Michael Bennett provides the Tampa Bay Buccaneers experience in the backfield. After losing his starting job in Minnesota and spending the past two seasons on the bench in Kansas City, Bennett is motivated to capitalize on his opportunity to add juice to a maligned running back situation in Tampa Bay.
Earnest Graham is strictly a decent backup type with good toughness, but limited speed and quickness. Graham can move the chains at times, but doesn’t scare opposing defensive coaches into scheming against him. The Buccaneers also recently added former Raider Zack Crockett, but the only value he provides at this stage is short-yardage power. Michael Pittman will return for the stretch run in December. His versatility and overall skills will bring some credibility to the mix.
In the intermediate future, the Buccaneers hope Bennett provides a diverse element to the ground game with his speed. Bennett has excellent burst to the perimeter as a change of pace to complement Graham. He brings experience as a feature back, but his track record marks too much inconsistency in a feature role. Bennett can’t move the pile inside the tackles and gets stopped behind the line of scrimmage too often. He’s had fumbling problems in the past. He’s also sloppy in pass protection. Bennett also tends to get nicked up too often.
Bennett simply doesn’t fit the mold of what Jon Gruden likes to establish on the ground.
The Buccaneers will have some challenges on the offensive side of the ball as the season progresses. Jeff Garcia must prove his durability and effectiveness for 16 games. Joey Galloway is Garcia’s only consistent target in the passing game. They lack credibility on the ground. The one aspect that does favor the Buccaneers is a manageable schedule down the stretch.
In looking ahead to the future, I believe the Buccaneers must look in another direction at the running back position. They can’t continue trusting Carnell Williams’ durability moving forward and leave themselves without the ability to develop a strong run game.
Living in the Tampa Bay area I've witnessed the problems of this team over the years. And they've not had a running game of merit in years. And even with Williams in tow their game has still suffered.
The only thing of any potentcy on the team is Galloway. The rest of that offense isn't worth the money they're being paid.
tophatal
Last edited by tophatal on October 16th at 9:29 AM.
I understand the Bucs will draft a first round running back. Word is they were planning on this even if Williams hadn't been hurt. Many teams going to a two back rotation and it looks like the Buccaneers will follow suit. I like Graham, he's a good change up back, and so is Williams. I look for a big back rather than another "scat back". They also need another top flight receiver and maybe there'll be one available out of free agency. We'll see.
the one thing he failed to mention was that bennett can catch the ball and run, and quite well. they've got crocket and graham for short yardage which is better than most teams. considering they lost their 1 & 2 backs, they're looking pretty good.
MICHAEL BENNETT WAS A PRO BOWLER IN 2002, AFTER RUSHING FOR 1200 YDS. THE ONLY REASON HIS PRODUCTION DROPPED WAS BECAUSE OF AN INJURY. HE HAS NEVER BEEEN GIVEN A LEGITIMATE SHOT TO START SINCE THEN. IF HEALTHY HE MAY BE ABLE TO LIVE UP TO HIS 1ST ROUND DRAFT SELECTION. HE IS ONE OF THE FASTEST MEN IN THE NFL. NOW TAMPA HAS 2 GUYS WITH SPEED, BENNETT AND GALLOWAY.
It sounds like they have a pretty good set up. Not too shabby for something they had to dig up this late into the season. I wonder what rounds of draft picks they traded for him? I don't think the fumble history will bother him that badly. Heck, Pittman used to put the ball on the ground a whole lot back in the day. That used to drive me crazy! Since Cadillac came on Pittman has surely stepped his game up. We'll manage just fine. Now get out there and win the NFC South!
I like a lot of the comments here. One thing I want to add, it is not helping us here in the youth, but Hilliard has stepped up his game. He does provide another passing option. And if it was not for him and Galloway, we would not have beat the Titans. Now we just need the ground game to have balance. Because about 60 yards rushing in the last 2 games won't get it done. I know the situations didn't help either.
Now i am a well documented Gruden hater but what exactly has he ever established on the ground? He didn't run well at the Raiders and he won't in Tampa. Why doesn't he dig up Garner throw swing passes to him all day and call that a run. But seriously when you all start getting better linemen, the running game will be there.
Who really knows how it will work out, did anyone figure Tampa to be in this position a month ago? Could be a disaster or the greatest back in Buc history.
Bull.. Ike Hilliard is actually probably more consistent than Galloway.. Alex Smith is catching is share of balls.. there are dpendable targets here. I personally see Bennett as a receiver out of the backfield more than a runner between the tackles... the right formula will come to pass,.. and we will be ok...The defense is playing inspired ball and will get better as the season goes..
Brian DeLucia has been a widely respected NFL Analyst for several years including six-years on FOXSports.com
Brian analyzes players, coaches, and personnel guys from a unique front office perspective. You can email Brian DeLucia at bjd@enter.net
Earnest Graham is strictly a decent backup type with good toughness, but limited speed and quickness. Graham can move the chains at times, but doesn’t scare opposing defensive coaches into scheming against him. The Buccaneers also recently added former Raider Zack Crockett, but the only value he provides at this stage is short-yardage power. Michael Pittman will return for the stretch run in December. His versatility and overall skills will bring some credibility to the mix. 
