Nicks Would “Love” To See More Blount Carries
September 25th, 2012There’s a pattern developing here, and if one is to believe what one sees and what one hears, the non-stop pounding of rookie running back Doug Martin between the tackles isn’t getting the job done.
(Now before haters go wilding, let Joe emphasize that he really, really likes Martin. What is there not to like about the Bucs’ Muscle Hamster?)
Martin is averaging 3.4 yards a carry which, in NFL circles, is almost OK. Meanwhile, the running back so many locals love to loathe, doghouse-living LeGarrette Blount, has scant carries this season, despite his 4.6 yards a carry career average.
In one of the few times Blount touched the ball Sunday at Dallass, he broke off an 11-yard run and damned near leap-frogged for much more.
Bucs coach Greg Schiano prior to the season spoke in whimsical terms about having a two-headed monster of a running game with Martin and Blount. That hasn’t been the case.
Bucs roadgrading left guard Carl Nicks wishes it was so. Speaking on “Total Access” yesterday, heard on the Buccaneers Radio Network flagship station WDAE-AM 620, Nicks was asked if he would prefer the Bucs use a two-headed running attack to try to mix things up and hopefully spring the running game.
Nicks, though he initially hesitated to answer the question out of fear of hurting someone’s feelings, agreed. Emphatically so.
Chris in Bradenton: It seemed like very similar plays are being called over and over. I have a question: Would you like to see a two-back system like what Carolina runs, utilizing Blount more often, a more even split in the carries? Do you think that would have helped in the [Dallass] game?
Carl Nicks: I find myself in kind of a predicament answering that question, but, being how I am a little older, I am just going to keep it real with you: I would love to see that, have Blount and Doug share carries, kind of mix it up, thunder and lightning as I like to call it. I would absolutely love to see it. Love to see it.
Joe is starting to wonder if the false rumor about Mark Schlereth doesn’t actually apply to Blount. Sure, Joe knows he can’t block. Understandable, but damnit, when the guy gets warmed up he can break loose; but not if he is given the ball two or three times a game.
Look, again, Joe likes Martin, but as much as he is pounded between the tackles, Joe fears when Martin hits that inevitable rookie wall, he’s going to hit that wall hard.
That is not a good thing. Lightening the load a bit for Martin and allowing a guy who averages over four-plus yards a carry to get warmed up doesn’t seem to Joe to be treasonous.
To hear the entire Nicks interview, click on the little arrow below.
September 25th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
Joe cmon now, Why do you ask such dumb questions like why is our leading playmaker the last 3 years riding the bench? And why is a runner that over their 2 year career has averaged 4.5 ypc on the bench to a runner that’s averaging 3.4 ypc?
September 25th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
I say just be a little more creative with the play calling. Up the middle every time won’t work – I don’t care whom the RB might be.
September 25th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
I agree , we should at least give him like 10 carries in a row, and let him get a groove going….the whole offense has NO flow..
September 25th, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Joe I see no reason for you to have to apologize for liking Blount. In his first season he broke 1,000 yards and in his second he was still a bright spot in an otherwise complete debacle of a season. This whole situation is nonsensical to me. How can you sit him like we have so far? How can you not use arguably the best playmaker on the team? Martin has a bright future in the NFL but he has proven nothing yet. Blount is a proven monster with the ball in his hand. Yeah he’s not the best blocker in the world but he isn’t a saloon door. He can be serviceable in pass protection. And anyone who has watched this season knows that Martin hasn’t been that great in pass protection either.
Blount also has the Tebow factor of energizing the team and the fan base. He has a better average this year then Martin. He can catch the ball out of th backfield and he’s a terror in the open field. It’s absolutely inexcusable how the coaching staff is ignoring him. They need to stop being stubborn and let him help the team.
Or we can continue running Martin up the gut for 2 yards every down u til he is injured.
September 25th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
robert thinks blount will make little difference until he learns to block. robert says blount has a big red flag that says stack the box….cause they aint gonna throw it and get jfro killed.
September 25th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
The lack of use of Blount is baffling, and I’m beginning to seriously wonder if Shiano’s ego is getting in the way of doing what best for the team. Blount is a 1000 yd rusher, who can carry the team at times, and dont forget Freemans only good season came when Blount was ripping defenses to shreds causing 8 and 9 man fronts to allow the passing game to open up. This whole garbage about being able to pass block is ridiculous. How’s it working out for the passing game?
