Trainers Play A Role In Touches For Running Backs
December 6th, 2024
How much is too much?
Since Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen has been on board, one of many things that has impressed Joe is how he offers a window into how the Bucs work under the hood in developing a gameplan for an opponent.
It actually begins not long after a season is over.
For example, Coen stated how he met with Bucs trainers before OTAs began because they wanted to find out how he would use receivers, among other players. Coen told trainers he would have receivers running “a lot” in pre-snap motion.
So the trainers then tailored personal workout packages and regimens for the receivers to increase their stamina.
This week, Joe knows some fans kvetched about running back Bucky Irving not playing more, specifically late in the Bucs’ overtime win over the Stinking Panthers — despite Irving easily touching the ball more than he has all season (25 carries, three catches).
Joe asked Coen if he had a pitch count with running backs with the long haul in mind.
(Also, there’s the unspoken rookie wall that is likely about to hit Irving, if it hasn’t already.)
Coen noted that usage is not a big concern, though it is a concern as a game transpires. He said he’s more worried about what a running back’s mental state is. If he’s hungry for more, Coen is unlikely to sweat feeding him more.
However, Coen said he gets input into running back usage from Bucs trainers.
“Our trainers and everybody [do] a really good job of letting us know where they’re at, how many snaps, what’s the goal this game,” Coen said. “We try to stay collective with that.”
Joe had not heard this before. Oh, Joe’s heard about trainers telling a coach a player shouldn’t be used because he is hurt. But Joe had never heard a coach say publicly he bases a decision to use a player, in part, on trainer feedback on stamina, both during a game and for future use.
Perhaps Joe’s just a football geek but this sports science stuff is pretty cool.
December 6th, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Seems like good coaching. Especially useful in a tight game that might go into overtime.
How is Bucky’s hip? Have we heard?
December 6th, 2024 at 1:26 pm
He’s expected to play. Can’t be that awful.
December 6th, 2024 at 1:37 pm
Bucky is Rockin right now but definitely need to be careful with him. Suck to burn him out or get him injured. We are going to need all his juice down the stretch.
Go Buc Nasty!!!
December 6th, 2024 at 1:40 pm
Irving got hurt on that kick off I believe so it’s obvious why he wasn’t playing near the end. Luckily the line made some great blocks because Baker and White made some great plays to tie and win the game for us!
December 6th, 2024 at 2:14 pm
I’m no coach. Just a fat, beer swilling, yelling at the TV honk. But…stop using Bucky on kick off return. More Tucker too please.
December 6th, 2024 at 2:35 pm
They need to play Tucker more that will be rest for everyone
December 6th, 2024 at 2:46 pm
Take Bucky off kick returns please. Besides that it’s smart to not run him into the ground. White has been good this year too. Lions do that with Gibbs.
December 6th, 2024 at 2:49 pm
I wonder if these same trainers are the reason we haven’t seen as much of Tucker as some would like?
December 6th, 2024 at 2:59 pm
Two fumbles is why
December 6th, 2024 at 3:05 pm
They need ti throw Tucker more screen passes for him to be effective in the game. Right now it is too much of a tell when he is in there for such limited snaps.
Not using Tucker more remains a mystery to me.
December 6th, 2024 at 3:08 pm
Doubtful. I think all he’s saying is that trainers (and other staff) keep him informed of stats like touches etc during the game so he can focus on calling plays and implementing the scheme and specific game plan… At least that’s my take on it
December 6th, 2024 at 3:09 pm
I’d like to hear James Wilder’s opinion on this. 407 carries in 16 games.
December 6th, 2024 at 3:14 pm
Hip pointer is a mofo ! No matter how severe it is.
It will be interesting if he plays and how much.
I would use ST in place of #7 on Sunday.
December 6th, 2024 at 3:21 pm
Considering this training staff, we should probably expect Bucky and Rachaad to both pop hammies Sunday or soon.
December 6th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
More “data?”
“Data” killed baseball.
Imagine Jim Brown having his touches limited by trainer “data…”
December 6th, 2024 at 3:45 pm
Right on Cobra. You may never see this thanks to Algo Rhythm’s stifling defense. Too bad our team doesn’t play like Algo.
December 6th, 2024 at 6:10 pm
I agree with David Pear. Bucs’ frequency of hamstring injuries has always been ludicrous, but this has season has been like none other.
December 7th, 2024 at 2:34 am
Pardon the pun but one is either out to lunch or not out to lunch.
IMO, whoever evaluates rb talent on this Bucs team is out to lunch.
Thank gawd it’s not the same guy that evaluates qb’s on this team. I’ll leave it at that.
December 7th, 2024 at 2:36 am
So if I’m listening correctly here, perhaps analytics combined with algorithms has been the culprit with Bucky Irving? Figures. I hate em both.
December 7th, 2024 at 6:25 am
Trainers need to learn tb12, Pilates, etc. Old school pt approach doesn’t work with current game speed. Learn how to keep hamstrings healthy. Besides just rest. Are the trainers helping with clock management and time out usage as well. Maybe bowels has too many people in his ear. Overloaded with information then goes into freeze mode. Losses the feel for the game. I have a little confidence they can … Go run the table BUCS
December 7th, 2024 at 6:29 am
Think the trainers had anything to say about how many snaps Jim Brown, or Emmett Smith should get? What a panzy league the NFL has become.
December 7th, 2024 at 8:14 am
Now, if only, the trainers can come up with a hamstring regime. And while they’re at it a calf regime so Kancey can play the first quarter of a season