Change In Bellcow Attitude
November 12th, 2014
Once upon a time at the NFL Scouting Combine, Bucs head coach Lovie Smith told Joe the following:
“Oh, no. We want a bellcow [running back]. But along with a supporting cast. You need a one-guy and Doug [Martin] is our one-guy. But he needs a supporting cast. We want a bellcow with a great supporting cast. That’s what we have in our running back situation.”
It seems now the Bucs have changed their attitude when it comes to a bellcow.
Today, acting offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said the Bucs have no need for a bellcow with Doug Martin, Bobby Rainey and Charles Sims in the mix.
This might be meaningless, but considering the Bucs’ running game has been messy, it’s worth noting. The Bucs are ranked 15th in the NFL at 4.1 yards per carry and 28th in total rushing yards. On Sunday, Josh McCown was their leading rusher.
Perhaps an answer to Doug Martin’s health status could come this afternoon. He’s only played in five of nine games this year, the last time against Minnesota on Oct. 26.
Frankly, Joe would like to see second-year man Mike James get more carries. He was running angry and strong in limited action the past couple of weeks.
November 12th, 2014 at 1:32 pm
We are getting what comes out of the other end of the cow…….
November 12th, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Again how mike James is 4th string is beyond me. Your qb should never be the leading rusher unless his name in Vick and its 2004.
November 12th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Even worse is without a “cowbell attitude” the sub-standard starting QB is not able to utilize play action which causes him to run for his life.
I can only imagine Doug Martin hoping to be traded (for nothing as usual) or cut by the Bucs so he can go where he is wanted. I would really like to know how a guy as good as Martin can go from the man to not playing?
Does not matter who is running the ball, if the OC does not call a run 50% of the time, a running games is of no use!
Greg Schiano
November 12th, 2014 at 1:48 pm
I’ve only seen James break a significant run or catch a pass that broke decent yards in one game. He’s been the definition of unremarkable since we got him.
November 12th, 2014 at 1:55 pm
“We want a bellcow with a great supporting cast.”
___________________________________________
What part of supporting cast don’t you understand, Joe?
supporting cast = offensive line
Now you won’t be satisfied until they crash and burn James.
WALTER PAYTON WOULD HAVE STRUGGLED BEHIND THIS O-LINE
Another thing, isn’t Martin hurt? Piling on a guy who has been nursing injuries for much of the season, just seems so petty.
November 12th, 2014 at 1:56 pm
Could this “… no need for a bellcow…” be Lovie easing Martin out as the primary RB… permanently, and then ‘ease’ someone else into the role? It looks like Lovie doesn’t want to admit that he was wrong about Martin being the ‘bellcow’ any more than he wants to admit that McCown is not ‘starting QB’ material. I believe we are watching the last of Martin wearing pewter.
November 12th, 2014 at 1:57 pm
we could have Adrian Peterson and he would look bad behind this OL and scheme.
it’s a RB’s worst nightmare.
and yeah, james should be 4th IMO. have seen nothing special from him.
November 12th, 2014 at 2:03 pm
@ Patrick in VA
James is doing well at getting first downs in short yardage situations (the few 3rd and shorts that the Bucs get). Lovie doesn’t seem to think FBs should be responsible for doing much.
November 12th, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Robert
We haven’t seen James but twice on fourth down. Smh
November 12th, 2014 at 2:05 pm
I second the endorsement of Mike James. Or as I like to call him (in my Dave-Chapelle-As-Rick-James voice), “MIKE JAMES, B****!”
Or MJB for short.
November 12th, 2014 at 2:08 pm
@Hawk – perhaps but I’m not sure why we wouldn’t continue to use Rainey and Sims in those situations. I mean, the treat of them potentially running a play action and tossing it to them in the flat should soften the defense enough to the point where they could get those short yards if they did decide to run it. We don’t have a good enough line to not need options
November 12th, 2014 at 2:12 pm
I’d use Mike James Biach and Rainey as my one two combo and use Simms in the slot. But what do I know
November 12th, 2014 at 2:26 pm
I agree Patrick. The Bucs seem to under-use the screen/flat type of plays. If the ‘excuse/argument is that the O-line doesn’t block well enough for that kind of play, then I say “HOGWASH!”. They can’t run-block, and they can’t pass-block, why shouldn’t they be offered the opportunity at the trifecta. At this point, it certainly should surprise a defense. And Rainey or Sims would be the better backs to carry it out.
November 12th, 2014 at 2:28 pm
Give James a few more reps. Give a chance to get into a rhythm. One or two carries a game ain’t gonna make it.
November 12th, 2014 at 2:50 pm
The basic problem is we don’t know when to run and when to pass because we have our hear up our as…
November 12th, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Imagine how good our record would be if we were ranked in any defensive or passing category!!!! lovie can take so much blame for what he did in the offseason and evaluating the roster but come one seriously who would have made changes at the running back spot in the offseason with bobby rainey, doug martin, mike james and drafting of Charles sims? he had the right idea but considering the team sucks at running and the offensive weapons we have the dude should change it up and pass to set up the run not run to set up the pass
November 12th, 2014 at 6:16 pm
If an O line is having trouble blocking! The perfect call is to screen. Our Jr. College OC calls about one a game.
November 12th, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Mike James never really got a chance after showing promise last year vs Seattle and before his injury vs the Fins…. As far as one hit wonders: isn’t getting 160 yards vs Super Bowl Champs Seattle as impressive as what Martin did against a bad Oakland team his rookie year? Why not give James another try in the offense? Christ it can not hurt?!?!?
November 15th, 2014 at 2:08 pm
Memories are very short when it comes to this team and running backs. Does anyone remember Mike Allstott? Does anyone remember the stats of how well we did with him running IF he got something like 20 or more touches? When was the last time any of our backs got that many and what happened?
We don’t let any of them get into the game before we are changing them out. The best way to predict future performance is to look at the history. When you do that you will see what I mean.
Mike Allstott didn’t do so well in Gruden’s time because he usually didn’t get enough touches because Gruden didn’t like him as a running back.
Just sayin….