1,200-Yard RBs Everywhere With Right O-Line
April 23rd, 2012
It’s no surprise that any current and former offensive lineman would claim that a good O-line is the absolute key to a successful running game, versus the running back holding anywhere close to the same importance.
Three time All-Pro O-lineman Randy Cross makes this point on Sirius NFL Radio regularly. And joining Cross in the camp of pundits saying the Bucs would be out of line drafting Trent Richardson is former Bucs guard Ian Beckles (1990-1996).
But Beckles took this line of thinking a giant step further today with a bold statement made while co-hosting the The Ron and Ian Show on WDAE-AM 620.
“Every running back I played with could have run for 1,200 yards with the [right] offensive line,” Beckles said.
Beckles served up this stunning take during a discussion of what drafting star offensive tackle prospect Matt Kalil would mean to the Bucs and why he’s a smarter pick than Richardson.
Look, don’t shoot daggers at Joe. Joe’s just relaying takes from two linemen that played a combined 21 years in the league.
April 23rd, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Blockers, pass rushers and tacklers are what make a team good. A great QB makes a team great.
April 23rd, 2012 at 1:44 pm
Definitely makes sense … But at the end of the Day the Vikings I feel are just trying to get some teams excited and bait them up into trading into #3. The Vikes know they could trade anywhere in top 6 and maybe still end up with Kalil or atleast Blackmon.
April 23rd, 2012 at 1:50 pm
All I know is that if everyone that screams BPA truly wants the BPA then it’s Kalil if he’s there because franchise LT’s are #2 in line behind franchise QB’s.
It’s all about QB and protecting that QB.
April 23rd, 2012 at 1:57 pm
@ Bobby
Logic is a little flawed, while having a franchise LT is important (like Home Owners insurance) and possibly #2 on the list behind the QB, Not all Franchise LTs are better than All shut-down corners (not saying Kalil or Claiborne are either, but that’s their respective ceilings).
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Bobby:
Amen.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Winning football games relies mainly on two things:
1) winning the line of scrimmage
2) winning the turnover battle
And yes, if the Bucs had replaced Ian Beckles, they would have had much better production from the running back position. I agree completely.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:12 pm
That 1200. Yard back goes by the name of Blount.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:15 pm
If Cliaborne and Richardson are gone at 5, then take Kalil UNLESS there is a crazy trade offer.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:21 pm
I would agree, if Kalil was any kind of run blocker. He is going to get tossed around in the pros.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:38 pm
Beckles is correct. If you have a dominant O Line virtually any NFL back can rush for 75 yards per game (1200 per season).
However, if you have T Rich or Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson or Barry Sanders or Walter Payton or Emmit Smith – those backs will run for 1800 yards and dominate the clock and consequently football games.
Yes, T Rich is that good.
The hesitation with Kalil is that some, including the Vikes, don’t think that Kalil is that top 10 dominant left tackle because of strnegth deficiencies which will be exposed in the NFL – ask Gerald.
I think that Kalil will be fine and I can understand us drafting him at 5 if T Rich is gone and they can’t trade back.
Ian was not a bad guard for us for years. I remember him being pretty athletic and effective, underrated.
You sheep just hate former bucs who are honest with you – on subjects like Blount being a backup and not a starter; rahrah being in WAY over his head; and first and foremost . . . . . . Gerald being a bust so far!
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Why would we want to take Kalil when Minnesota, with a bigger need for a tackle, passes on him?
Hopefully Minny falls in love with Blackmon and Mo Claiborne reunites with Ron Cooper in Tampa.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:41 pm
6’6″ 310lbs isn’t going to be tossed around.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Go for the trenches.
Look how well it has worked for our defense………..
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:47 pm
For those curious about what the Browns might do … I took a look at Holmgren’s draft History from 1992-2008 (Packers/Seahawks)
One 1st rd RB
2000 1 1 19 19 Shaun Alexander RB Alabama (League MVP)
One 1st Rd WR the next season
2001 1 1 9 9 Koren Robinson WR North Carolina State (Bust)
But he has used 6 picks on DB with his 1st pick of the draft. 6!!!
DBs Taken in First Rd
1992
1995
2003
2006
2007 (2nd round, 1st pick of draft)
2010
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:50 pm
It’s a chicken-egg argument.
Who takes the credit for the success of the Ravens run game? Mike Oher or Ray Rice? How about Emmitt Smith and all those ridiculous O-lines?
If you put Kregg Lumpkin behind our new line with Kalil (if he’s drafted) does he crack 1200 yards? No matter how big the holes are, NFL RBs still have to break tackles/make people miss to be successful because it’s always going to be 10 v. 11 offense v. defense.
