Earnest Graham Was “Almost Mike Alstotted”
January 5th, 2010
As much as Cadillac Williams making it through an entire season with 200+ carries and no hospital visit was a surprise, having Earnest Graham have just 14 carries was one of the huge shockers of the 2009 season.
Who knew the Bucs were so talented that they could ground one of their best weapons?
Think about this: Graham averaged more carries per season (17) from 2004-2006, when it was largely understood that he wasn’t getting a chance.
Former Bucs offensive lineman Ian Beckles, a morning radio host on 620 WDAE-AM, suggested Monday that Graham was intentionally snubbed as he believes a Bucs icon was during his final seasons.
“He was almost Mike Alstotted. It was as if they didn’t want him to get the ball and do well,” Beckles said.
Joe can’t put up a good argument against Beckles’ premise. Just because Graham switched to fullback near midseason, that doesn’t mean he couldn’t have been used.
Greg Olson has to find a way. It shouldn’t be that hard.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Maybe the team (FO) was trying to protect itself from proving what a mistake the Ward signing was. All fans would need is a productive Graham and Caddy to shine the light on the overpaid RB sitting on the bench. I can understand the uncertainty of Caddy’s return from 2 major injuries, but I think a signing of Cedric Benson or Correll Buckhalter (among others) would have been a most cost effective signing. If Caddy is able to return to form, you’re not left holding a contract that may be tough to unload (ala Michael Clayton). All Benson did was sign a 2-year, 7 million dollar deal and rush for 1,251 yards and 6 TD’s.
January 5th, 2010 at 11:52 am
*more – not most
January 5th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
Good to see that Ian listens to JP for his research. Wise move.