Not Just A Blocking Icon
November 14th, 2010
Perhaps not visible on the Internet on TV were Cadillac Williams’ two great ass-saving blitz pickups in the second quarter that spared Josh Freeman shots to the ribs.
Joe noticed.
And, as Joe’s written many times before, that’s why Cadillac has the trust of coaches and will get plenty of carries and snaps this season, despite the presence of a pulverizing weapon in LeGarrette Blount.
But it wasn’t all blitz pickups and checkdowns for Caddy today in the 31-16 win against lowly Carolina.
Clearly in on the Bucs’ late scoring drive for his ability to protect the ball — and Freeman — Caddy ripped off a nice 15-yard run off a third-down screen pass. (Great awareness of the very early throw by Freeman).
Then Caddy, flashing some great sustained speed, busted a 45-yard touchdown run on a delayed draw to ice the game for the Bucs.
The Bucs had waited nearly nine games to get Caddy off, and now they have.
Amazingly, Caddy might be getting stronger as the season wears on, despite his two overhauled knees.
If the Bucs can get even 3.7 yards a carry the rest of the way from Cadillac, that’ll go a long way toward them scoring a winning record.
November 14th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I’m very happy for Caddy. Really showed a good burst at the end of the game. He is so good at the blitz pick-up, that is why he will have a job in the NFL next year.
November 14th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
I think today’s game should all of us fans (myself included) that the coaches and organization know best. So many people moan and groan when Caddy is in the game, but I think we all saw today how valuable he is to our team.
November 14th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
Caddy is a smart player. You see him helping to call out adjustments to the line. He picks up blitzes and as we saw today still has value as a ball carrier.
November 14th, 2010 at 6:21 pm
It looks like caddy has some speed never doubted he did, but he has no cut speed he runs right to where the play is supposed to go and there he stops no shift no spin just plow into the line. That wont get it done. Good game overall though
November 14th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Wow… Caddy’s longest run since the very first game of his career. Too bad it was five years in coming. Just kidding though. Congratulations to Cadillac. It looks like he’s going to settle into a Kevin Faulk type role nicely
November 14th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
I’ve seen Caddy make some great jump cuts this year. It’s not typical unless he’s in a one on one situation, which is rare when you’re running up the back of your O-linemen. Caddy can still get it done, they used him exactly the way they should have been all year. Running screens and draws. Good play calling, good performance.