Conversely, look at MJD’s offensive line. Or Adrian Peterson’s line. Or Matt Forte’s line. Do these teams have any current OL all pros? (Seriously do they? I don’t have time to look lol). I can make the argument that a stud RB can overcome an average OL.
If anybody can find an example of an awesome OL making a crappy running back look good then I’d like to see it.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:56 pm
TR (1st), LaVonte David (2nd), Brandon Boykin (3rd) or Keuchly (1st), David Martin (2nd), and Boykin (3rd). Either of thos drafts would put a big smile on my face.
I don’t think they’ll go Kalil – not with all the glaring needs. I also think they’d pick Kuechly over Claiborne because you just don’t need to draft a “cover” corner that high when you run a Cover 2 defense….this is assuming that by calling themsleves “Cover 2 Fundamentalists” that we’ll run the C2 the bulk of the time and draft that way as well.
I think they tipped their hand when they said they didn’t offer Lofton more money because they considered him a 2-down back & liability in the passing game.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:57 pm
A “stunning take” from Ian Beckles?
What’s stunning is that anyone would take him seriously at all.
That typed simply because I got the chance to, Kalil would be an excellent, if somewhat boring pick if Richardson and Claiborne are off the board and there’s not a good enough trade offer. Good enough would be another 2 or high 3 and a high enough 1 to get Luke Kuechly.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:59 pm
And there’s great CBs everywhere when you have a good defensive line.
What’s his point?
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Under Schiano, expect drafts to be more Dungy-like: no corner in the first round, draft a D-lineman almost every year in the first 3 rounds, take at least one O-lineman late in the draft, and draft with special teams in mind.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Cadillac anyone?
Don’t forget how his average YPC increased when we started using Blount in 2010.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:02 pm
I think the only possible trade partner would be Miami in their pursuit to guarantee delivery of Tannehill. If they gave us a third rounder and their #8 for our #5 I would be inclined to take that deal.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Who the hell wants a guy that can run, catch, and pass block?
We dont need any of that foolishness.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@Sensible…that would be kind of hard to prove unless you take a guy like Grant from the Packers and put him on another team and see how he performs. He looked very good for the Packers but they do have a very good O-line. Will he do as well with a team that has a mediocre line? Who knows. I do know that for an UFA he did pretty good behind an elite O-line. I would say that supports Beckle’s argument and I really hate saying that because normally I don’t like anything Beckles says.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Regardless, we’re sitting pretty with BPA at #5. I would be stoked on any of the big 3 we’re talking about, but Kalil really would be a great pickup. As others have said, not an instant upgrade from Trueblood in run blocking- yet- but a great guy to bring up and keep the line elite for years to come.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:22 pm
BenJarvus Green-Ellis is another case. UFA behind a very good O-line.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Franchise RTs are even harder to get than LTs. Honestly, I’ll be fine with Kalil, Claiborne OR Richardson. Can’t go wrong with any of those.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:47 pm
In Greg Cosells mock based solely on film, Morris Claiborne is the third best CB. Granted, Cosell compares him to Champ Bailey and I would take that any day. But 3rd best talent at pick 5 scares me a little. I hope Kalil falls to us and we can trade back a couple spots and grab kuelchy.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:49 pm
I don’t really care anymore, I just want to win lol.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:50 pm
And Greg Cosell is the bottom line authority??? Watch some film on Claiborne and tell me he’s the third best CB in the draft. I mean C’mon. Lombardi has us picking Poe at #5….you think that’s gonna happen?
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
I agree with Cross and Beckles to a point.
Proof is in that fact that LGB rushed for over 1000 yards in his first season. I don’t believe it was all Blount’s fault that he didn’t get enough touches last year. I believe rahrah and olsen were frustrated with that their 250 pound running back was/is afraid of contact and can’t or won’t put his head down on 3rd and 1.
As far as not agreeing with Cross and Beckles, Ward, Lumpkin and or Madu would not be able ro rush for 1000 yards behind the Cowboys offensive lines of the early 90’s.
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Is this supposed to prove something that an offensive lineman believes that any RB can get 1200 yards behind a good line? I would expect them to say that. If they don’t, something is wrong.
Like Thomas said (can’t believe I just typed that), even if it is true, I’d rather have a RB that can run behind that same OL and gain 1800 yards, but that’s just me. I’m also crazy enough to want someone in the backfield that can keep the now skinny Freeman from being decapitated. But I guess you can just find any old back that can do that as well. Can someone let me know where you can find the tree that grows RB’s that can run for 1200, pass block, and pass catch? Or maybe we can get 3 different backs, 1 for each area. That makes perfect sense to me.