September 25th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
@robert, please stop
I agree entirely. I like Martin but I also like Blount. SPLIT THE CARRIES PLEASE.
September 25th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
LGB will be getting carries this weekend. He can spark this offense.
September 25th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
LOL. Joe did a write up on my question for Nicks. Awesome. Joe, I’m an avid reader of your stuff man. Keep up the good work!!!
September 25th, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Chris:
Wasn’t aware that was you. Good question you hit Nicks with.
September 25th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
The only question about this team is Freeman.As a fan that allway’s defended Freeman I’m not sure anymore.If he look’s bad this week they should pull him.If he can’t get it going in a month we should sign Vince Young to backup.Freeman need’s to run a lot more at this point he’s not worth protecting anymore.If the panther’s pound Newton and the skin’s pound RG3 then we should pound Freeman.He’s as big and as fast as Tebow so run josh run
September 25th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
So far……Sullivan looks like another Olsen clone. I hope that’s not the case!
September 25th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
Has anyone even watched martin try to block? I will take my chances with blount starting at least the passing game will open up because the deff would have to play the run!
September 25th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
If you look at purely statistics Blount is an average pass protector and above average pass catcher out of the backfield. We all know he is a beast with the ball. I like Martin but think he has been thrown to the wolves.
September 25th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
How did we manage to find someone even more dense than Greg Olson to “coordinate” the offense? You really have to turn over a lot of rocks to find that.
September 25th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
haha this whole interview is totally entertaining. Nicks is the man, “i just like to look in their eyes when i knock them down…then help them up with a smile”
September 25th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Are we experiencing Mike Schula 2.2 OFFENSIVE play calling?
September 25th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Forget Payton!!! The reason the saints are 0-3 is they don’t have Nicks! Ok I jest. Glad to have him. He’s big AND smart.
September 25th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
Great question Chris, too bad our reporters didn’t ask it at yesterdays press confrence (according to the link on Bucs.com)!
Call me hopeful, but I have a feeling Blount will be utilized earlier and more often this sunday!!
Priority #1: Go with a two headed running back monster!
Priority #2: Throw more deep balls/quick slants…get more creative!
Priority #3: Move Freeman out of the pocket more!
September 25th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
schiano needs to get blount in the game plan some how some way. martin just aint ripping it. damn put both of em in at the same time split the load and see what happens- damn schiano,you ever heard of WD-40 back in the day that worked out just great. gregg has done a great job restoring pride and”acountability” to our defense but if he is determind to keep going this route. when clearly anyone can see is not working then he is just being stubborn out of pride,aarogance or something else, i don’t know what lgb has done or said but is it worth continuation with the same results.if so then throw out tba and insert uybf[up yours buc fans]
September 25th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Carl join the club. 90 % of Buc fans want to see more Blounts after watching the last 2 games end badly. Blount needs to be on the field for at least 3 offensive series not this in one play out the next. It’s called play action.
September 25th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
We’re 11-3 when Blount gets the ball more than 10 times. Proven veteran, game breaker and is progressing vigorously despite the fact that our offensive coordinator can’t use him. Start Blount have him pound the offense then let Doug come in and change the pace i don’t understand. Sullivan was the coordinator of the giants for god sakes he should know well how to use Martin and Blount. When I see ware get the ball as many times as Blount that really upsets me. Idgaf if he can’t block that well neither can true blood and he’s been a starter for a long time. Quit giving excuses and play the players ta there strengths
September 25th, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Who knew we’d be pining for Shaun King, Gregg Lumpkin and Clyde Christiansen at this point.? Ware’s little volleyball set hand delivering the Cowboys a red zone opportunity is the stuff that should get a player in the dog house…not foolish determination that you drafted Ray Rice Lite.
September 25th, 2012 at 4:51 pm
The reason “Blunt force trauma” is not getting more plays is the Bucs are afraid his inability to block/protect for “Franchise Freeman” will get Freeman squashed like a bug. Freeman has very little pocket presence as it is and Blount offers zero protection against blitzes. Use him in short yardage situations or to run interference for Martin. I know he can “pick things up and put them down” but I don’t think that enamors Schiano. He also is careless with the football. Go Bucs!
September 25th, 2012 at 4:52 pm
Who cares if he cant pass block if you arent going to pass and run the same play over and over. They need to run blount and run him off tackle
September 25th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
the old reason was because of Blount’s supposedly suspect pass protection and catching skills, Blount in the backfield was basically a tell that we were going to run the ball. Well, the bucs now have a new tell for when they will run the ball: it’s first or second down.
