Hand The Rock To Mike James
November 30th, 2014
Seven months younger than rookie running back Charles Sims, Bucs second-year RB Mike James has been a forgotten man this season.
A year ago, he dazzled the NFL in Seattle with 158 yards on 28 carries.
The following week, James was off to another big game against Miami when he broke his ankle. Offseason surgery was next, and James got off to a slow start this year as he got his legs under him. (He only had six preseason carries.)
Currently, James is buried as a short yardage back.
Joe would like to see James resurrected.
James’ last action carrying the ball came three weeks ago against Atlanta. He had four carries for 16 yards, which feels like a brilliant performance the way Bucs running backs have been producing.
The former regime likened James to Earnest Graham, citing his versatility as a runner and his ability and willingness on special teams. As Bucs fans know, Graham was buried by Chucky for years and only emerged when Chucky was desperate in 2007 –when they were the 11th-ranked rushing team in the NFL.
With the Bucs sitting at 2-9 with a miserable running game, Joe sees no reason not to give James a significant look. It would be nice to know if James could look like he did last year.
November 30th, 2014 at 10:24 am
It’s pretty clear to me that lovie has little interest in giving snaps to anyone other than sims with Martin in relief.
November 30th, 2014 at 10:30 am
Thank you, Joe, the Buc’s need to stop force feeding Sims, and try James,what do you have to loose.
November 30th, 2014 at 10:43 am
With Lovie being a run first type of guy, it is strange how all of the running backs and their running games have disappeared for the most part.
November 30th, 2014 at 10:45 am
That was behind a different offensive line…..geesh….Joes
November 30th, 2014 at 10:56 am
A 2-9 team can afford to experiment some and James has done enough to earn some carries.
But we don’t or simply won’t, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
Seemingly there is no sense of urgency to win now. Not a single win at home this season.
Uggh. Another beat down scheduled to begin in 3 hours.
November 30th, 2014 at 11:06 am
Somebody’s got to go Martin or James? Let them split carries and have a winner take all competition I say.
November 30th, 2014 at 11:16 am
One thing about Lovie, if you are his player, you play even if you have proven to the world that you are inept, see McCown, Johnson, OL, and ….
November 30th, 2014 at 11:51 am
I COMPLETELY AGREE
November 30th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
OB, Lovie has the exact same flaws as Dungy. Being stubborn, conservative and loyal to a fault. Mike Shula ring a bell?
Ding, ding.
November 30th, 2014 at 12:44 pm
I think this is the time of the year, given our record (2-9), that we should be giving everyone an extensive look. Even if they have no intention of keeping James or Martin or anyone else at any position you should see if you can get their trade value up. Glennon should be playing simply to get his trade stock up. A six round pick is better than a seventh rounder or nothing. Someone may see him as a serviceable back up or better. Seems like a lot of these players will be somewhere else, even if it’s the local Beef O’Brady’s, next year. Maybe we could find some bench warmers that have potential to either stay or some kind of trade value. Maybe we end up with a few extra picks at round five or later. Just Maybe. Nothing to lose at this point. Hey Joe, any news on what’s happing at Offensive Coordinator for us next year? Can’t seem to find anything meaningful around the net about this major conundrum we have at that coaching spot.
November 30th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
been saying he is the best back on the team lovie is stubborn incompetent and makes bad decisions when the game is on the line week in and week out
November 30th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Schiano men < smith men. Simple as that.
November 30th, 2014 at 1:37 pm
I’ve been saying the entire time if they give James an entire game…..a complete game with the majority of the carries, the start, that he will be the better back on this team. But it won’t happen. They never take any steps in the direction required for this team to win. And if they do, the do so followed by taking two steps back…
November 30th, 2014 at 1:41 pm
Most running backs would’ve gotten 150+ that game.