Earnest Graham Done For Season
December 28th, 2009
Joe loves Earnest Graham. He’s an old school football player. Just tell him where to play, and he’ll do it and smash someone in the mouth.
Today at his news conference Raheem The Dream dropped the news that Graham suffered a toe ligament injury yesterday and is done for the season, a season that saw Graham turn down carries to give more to Cadillac Williams, play special teams, and switch to fullback out of necessity for the second consecutive season.
Graham presents another tough call for Mark Dominik and Raheem The Dream for the 2010 season (assuming they’re still here).
Cadillac spoke on the Buccaneers Radio Network in detail yesterday following the game explaining how he and Graham are incredibly in sync and how Graham is his eyes on the field.
So much to consider:
Would the Bucs bring back Graham as the No. 1 fullback? Is Caddy going to return as the No. 1 running back? Is Chris Pressley the fullback of the future? Will Derrick Ward puff and pout his way off the team in the offseason?
Do the Bucs draft a power running back?
Joe’s all in favor of making Graham the No. 1 fullback. He’s a weapon, and he needs to be on the field.
December 28th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
While I do love Graham’s fight and team dedication you’ve got to wonder since this is the second injury in as many seasons for Ernest.
He’s really too small for FB and 2007 was a fluke – especially when the Bucs are paying for Ward – who had flashes of brilliance this year.
Right now drafting offensive players is the LAST thing that should be on the Bucs mind. DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE.
December 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Joe here,
Mr. Lucky, don’t forget this administration is about FREEMAN, FREEMAN, FREEMAN. …No doubt that will carry serious weight come draft day.
December 28th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
And with the 37th pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select….CJ Spiller, RB Clemson.
Hey, a guy can dream…Rachel Watson anyone?
December 28th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
I think we bring back Caddie/Ward/Graham again next year. Let me explain why.
1. We have enough holes to fill this year, we really don’t need to fix what aint broken this year. While our run game hasn’t been explosive, it can be pretty decent when the blocking is there. This isn’t one of our top weaknesses.
2. Caddie has shown he can hold up for a season and has looked really good lately. He’s worth bringing back, but he has to share the carries with a second RB.
3. Graham is a great guy to have on this team. He contributes in so many ways it is ridiculous. He’s older, but hasn’t seen alot of action for most of his career, so he is relatively fresh.
4. Ward has not lived upto his contract, but we are not cash strapped and he is good depth, so he should be kept. Also, he might still be very good. Untill recently nobody has been able to run the ball on this team and Ward hasn’t had many carries. I wouldn’t give up on him yet.
All that said, if Ryan Matthews or Joe McKnight is sitting there in the 3rd round, we should probably grab em.
December 28th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Ward has not lived upto his contract?????? WTF???
How can this back produce when the HC let’s his OC call Pass, pass, pass, etc.,
I mean if your QB is Peyton manning, Drew Brees or Philip Rivers fine – but when you ask your ROOKIE QB to throw more than Brett Farve and then have the gaul to say Ward didn’t live up to his contract?
December 29th, 2009 at 4:02 am
Right on, Mr. Lucky.
Ward can only do what’s asked of him. He’s been a bit more vocal than I’d like about not getting the ball, but to get all uptight about that is being a bit nit-picky if you ask me. I mean, it’s not like he’s abusing cab drivers or anything.
He’s shown what he can do when everyone else does their job well and his number is called. He gains 6-7 yards on average or busts it for 12 to 25 yards. He’s every bit as good as Caddy, just a different type of runner.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Lucky, did you just read the first sentence and then skip the rest of #4? I had said exactly what you just said, minus the CAPS and like 15 question marks. He han’t lived upto his contract, but really hasn’t had a chance to.
January 19th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Earnest Graham is a winner. He has been outstanding on the field since he began at Tampa. His performance off the field as a teammate and in the community is second to none. 2007 was not the first time he contributed on the field. He does so in every game he has played for many seasons. He represents what a true winner and team player is all about. He does not think that the game is all about him. He knows that it is all about the team and winning. Where ever he is or goes that attitude will follow. Now that is what every coach and owner would should want to have as a foundation of her/his team. He has a faith that drives him. He is not normal. But he is what normal should be. Selfishness and the “me” attitude is what seems to be highlighted these days. Interesting that this attitude does not find many true victories in team sports. IF you want to win you need winners and Earnest Graham is a Winner as a performer, in Spirit and in team attitude. My prayer is that he continues to stay that course and God will take care of all the rest.
February 3rd, 2010 at 2:19 am
I am totally excited about 2010 Superbowl. It’s a very good shoot out. I’ll choose dem NO Saints in a nail bighter.