Bucs RB's

[Remote Controller]

-- Derrick Ward the Bucs Starting RB --
Sat Jun 13, 2009 --from FFMastermind.com​

Tampa Bay Buccaneers free-agent signee RB Derrick Ward is being thought of as the starter, according to PSX, despite the presence of RB Cadillac Williams and RB Earnest Graham. Ward gained 1,025 yards in the Giants' RBBC set up in 2008.

 

[Birdman]

If I was convinced that he'd actually get the carries, I'd be very high on him. But the Bucs backfield looks like it's a timeshare waiting to happen.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

If I was convinced that he'd actually get the carries, I'd be very high on him. But the Bucs backfield looks like it's a timeshare waiting to happen.

Timeshare doesn't scare me off of Ward. He was #2 in line on a timeshare last year and he kicked ass. Now he's number 1.

Not only the running game, but I also think that Ward could be in the top 5 among receiving RBs

 

[WesDawg]

I still believe Graham will be the designated goal-line guy, vulching away a significant number of TD's from Ward.

Caddy will serve as the Ahmad Bradshaw, getting some late-game/3rd down type action. I like Ward to lead this commitee, but he's going from a good offense with a top-notch line to a much less favorable situation.

If I have a shot at a more established 2nd tier guy as my RB2, I'd take that player, but I'd love Ward as my flex.

 

[Miller]

This will be a committee and I agree with Wes that Ward will be the lead. I've never been a big Graham guy from a talent perspective. He will see some carries, but he is not a huge threat for time outside of the goal line, and no matter where Ward goes someone will be placed in that role.

Caddy is the ever present X factor here, but I just don't see it anymore. I'm pulling for him as it would be a heck of a comeback story, but I think injuries have robbed him of what once was a promising career.

 

[bobbeaux]

i'm a lil unsure what to make of the whole tampa team this year . . . this team has had a solid defense for quite a long time although they kinda started falling off towards the end of last season as age caught up to them . . . all of the coaching changes (and not just with this team either) has me unsure of what to expect, but improving an already solid running attack (barring injury) can only help the team as a whole . . . ward and graham should both be considered as flex options, imo with ward having the greater value . . .

 

[RZR]

Talk about Etch-a-Sketching a whole new picture for my TB Bucs in the offseason. I'm pulling for Caddy too but not gonna bank on getting much from him this year. I was excited to see Ward join the party and I agree that he's going to be a much needed team leader. The locker room is no doubt suffering from the loss of veterans Brooks and June. My heart is still broken and very slooooowly mending.

I hope Ward and Graham can pull things together on and off the field. Without the Tampa 2 D, this year could be a total disaster (rebuilding year). Morris has no chance of pulling a Mike Smith this year no matter how cool he is with the players. I just hope the cannons don't get rusty in the meantime.

 

[WesDawg]

I just hope the cannons don't get rusty in the meantime.

You would have to mention "cannons", wouldn't you?

Astute observation that Morris won't be pulling a Mike Smith this year, simply because he doesn't inherit the same cupboard in TB that Smith did in Atlanta.
For starters, look at the 2 positions that helped Atlanta earn a playoff berth last year, QB and RB. They drafted Ryan in the 1st and signed Burner as a FA. In '09 TB drafted Freeman in the 1st and signed Ward as a FA. Win: ATL.
This season, both teams acquired talented TE's. ATL got one of the all-time greats in Gonzalez whereas TB grabbed the fragile "soulja" in Winslow. Win: ATL.
I'm only drawing this particular comparison because both teams are/were in similar situations and are divisional rivals.

Now to steer back to the topic at hand, Ward was a really good pickup and still has a ton of tread on his tires, but overall it seems like the Bucs are just a step behind in the front office department lately. Their defense is losing more than it's gaining, as is their O-line which may render a smart signing (Ward) irrelevant in a year or two.

 

[RZR]

Agreed. I'm heading back to Tampa soon. Seriously considering joining the front office and screwing some heads back on straight.

McNewbie is no Matt Ryan and Freeman is likely warm the bench more than Sean King did. I wasn't a fan of Garcia's happy feet tendencies but at least he could deliver most of the time. TB's been plagued with so-so QB's since our orange creamsicle days. We need a solid QB and soon!

And as far as Winslow goes... he's a drop in the bucket compared to his daddy. I'm hoping the sunshine melts his icy "I forgot how to catch the ball" illness. Hopefully he was just temporarily infected by B.Edwards and will get back to the stats we saw in 2007. Not holding my breath.

Morris has a lot to prove as a head coach, but atleast he didn't draft like M. Ditka / NO Saints in 1999. And even tho I don't see Freeman suiting up in wedding dress anytime soon, Bucs fans should be prepared to be just as embarrassed as the caboose of the NFC South this season.

Barber can't carry the team by himself and I'll bet retirement is looking better and better. Ward... well we'll see soon enough. May the pirates be with him.

 

[WesDawg]

Hopefully he was just temporarily infected by B.Edwards and will get back to the stats we saw in 2007. Not holding my breath.

So Braylon goes from a treasured keeper to a plague of teammates? LOL

Hell hath no fury..

 

[RZR]

He proves the saying "Today's headlines wrap tomorrow's fish". As a fantasy owner, he really let me down and unless you can convince me that he's worth my patience and reconsideration he's staying at "plague" status for me.

The more I think about moving home, I'm reminded that most Northerners can't drive in Florida rain. I hope Ward has his tread adjusted by the time August rolls around.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

He proves the saying "Today's headlines wrap tomorrow's fish". As a fantasy owner, he really let me down and unless you can convince me that he's worth my patience and reconsideration he's staying at "plague" status for me.

The more I think about moving home, I'm reminded that most Northerners can't drive in Florida rain. I hope Ward has his tread adjusted by the time August rolls around.

I dont see any reason either of those 2 players won't be ready to go.

Ward especially. He's being given a chance to shine. Those opportunities rarely come twice

 

[RZR]

I'm in Ward's corner, but not Edwards. Why should I believe Edwards is ready to be the playmaker fantasy owners deserve? He missed the team's first mini-practice this week and is home nursing a non-specific injury on Mangini's orders. Not convincingly positive.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

I'm in Ward's corner, but not Edwards. Why should I believe Edwards is ready to be the playmaker fantasy owners deserve? He missed the team's first mini-practice this week and is home nursing a non-specific injury on Mangini's orders. Not convincingly positive.

True true.

I'm not ready to give up on Braylon just yet though. That being said, he still won't find his way onto any team of mine this year.

My faith isn't made of stone.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

I just looked at the Buc's schedule. Ward is going to get all he can handle in the opening weeks.

Dallas, Buffalo, NYG, Wash, and Philly.

Yikes!