Blount Keeps Punishing, Flying
November 21st, 2010
It’s a safe conclusion at this point that the Bucs’ past problems running the ball had little to do with the offensive line and everything to do with Cadillac Williams in a role beyond his ability.
LeGarrette Blount arrived and now the Bucs run the ball with attitude. Unfortunately, Blount went for -8 yards on a late carry and had some short kill-the-clock runs to finish with just 82 yards on 26 carries, but the guy is the freakin’ straw that stirs the drink in the offense.
He’s pounding, punishing, leaping — again — improvising. Unbelievable. He doesn’t catch the ball or do much blocking, but it makes no difference. His presence has made Cadillac more effective, as well as Josh Freeman. The Bucs are a playoff contender because of Blount.
Jerremy Zuttah stepped in at left guard to replace Ted Larsen midway through the game, which was a bit odd. (Was Larsen hurt?) And perhaps this is the last Bucs fans have seen of Jeremy Trueblood.
Regardless, the Bucs have a deep O-line gaining confidence every week. Heck, they even got a hog scoring touchdowns.
November 21st, 2010 at 8:36 pm
One of the best stories of this season is that we may never ever have to deal with Trueblood again.
November 21st, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Yes the O-line has been well vindicated at this point. This line might not be one of the best but its at least middle of the pack and might have the best depth out there.
November 21st, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Hate on Morris hater’s. Guess what his D shut them down. Ya that’s you moron’s Thomas Eric Tampa 2 buc you and you now who. Ha ha ha ha ha. Morris for coach old the year. Try and keep up!!!
November 21st, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Before we go “vindicating” the O-line, remember that this isn’t exactly the same line that started the year. We’ve got James Lee in for Trueblood, we’ve had Zuttah at C and LG, we’ve been playing Larsen at LG. You can say it’s Blount, and I won’t exactly argue, but Blount has been running against a much different O-line than Caddy started the year with.
November 21st, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Good riddance, Trueblood
November 21st, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I like what Blount is doing, but he needs to hit the hole quicker and harder. It’s insane that we have 0 options for a short yardage back.
November 21st, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Good point bambam-Blount has oviously made a difference,but look how Caddy’s numbers have improved since Larsen and Lee were inserted into the starting line-up.
November 21st, 2010 at 9:01 pm
From someone who thought this coaching staff was a joke……I now must pay them a lot of respect for making this team respectable. Are we great yet. No, not yet. That takes time. But you can feel it coming.
Hats off to Raheam, you have made a believer out of me.
November 21st, 2010 at 9:04 pm
They’ve got it right, right now. Use Blount early and often, soften up the defense. Use Caddy to pass protect, run the draw, the occasional screen. Use Graham to pass protect when Blount is in, to run short yardage, to catch passes out of the backfield. Use Lorig when we need a big blocker.
But they’ve also got it right in using Larsen and Lee, in using Zuttah to fill in behind every middle blocker position. Even Penn has looked better the last few weeks and Joseph isn’t getting beat every game.
I loved watching a performance like that, it shows the team is getting better each week and could be scary by week 17 against the Saints for a playoff spot and beyond.
November 21st, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Caddy’s numbers have improved because of Blount in my opinion…not neccessarily because of the line. He is a perfect compliment to Blount with his quickness and he is becoming a very good 3rd down back. Our running game was horrible until Blount started getting a lot of carries. The combination is working great.
November 21st, 2010 at 9:18 pm
The Object will only get better given the amount of snaps he gets San Fran is great against the run but we still shot them lames down. 40 and 20 4 Ronde Barber what an accomplishment the guy is ageless D Penn how bout that open up the flood gates were everyone scores on this team How about the Object knocking that Lawson on his tailend
November 21st, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Well said BamBam. But Josh Freeman didnt even have a great game today. Imagine if we could ever get both facets going at the same time??
November 21st, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Love the Hammer(Blount) and the Silk Glove (Caddy).!!!!Caddy had 2 big runs to ice the game in the last 2 weeks. Thanks to Blount. He wore that defense down!!!!! GO BUCS!!!!
November 21st, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Three things:
1. The O-Line depth is starting to lok good. Early in the year, it seemed like a detriment, not now. So much so, that I do not think they ned to draft an O-Lineman prior to round 3, although I don’t think they should go after one until a RT in round 4.
2. It was Caddy mostly, not the line.
3. This new role of Caddy as 3rd down back, blocker, and reciever out of the backfield is looking good for him. I still think they need a speed burner (hugguns?) to get some touches