Earnest Byner = Good News For LeGarrette Blount
February 20th, 2012
Without digging too deep into the Earnest Byner hiring over the weekend by the Bucs — just from his history as a running back Joe thought this was a solid move — it appears the Bucs may have hit a home run.
Byner seems to have a knack in getting the most out of running backs. He is largely credited with developing Chris Johnson of the Titans. Then Byner goes to Jacksonville where Maurice Jones-Drew is a stud.
This is enough to impress former Bucs defensive end Steve White. Commenting on something called “School of the Legends,” White explains how much he likes the Byner hire.
THIS is a hire I’m unreservedly excited about. Earnest Byner not only brings credibility as a pretty damn good former player, he has also coached two different backs on different teams to rushing titles. And lets be honest, Chris Johnson seems to have some “issues” at times but Byner got the best out of him. I think he will help Blount tremendously!
Despite the Bucs getting a good coach, apparently Byner can’t work out at One Buc Palace? Or there are standing rules to prevent coaches from working out there? Consider FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal’s comments. In town to cover the start of spring training, Rosenthal ran into Byner, so he explains on his Twitter feed.
Personal note: Saw one of my favorites, Earnest Byner, in workout room of Tampa hotel this AM. Covered him with Ravens. New Bucs RB coach.
Earnest, why mess around with a lame hotel workout room when you can use a state-of-the-art facility at your new place of business?
February 20th, 2012 at 1:10 pm
Good for Blount, or an indicator we’re leaning Richardson? I prefer Claibrone, but either way I really like the Byner hire. In general I think the hires on offense have been way better than the hires on defense.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
All of Byners RBs have been smaller than Blount. Then again, almost all RBs are smaller than Blount. Blount is a totally different animal than Johnson, Portis, and MJD. Will be something new to see. Makes thoughts of the future fun to think about.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Yep Meh, I agree. I have loved the offensive coach signings, but have been neutral with the defensive signings.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Are you sure that this is good news for Blount or is it an indication that they are leaning towards drafting Richardson?
Byner had great success with C.Johnson as a rookie
February 20th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
He must not have gotten his ID badge and swipe card yet.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Cause some people workout before they start their day. Dumb.
February 20th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
Maybe M Madu will show something under Byner. He’s quick and elusive.
February 20th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Earnest is not suffering from early on-set dementia yet. He knows where the goods are. Four and five-star hotel workout rooms are crawling with young female sales reps and corporate types wearing tights before 7am and later at the continental breakfast bar. This I know!!
February 20th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Im not so sure its an indication we are leaning Richardson .. Would be pretty surprised if this team has really had any draft talks up to this point. Probably evaluating the current Bucs team still.
February 20th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
I’m not sure either.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Don’t see how it points toward drafting Trent at all. If the Bucks get a good QB Coach does that mean Freeman’s job is in danger?
I realize some of you want Trent, but this draft is more predictable than the last five:
1) CB
2) CB/LB
3) LB/RB
February 20th, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Hopefully Byner can infuse the anger and fight of MJD into Blount. I believe MJD would have been great with anybody coaching him. He runs with a chip on his shoulder.
February 20th, 2012 at 4:57 pm
Still too early to say what we are going to do in the draft.. lets wait till FA passes. I like the hire tho hopefully this guy can work his magic with #27
February 20th, 2012 at 5:14 pm
EB will work out at any facility. He remains in shape and brings his A game to any organization. As one of you stated, he was successful with CJ as a rookie. Yes you are correct but Clinton and MJD were NOT rookies and held many records. The Bucs are lucky to have Coach Byner. He has accountability, integrity and a work ethic second to none. If the player doesn’t perform, its not this coach’s fault. The player needs to get another job!
February 20th, 2012 at 5:32 pm
Maybe draft a rb in the 2nd rd. Miller from Miami or Wilson from Virginia tech would be nice for Byner to coach.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
I think Buner is exactly the right coach for Blount. Now we need to get more talent to add to the RB Corp.
Everyone ignored Eric Lorig. Ihe actually played very well in his first year at FB.
Other than those two- we got nuthin
February 20th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Do a little cardio at the hotel then get back to the room and shower. Pretty easy to figure out. Obviously he’s not going to get much of a lift in at a hotel gym, but a decent piece of cardio equipment is all you need if that is all you want.
February 20th, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Hopefully with the hire of Schiano and Byner. That will be enough to sway Ray Rice down to Tampa. If he isn’t tagged by Baltimore then I think we have the best shot at signing him over anyother team.
And Trent Richardson will not be a Buc!!! That is for sure. Claiborne more than likely will be there at #5 and if not then possibly Justin Blackmon, Quinton Coples, and Courtney Upshaw will be there. All better picks than a RB in the 1st round. That is not Doms style at all. And hopefully we sign Ray Rice and get that thought out 100%. Would you rather have a NFL proven star RB or a College Football star that has never played a down in the NFL. And get the future shutdown CB at the same time with that same pick!
February 20th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
bucs need to go out and get a real fullback.
February 20th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
Funky,
Are you aware that Rice wants a 7 year $100 million contract wherever he ends UP? He wants better than Adrian Peterson numbers.
I would love Rice here, but not at that price. No player other than an extremely elite QB is worth that much in my book…especially not a RB.
February 20th, 2012 at 10:59 pm
Pete- that’s exactly the same amount I wanted from my employer!!
I settled for less, Rice probably will also.
Problem is, I think they hit him with the franchise tag. It’d be nice ta see him here( assuming we actually do sign FAs), but doubtful we get a shot at him.
Nice ta hope, though!
February 20th, 2012 at 11:49 pm
Who in hell thinks that Ray Rice would leave the Ravens to go to Bucs is smoking the peace pipe.
February 21st, 2012 at 12:54 pm
Just because Rice wants that much does by no means say he will get it. Give him inbetween CJ2K and AP money. He is a top 3 RB every year and he loves Coach Schiano. We have almost 70Million bucks we can spend. Why not spend the bucks to make Rice a Buc???
Even if he gets 6 year 70mil with 30 mil guaranteed…thats only 5 million a season off the books plus incentives. Which they never reach all of them. To have that talent for around 7mil a season would be amazing. And a peace pipe doesn’t make me not understand that my friend!!