“I Can Catch”
August 4th, 2012
LeGarrette Blount might not like to talk about his weight, but he’s happy to talk about his hands.
Blount’s had enough with the Blount-can’t-catch commentary. Bucs reporter Tom Krasniqi, of WDAE-AM 620, asked Blount about the knock on his receiving skills yesterday.
Blount had just 15 receptions last season and 20 career catches. When I asked him about that, Blount scoffed at that notion that he’s not a good pass catcher out of the backfield. “I can catch the ball, that’s point blank. There’s no question there”, Blount said emphatically.
Tampa Tribune Bucs beat writer eye-RAH! Kaufman also Twittered that Blount defended his hands. “”I’ve had one or two drops since I’ve been here. I can catch,” Blount said.
Joe expects Mike Sullivan is well aware that Blount can catch, and break tackles like few in the business. The big question is whether Blount is more dangerous in the passing game than Doug Martin.
August 4th, 2012 at 10:21 am
His poor pass pro skills and indecisiveness at the line will ultimately cost him the job. It’s obvious with just a few days of camp the Martin is significantly better in both areas.
I’m not saying Blount won’t be used, but your starter is Martin.
August 4th, 2012 at 10:50 am
Blount is a beast. How quickly everyone forgets. How many times last year did he get to carry tHe ball when we had a lead? Pretty sure we set a record for most time trailing in games throughout a season.
This guy is going to punish people when we finally have a chance to run the ball up by 7 or 10 points in the 4th quarter. Martin is good, but he hasn’t played in the league yet. He is coming from the WAC. It’s gonna take him some time. Game day is different than shell practice remember.
August 4th, 2012 at 10:57 am
I have heard from some of my friends who have been to training camp that Blount looks pretty sloppy in the pass game. Also said that he dropped 3 passes at yesterdays practice. Might Joe be posturing his pro- Blount postition.
It’s pretty obvious to me that Blount will get more carries in the second half of games than the first. He is lethal against worn down defenses.
August 4th, 2012 at 11:22 am
Bucfanjeff: His pass blocking was never in question. He was actually 10th in the league. http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/03/30/2011-pass-blocking-efficiency-running-backs/
August 4th, 2012 at 11:33 am
Yeah I can’t wait to see a Blount Nicks FB screen. Let’s Roll.
I like the idea of more Blount carries when D is tired. To get the D tired won’t we need to wear them down? How best to tire a Defense, Run 240 at them again and again…?
August 4th, 2012 at 11:38 am
I did a poll on espn bucs board and it was 10-1 martin starts…it should be interesting to see what happens…
August 4th, 2012 at 11:56 am
Can someone please explain to me why we have to take sides? I think it’s pretty clear that both will have significant roles; so why can’t we be satisfied with that? In the practices I watched, Blount caught the ball effortlessly and didn’t Martin put two on the ground? Let’s stop the debate and just enjoy our new tandem.
August 4th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
its a 2 back league for sure…the reat is just entertaining banter
August 4th, 2012 at 12:35 pm
The catching part of the equation is a small percentage of RBs getting passing snaps; the sizeable parts are:
Read and recognition – blitz = block, no blitz = diagnose and release;
If you read blitz, you must identify the pressure point and your responsibility correctly;
If you read no blitz, you must release on time and properly into a safe or hot area for the qb.
The catch it.
Mike Belotti and/or Chip Kelly, Jeff Fisher, RahRah and Greg Olson all determined that Blount couldn’t do it.
August 4th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
so thomas,
now you are using raheem and olson’s decision making in a positive light to support yourself? but every other time you say he was a bad coach and bad coordinator and they made poor decisions. is that wishy-washy?
August 4th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
This was one subject all coaches, good and bad, agreed on.
August 4th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
I just listed all of Blount’s college and pro coaches. I can’t control who Blount’s coaches are, just know they all agree.
August 4th, 2012 at 2:08 pm
@Paul, Interesting.
August 4th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Video evidence Blount can catch:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/09000d5d821c58df/Blount-52-yard-catch-and-run
Thomas two point two: Have you actually watched any games?
August 4th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
thomas,
where is the links to bount’s coaches that said he couldn’t catch, nor even block. i did a quick perusal and found no such statements.
also, you do not try and support your opinion with men whose credibility and ability you attacked, it just weakens it.
August 4th, 2012 at 8:21 pm
is = are