September 25th, 2012 at 5:17 pm
also, running blount at home will help get the crowd into the game more. remember when we had those dismal offenses under dungy, then all of a sudden alstott would break 5 tackles for a bruising 8 yard run (probably our biggest play of the day on offense) and the crowd would get fired up? we’d even stop cursing out the QB\OC for a few snaps
September 25th, 2012 at 5:19 pm
It’s Ware who belongs in the doghouse. For all the alleged passes that Blount doesn’t catch, he is the best pass-catching back on the team. Martin isn’t impressing with his blocking either.
September 25th, 2012 at 6:55 pm
The offensive lone is not impressive with their blocking either.
September 25th, 2012 at 6:56 pm
*line
September 25th, 2012 at 7:38 pm
i saw martin cause a freeman sack-fumble on sunday, in person. and then i saw another running backs innability to catch cause an interception. tell me again how they are better than the guy who you say ‘has a red flag saying stack the box’? if that were true, then he really is AMAZING because against stacked boxes he is getting nearly 5 yards a carry.
September 25th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Blount is a 1st and 2nd down back and Martin is a change of pace/3rd down back right now. I really don’t know what else to say. Blount opens up the play action, not Martin, that should be ridiculously obvious to anybody that watched a single game the last two years. His ability or inability to pass block has nothing to do with the fact that he’s twice the runner that Martin is right now.
If I have to sit through another Sunday afternoon of Martin up the gut I’m going to find out if there’s any buried treasure hiding in the walls of my house as I put my head through them one by one.
I would give anything to find out the reasoning behind Blount only getting 12 offensive snaps in the first three games of this season. Somebody in the media needs to ask this question directly to Schiano or Sullivan and get some answers. Nicks needs to march his big a$$ up to the coaches offices and let them know what needs to happen.
September 25th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
If Nicks marched his big a$$ up to me I know I would listen lol. I do not disagree with you. As Joe has written, very few backs come into the NFL and dominate the way Blount did. That doesn’t mean Martin won’t progress. I think he is very capable of becoming a very good back in this league…if Schiano doesn’t get him injured first. RB’s are very short lived in the NFL and for that reason you better be damn good to be a first round pick.
September 26th, 2012 at 3:44 am
The talk about Blount pass protection and it being used as a constant excuse as to why he isn’t on the field is simply ridiculous at this point. There are many little things no one has paid much attention to.
To start we can not forget this has been the FIRST year he has actually been able to do an entire off season program and training camp. He has had to do with out both of his first 2 years. Yet he has still shown star power on raw talent alone.
Pass protection and picking up assignments are things that can be coached. If you look closely he has really improved in both are this year, granted he hasn’t had many touches/opportunities to show that off.
The biggest issue i can see is LGB has tendencies to “dance” at the line of scrimmage versus bursting through the gap full speed. I saw in the Carolina game Schiano ripping LGB for that. Regardless the guy still breaks off big runs and does it on a regular bases.
He has shown dramatic improvements in several areas this year. Ball security, Blocking assignments, Pass Catching. Area’s i feel he still needs to improve on; Vision, taking the block to the defender versus just trying to stop em, stop dancing at the line of scrimmage.
Between the 2 Blount still shows that star power over a true work horse in Martin. Martin has been giving the chance and although he looks like a solid work horse, I see nothing special about him. Blount really should have a chance to earn his spot back and be given more carries to prove it. He just has that “IT” factor when he touches the ball.
Personally i would prefer a 2 headed attack but if Schiano wants 1 dog running the rock. Blount really deserves a chances to try.
September 26th, 2012 at 3:50 am
I feel LGB is in the Dog house because the coaches don’t feel comfortable with him being a short yardage back. Most backs his size with his run style are premier short yardage back. Martin is at least very good at short yardage. It’s kind of flip flopped here in Tampa.
Although Blount has an unorthodox way of doing things. He still gets the job done consistently. Martin would make for a PERFECT 3rd down back. Short yardage and pass pro is his specialty
September 26th, 2012 at 10:09 am
Martin is average. LB with 20 carries will always get 100 yards.
September 26th, 2012 at 10:28 am
Martin will never be a 3rd down back. Shiano’s ego will not allow that. You do not spend a 1st round pick on a 3rd down back. Period!