I’d be fine with Kalil, but if available, I’d much rather have Richardson. I think I’d rather have Blackmon than Kalil. I’m sorry, but I want some playmakers on this team. I’m glad we spent the last 2 years drafting for the D-Line, and I’m glad we’ve built up a very good O-Line (at least on paper). However, I’m ready for us to have someone that can actually get in the end zone more than 5 times in a season. We’ve spent enough time building in the trenches. There comes a point when you have to start getting some skill position guys to make it all work. Everyone points to the Steelers, Pats, Packers, Giants, etc., but they ALL have those pieces (please no one say Blount is a playmaker). Loved the V-Jax pickup, but he’s not going to do it all by himself. I know we need to probably go mostly defense in the draft, so I would love to use our premium pick on one of those guys. Wishful thinking I guess.
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:24 pm
How bout “dem saints”….LMFFAO!!!!!!
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Just like a great DLine can make any CBs look good? Obviously taking a DE or DT is a better option than taking a CB.
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:42 pm
@eric right on brotha, who needs a playmaker who double Nickel endorses! We can find aRT later in the draft.
TR,RONNEL LEWIS,BEST CB available.
Only dreaming tho TR will be gone:(
No matter what it will be hard to screw up this year with the 5th
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:49 pm
So then Matt Kalil is the smartest pick, as it makes the QB, RB and WRs better. A CB does not make another position better….
April 23rd, 2012 at 5:09 pm
1200 yard rushers are everywhere? Yep, just look at Blount.
Great backs that can participate in the passing game, can block AND run are rare, just ask Blount.
At this point, anybody but Claiborne for me.
April 23rd, 2012 at 6:38 pm
@ Thomas
I Can’t believe you just grouped a person who has never played a down in the NFL with the best RB’s to ever play the game.
All are HoF RB’s and the 2 who still play (if they stay playing that way) will end up there too.
No way in heck am i ready to even give Richardson those kind of honors until he at least plays at the NFL level and shows he can continue that same production.
April 23rd, 2012 at 6:53 pm
so way do ian hates blount.
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Trent Richardson doesn’t fumble…that’s pretty important too (has Ian Beckles EVER done show prep ???????) <—– that's a rhetorical question
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:27 pm
“Barry Sanders or Walter Payton or Emmit Smith”
WOW… seriously? The kid has not played a game in the NFL. I am never going to bother reading any of your comments again Thomas 2.2.
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:16 pm
Eat another brownie, Thomas.
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Don’t hate on Thomas’s bold prediction.
Give the man some crap when/if Trent Richardson fails to meet expectations.
I think in 5 years we will look back at the “Trent Richardson” draft.
I really hope we get our “bell cow”. Our offense would just run over the competition.
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:54 pm
rdbucfan Says:
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:52 pm
I agree with Cross and Beckles to a point.
Proof is in that fact that LGB rushed for over 1000 yards in his first season. I don’t believe it was all Blount’s fault that he didn’t get enough touches last year. I believe rahrah and olsen were frustrated with that their 250 pound running back was/is afraid of contact …
.
.
Blount afraid of contact? Clearly you have not paid attention to him.
April 23rd, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Blount is great after contact, but he needs to work on hitting the hole with authority.
It is frustratin to see your 250lb RB stutter step and get tripped up behind the line of scrimmage.
Some of that is Blount, and some was our poor LG play. Enter Nicks.
Bucs are going to. This’d their opponents will to tackle.
April 23rd, 2012 at 11:11 pm
*Bucs will bruise their opponents’ will to tackle*
April 23rd, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Maybe you haven’t. Pete. There’s a reason the majority of his carries he tries to go outside or leap over defenders. He isn’t a power back. He doesn’t try to run through people, on 3rd and inches he isn’t going to pulverize the line so he can get that half yard. As much as everyone wants him to be an Alstott type of RB, that isn’t his game.
That’s also something the people that want LaMichael James should keep in mind. Obviously very different backs but in Chip Kellys offense the RBs go east/west instead of north/south. Not something you want your RB doing in the NFL.
April 24th, 2012 at 7:59 am
Pete,
Yes, I’ve been watching Blount for 2 years and the guy is so scared of contact he hurdles CB’s. He tiptoes around in the backfield on short yardage situations instead of making a hole using power and his 250 pounds.
BraveBuc,
TR reminds me of Emmit Smith. Is he going to be the next Emmit Smith, nobody knows. I would like for the Bucs to be the team to find out if he is the real deal.