bucs 24, rams 3
skiIt was a good news/bad news day for Gruden. On the bright side his Bucs have a winning record for the first time in two season. Bad news, the head coach has a tailback controversy to deal with. Cadillac Williams, who has not exactly been lighting up opposing defenses, left the game in the fourth quarter with bruised ribs only to see Earnest Graham pull his best LaDainian Tomlinson impression.
Cadillac Williams: 12 carries for 46 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble
Earnest Graham: 8 carries for 75 yards, 2 TDs
The easy way to explain away the results is that Graham was playing in garbage time, i.e. the Bucs had won and the Rams defense had largely given up. But on the other hand, Graham was getting the type of explosive runs we have not seen from Cadillac in two years. Before today no sane person would ever suggest the undrafted Graham was a more talented runner than the fifth overall pick in the 2005 draft, but Graham could be the better back right now.
I hate to concentrate so much on the offense when the defense essentially won the game today for the Bucs but with the exception of the Garcia to Galloway Combo the offense has lacked a spark through the first three games. This offense is held together by chicken wire and duck tape and unless the Bucs can generate some kind of ground game it’s only a matter of time before the offense unravels. Teams will eventually double team Galloway and force the Bucs to either; A) throw to some one else or, B) run the ball. Neither of these options has produced spetacular results so far which means Graham may be the spark this offense needs.
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September 24th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
The outcome was still in doubt when Graham came in. If nothing else, he’s at least earned a few more carries next week. For that matter, let Pittman have a few more too. Cadillac hasn’t done anything since his shoes went to Canton. Maybe he should ask for them back.
September 24th, 2007 at 11:10 pm
Gruden’s ego is so big he has made this into a losing team. The second best receiver on the team is Pittman, yet he is rarely utilized. Cadillac is clearly afraid of running 100% because he might be hurt, so both Pittman and Graham are better alternatives at this time. Clayton should be cut from the team and we should get some tight ends who can catch the ball. The only reason we are 2-1 is thanks to Monty for his defense, which is still a work in progress and can be better.