Ted Larsen Was Key To Bucs Rushing
March 30th, 2011
Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik often talks about last year’s “second draft.” That was when he and his scouts scoured the waiver wire for players they deemed helpful.
One of those was guard Ted Larsen. The former Palm Harbor University High School standout was cut by Bill Belicheat after Belicheat tried to sneak Larsen past the rest of the NFL so Belicheat could put Larsen on the Pats practice squad.
As Belicheat found out the hard way, Dominik has an eagle eye.
It seems eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune has been hearing Bucs coaches rave about the local product.
The Bucs ended up averaging a franchise-record 4.6 yards per rushing attempt last season and Larsen’s steady work in the trenches next to Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn was a key factor. Tampa Bay heads into the 2011 season feeling very good about the left side of a young offensive line that protected quarterback Josh Freeman effectively for most of a 10-6 season.
One member of the Bucs staff said Larsen graded out even better than anticipated when the coaches broke down film of the 2010 season.
When Larsen sees a media horde forming around his locker, his first inclination is to walk away. The Bucs could care less because based on last year, Larsen’s play is speaking rather loudly.
Now just reading this piece, it leads one to believe Larsen was the key to the Bucs rushing game success. While Joe is certain Larsen played an important part, Joe will point the finger directly at LeGarrette Blount as to the success.
Let’s not forget that the Bucs rush offense was impotent before Blount was inserted. Opposing defenses all but mocked the Bucs rushing attack, basically focusing their efforts into shutting down the Bucs passing attack and daring the Bucs to run.
Once Blount got rolling, defenses had to adjust and all of a sudden the Bucs passing game blew up. It was no coincidence that Arrelious Benn broke out at the same time as Blount began gashing defenses.
March 30th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
“Let’s not forget that the Bucs rush offense was impotent before Blount was inserted.” Let’s also not forget that Larsen was not really starting before Blount either…
March 30th, 2011 at 4:43 pm
“Larsen the key to rushing”
“Simeon Rice has cure for defense”.
“Crime not to cut [our best player]”
Joe, you might want to slow down. You’re not going to have any material left for April 1.
March 30th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
why does joe always refer to himself in third person? thats really annoying… this rock star dominik label is this just supposed to be a label thats aimed at taking shots at him?
March 30th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
derek:
LOL. On the contrary. If you can find an article where Joe has been critical of Dominik the past year, happy hunting.
It’s Joe’s schtick. It’s what Joe does. If you want boring, stale, Associated Press-style milquetoast writing, have at it. There are many choices.
Why should Joe be the fifth hamburger stand on the block?
March 30th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
Ian:
That crossed Joe’s mind today. 🙁
March 30th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Larsen was as important as Blount to the improved rushing game late in the season. Blount is not good behind and to the line of scrimmage but he is above average at the +4 yard range despite below average speed.
Blount brings a unique skillset – a power back who struggles in short-yardage and is prone to fumbling but is dangerous downfield despite not much speed.
Larsen is technically very good. He was/is a nice acquisition. Dom credits for identifying that. I know that many of you sheep will try to find a way to give credit to Rah or the Glazers for it but that is of course ridiculous.
Remember, the bucs fired or let go of Larsen’s O-Line coach who I heard he was pretty fond of. The rotating assistant coaches continues – when is it time to rotate head coaches again? I suspect 2012.
March 30th, 2011 at 6:42 pm
>The Bucs could care less
Ugh, Ira you’re a professional writer.
March 30th, 2011 at 8:28 pm
Don’t worry Joe. You could simply put up the words “Ruud”,” Benn”, Or “Gruden” to get 100+ post arguments.
March 30th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
I like how Rah gets no credit for anything, but he gets all of the blame.
March 30th, 2011 at 10:21 pm
Larsen was a nice find for Tampa. Once of a bunch of good players Mark Dominick found for us Tampa Fans.
March 30th, 2011 at 10:47 pm
It has been reported that Talib said he was innocent and that his mother was the only one who shot the gun. He already hired a private investigator. I HOPE HE IS RIGHT. If he is innocent maybe he will get taught a lesson and still be able to play for the Bucs. Sorry Joe, but cutting Talib would be one HUGE mistake.
March 30th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
joe…derek is not real smart cut him some slack… he still drinks wine coolers
March 31st, 2011 at 12:10 am
I love how there is a positive article about the Bucs, with no mention of Raheem, yet this loser still manages to bring up Raheem. Nobody was even discussing Morris, yet douche bag can’t help himself. This is why, Thomas, we will never take you or your stupid comments serious. You are an attention-starved, unhappy, useless little man, and that is how every one of us on this board thinks of you. You refuse to give any credit to Raheem, yet you blame him for everything under the sun. You probably have some sort of hidden love interest in him or something, and this is your way of convincing yourself otherwise.
March 31st, 2011 at 7:47 am
Thomas,
You are an idiot of a person and you appear to have a contorted sense of reality because of the consistency of your posts.
March 31st, 2011 at 10:06 am
Pete likes this name: “Belicheat”
@Joe
Gotta say, I agree completely with this point. As I recall, not many holes were opened up for Blount that he didn’t open up himself by hitting hard and refusing to go down.
On a side note…
I have to say that it is refreshing to see Dominick and Raheem constantly complimenting their players during this lockout. Some coaches and owners flatout refuse to make such comments, or drop hints that no position is written in stone in order to apply pressure on the players.
Our guys keep going as though it’s just a break from the norm. Love it.
March 31st, 2011 at 10:08 am
🙂 Now Pete thinks that’s some funny stuff right there!
March 31st, 2011 at 11:10 am
“Once Blount got rolling…LMAO, well played Joe