“Until They Have To Break A Tackle …”
July 29th, 2012
Oh, the drama of the battle between LeGarrette Blount and Doug Martin.
After today’s first practice in pads, Greg Schiano said in response to a question about Doug Martin being able to handle a “bell cow” load that he had no concerns about that. “He’s pretty rocked up,” Schiano said of Martin, aka Muscle Hamster.
Schiano also said LeGarrette Blount looks good. And this is the same coach that stays away from calling out players by name positively or negatively to the press.
Schiano made it clear, though, that what fans saw today in quick-whistle 11-on-11 was not a good indicator. “Until they have to break a tackle,” Schiano said, full evaluation is not possible.
Martin wowed the crowd a few times today with his quick cuts and burst, but it’s just not meaningful yet. As Joe wrote earlier, Martin clearly looks better in pass blocking than Blount based on the few times each was challenged in that area. So he might have an edge right now there.
July 29th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
Sounds like Hampsters pass blocking skills are as advertised, which will be a big help. Now if he can catch out of the backfield and run he might really open some things up.
July 29th, 2012 at 12:59 pm
“As Joe wrote earlier, Martin clearly looks better in pass blocking than Blount based on the few times each was challenged in that area. So he might have an edge right now there.”
Admittedly it’s early still, but being able to pass pro is more than just an edge.
July 29th, 2012 at 1:00 pm
The line needs to open things up. He will be getting 10-30 touches a game unless he get’s injured.
July 29th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Blount is good. I like the fact that everyone talks down about him, ut yet he never complains or mopes about it. He’s not even worried about losing the starting job. I do honestly feel that are coaches had a big part in the teams failure last year. A team that goes 10 -6 to 4-12 with a 10 game losing streak, if it was the players then the coaches should have put all new people in after the first 5 game losing steak.Hell they couldn’t have done any worse then the starters.
July 29th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
He tippy toes, vision behind the line isn’t good, running lane anticipation is slow, weighs 255 but is a “make u miss guy.” He has a lot of negatives. Is he capable of a highlight reel play? Yes! Can he step out of bounds when he is 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage and no defender even touching him? Yes! The guy is a “50/50” guy in terms of effort…if he loafs half the time this year, Coach is putting him on the end of the bench or a bus out of here.
July 29th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
From the training camp practice I saw and the notes from other media writers I’ve read, Blount clearly is the number 2. Which is fine because he is starting caliber so this only helps the team. Joe already realizes this but will bet the LGB drum.
July 29th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Joe here,
@Tommy Boy — Please don’t speak for what Joe “realizes.” That’s not cool. Both Blount and Martin are working with the first team and there’s no indication either has an edge, other than what was written here about the pass protection.
July 29th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Preseason Game 1 in Miami will determine the true No. 1, unless somebody has slippery fingers in practice.
July 29th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
great stuff , blount short term answer , he won’t get his best contract here,first round pick in martin and 4 year contract gives him controll , may the best contract situation win, and thats only if martin is the bell cow they moved up in the draft to get, blount should hopefully have a prove them wrong attitude ,and well ” prove them wrong ” WAKE UP AND GET TO WORK ON TIME @$$ HOLE
July 29th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
I agree with you Dougy. I have said the same thing since he signed a 1 year minimum wage deal. I hope I’m wrong but I don’t think Blount will be in Tampa next year. The kid has natural talent that can’t be taught and is capable of learning the rest with proper coaching. I am looking forward to the RB battle this year. Today was a good first day. Blount caught some nice passes. Freeman seems to be holding the ball too long, that will get him a concussion, I don’t care who the RB blocking is. I think Martin fumble once today. Not a good sign the first day of contact.
July 29th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
Love to watch you guys makeabig deal over nothing. Who CARES who is 1,2,or 3. Wake up. It’s a team sport. Not a 1 person sport. And can Blount make highlight reel plays yes and more. But the people who always bring up the highlight reel issue never seem to bring up the yards Blount picks up after the hurdle. After all, that is the point is it not? to gain as many yards as possible. Now with a good line, better coaching he will most likely get better. Even Martin said he is learning new things. Even a different way to carry the ball. Think LGB is learning the same thing? Joe’s pictures show he is.
Like I said who cares who is number 1? Just the usual people that when a new toy comes along, they now hate the old one.
July 29th, 2012 at 11:54 pm
I don’t understand why people have to make drama between Blount and Martin?!? Why can’t we just use all 3? Denver was a great running team for years!!! Using three headed monster backfields well with in my opinion…a less talented pool of backs….there’s no reason why Shiano can’t work out a system for all three! I know you still need a starter, which I think Blount has proven he can be!!!