cautious with things of value.
For example, if your devoted girlfriend is a smoking hot college gymnast, then you don’t share with her how hot you think her teammates are, plus you remove the Rachel Watson posters from your bedroom.
Another example, if you have a gorgeous blonde boss at the office, then you don’t answer honestly at your annual review when she asks, “Is there anything I can do better to improve your workdays?”
These are basic life tenets. If something is valuable, like a job or a relationship, then you are careful not to screw it up.
That brings THE PESSIMIST to Raheem The Dream’s decision to bench Cadillac Williams for the first two preseason games.
In The Dream’s words, “I’m not going to be stupid. I’ll wait until the third preseason game to play him.”
Sorry, Coach. You are being stupid. Who are you Joe Maddon? Is Caddy on some sort of can’t-take-a-hit count? For what exactly are your saving Cadillac?
Cadillac has no value. None. He’s damaged goods in the NFL. You couldn’t trade him for Bruce Gradkowski, and you can’t count on him for anything.
With this logic, wouldn’t you sit Earnest Graham tonight? Graham’s coming off an injury and has never played a full season. And surely he’s far more valuable than Cadillac.
Getting Cadillac significant carries in the first couple of preseason games should be the first step to seeing if he belongs.
Raheem The Dream himself says Caddy is completely healthy. If Caddy lights it up, then instantly he has some trade value and the Bucs know he’s truly ready. Maybe they even figure out whether he can hit the holes effectively in a zone-blocking scheme. If he doesn’t look healthy, then there’s time to look around the league.
The Bucs need to see what Williams can do. There’s not a reason in the world to wait.
August 15th, 2009 at 7:56 am
We already know what the man can do when able to step on the field…..the only question about Carnell is how long he can stay on the field…….thus…..don’t put him on the field unless there is a risk reward in favor of putting him on the field. Personally I’d limit his playing time all year and for the rest of his career,to speciality player,big play back breaker after the OL Ward and Earnest have gassed the opposing defense.
August 15th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Raheem even knows he’s being a puss with Caddy. Let him bang it and take two weeks off. See if his knee is swollen. See if he can play. Nut up Raheem
August 15th, 2009 at 8:57 am
HeyPessimist – WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
First 2 preseason games you need to play your STARTERS. Let’s see how the first team “gels” under the new offensive scheme.
Will injuries occur – possibly? But until you let your fist team work together on blocking, timing, etc., injuries will be the least of your conern.
Now with regard to using Carnell – I don’t have a problem letting him sit for the first 2 games. Give the Caddy more reps during the week. It’s obvious that he’s a worker because he’s way ahead of rehab schedule but right now he’s number 5 on the depth chart. Even IF Carnell shines in the preseason he has no trading value. If Ward or Graham go down then you’ve got a backup in the wings.
It’s time to use the preseason to work out your starters and stop playing patsie with players like Gruden did. Let’s be honest the Bucs need to cut 27 players and by now they should have a good idea on which 20 AREN’T going to make it. Stop giving these players so much time (3rd/4th string) because if they haven’t impressed in practice tough.
We know what the Caddy can do – Sit him down he’s 3rd string right now, don’t rev the engine too much.
August 15th, 2009 at 9:23 am
First time long time Joe.
Mr. Lucky, “We know what Caddy can do.” Are you on drugs. Caddy is the biggest unknown on the team. We haven’t known what he can do since he went down in 2007.
Give Caddy the whole second half. If he can’t play you don’t waste a roster spot on him. I repeat. You don’t waste a roster spot. Much rather have Warrick Dunn, a guy who was overwhelmingly successful in a zone blocking scheme and can catch the ball.
We’re hopeing for a miracle with Caddy. THat didn’t work for the country and it won’t work for the Bucs. Get the guy out there
August 15th, 2009 at 11:23 am
There is no reason to play him right now. Raheem knows what he has in Cadillac. coach is right on with this one.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Uh Scott are YOU smoking some weed man?
Caddy went down and when he came back last year THAT was a miracle, especially considering the type of injury he had. Except for the additional injury Williams was well ahead of the curve.
Now if he can rebound after that type of injury why would you think this would be any worse? Caddy’s a solid #4 RB. Who’s the #3? Clinton Smith? I mean come on. The only thing I’m worried about the Caddy is another injury. The only way to protect against that is to limit the carries.
As for Dunn vs. Williams good question. Dunn WOULD have been the better of the two based just on dependability – but Warrick’s not here.
I think you treat Carnell Williams like an antique car – in the garage mostly, run it to keep in shape then on show down take the cover off and let ‘er rip.
The other thing to consider is platooning Graham at FB with Ward and Willims as RB.
August 15th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Mr. Lucky, spoken like a true muscle car enthusiast. My vintage vette couldn’t agree with you more. At pracice, Cadi looks more fearless and detemined than ever. I’d say he’s got about 700 Horses under the hood. He’s is perfect for Situational Football as Raheem keeps preaching.
August 15th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
a 3rd or 4th string RB had better be able to play alot of ST’s. Caddy plays none. Can’s see how you can justify keeping a 3/4th string RB on the 53 who doesn’t play any ST’s.