Exhibit A why Joe yearns for LeGarrette Blount to get his hands on the ball more was there for all to see in the second quarter today.

After falling behind 14-0, the Bucs opened their next possession with a 28-yard strike to Arrellious Benn. Hallejuah to Greg Olson for calling a play that simply let Josh Freeman throw it up to Benn and let him make a play.

Then up stepped Blount. The man took the rock in the backfield, broke seven tackles and bulled his way into the end zone 54 yards later. Here’s the stunning video from NFL.com.

Now Joe knows it’s heresy for many around these parts to compare Blount to Mike Alstott. But Blount’s sheer refusal to go down and his relentless drive in the second level of the defense is worthy of the Alstott comparison. That second-quarter run was just one man’s will and strength on display.

Blount had 18 carries today and 107 yards, still not enough for Joe. They’ve got to involve him more in the red zone at least. But Joe’s not going to waste more time hoping Blount gets more of the rock. This was about as good as it will get, and the Bucs offense surely moved the ball extremely well today.  

Further adding to his emerging legend, Blount got caught mid-hurdle with a helmet to the groin twice today and kept on coming. If that’s not tough, Joe’s not sure what is.