Buccaneers running back comparison

By the end of the 2011-2012 season the Buccaneers had found their team running on fumes when it came to the running-back position. They had began the season with Allen Bradford, LaGarrette Blount,  Earnest Graham, Kregg Lumpkin and Mossis Madu. Sad to say, but even more sad to have watched, this was not exactly a stellar stable of backs.  Bradford did not belong on any roster that was higher than practice squad and Kregg Lumpkin (more like Lum-can-not) could not see an open area if he were the only person on the field. Mr. August Earnest Graham, who I think never got a real chance in the prime of his career, and Mossis Madu, who showed some decent promise leading up to the season, both succumb to injuries. This left Blount as the only viable option in the backfield.

Now entering the 2012-2013 NFL season it appears that GM Mark Dominik and HC Greg Schiano are focusing on a 180 degree turn from the previous year's backfield.  An emphasis was placed on upgrading and diversifying the talent. Here is a look into this years stable of running-backs and what each has to offer.

LaGarrette Blount- 6'0", 247 pounds. Blount appears at first glance to be a power back that is built to lower his pad level and plow through and over defenses. But a closer look at the film says that Blount is a finesse runner at the onset of a play and does not hit the hole with authority. Once Blount reaches the second level is when his power and strength come into play. Blount is a large powerful runner for a linebacker or defensive back to challenge straight on. So most resort to grabbing him from the side. We've all witnessed just how many defensive players Blount can either brush aside, run out of their arm tackle or just plain carry along with him. These runs are fun to watch when they result in us retaining the ball at the end. But these runs lend themselves to multiple defensive players, with multiple arms and multiple hands tugging at a single ball, held by a single arm and a single hand of which we have all witnessed the outcome. This being said, Blount is still capable of being a stellar running-back if given the right coaching and he becomes disciplined and dedicated to his craft. Here's a look at LaGarrette Blount's 2011 highlights

Doug "Muscle Hamster" Martin- 5'9", 223 pounds. Plain and simple, Muscle Hamster has it all. Martin is extremely quick to the point of attack while at the same time has a unique talent for spotting open daylight that a lot of runners don't see. He is very elusive with great stop-and-start abilities. Although he is explosive to the whole, he is very fluid and intelligent in his runs and allows his blockers to clear the space. Martin is not the fastest runner to strap on a pair of cleats but his speed will fool you. He can get to the outside and turn the corner. Just when a defender thinks they have him and extend their arms to wrap him up, Muscle Hamster lowers his pad level and demonstrates exactly why he got that nickname. Martin is not afraid to run through a defender and on some film clips it appears that he even looks to blast somebody just to send a message. Here is a look at Martin's 2011 highlights

Michael Smith- 5'09", 207 pounds. Smith may just be that change of pace back that every Buccaneers fan has been asking for. Smith has speed in the 4.3s and is a very elusive runner. He does not have a lot of mileage or wear-n-tear on him due to Robert Turbin being the feature back at Utah State and Smith being 2nd string. But don't let the 2nd string fool you. Smith had a great deal of production when  given his touches. Smith exhibits very good hands for catching the ball out of the backfield and waste no time turning the play up field for positive yards. Smith also has a great deal of experience as a returner and I think this is the area he will provide a lot of value to the Buccaneers roster.  A lot of Bucs fans were pining for the Bucs to select RB LaMichael James in the 2nd round of the draft. Well here is a little comparison:  James is 5'9", 185, Smith is 5'9", 207. James runs 4.45 in the 40, Smith runs 4.35, sometimes even faster. James has a 35-inch vertical, Smith has a 40-inch vertical. James will be a third-down change-of-pace back. Smith will be a third-down change of pace back. James gets the recognition because Oregon was in the top of the college polls and he got the carries. Don't sleep on Smith when he gets his touches. Here's a look at Michael Smith's 2011 highlights

Mossis Madu- 6'0", 197 pounds. Most of us got a few glimpses of what Madu has to offer. When comparing Madu to last years running backs we were all wanting Madu to get some carries and provide the one-two punch with Blount. The injury to Madu's knee sidelined his opportunity and I'm not sure that Madu will be able to regain his status when compared to this year's group. With his thinner frame Madu does not have the size to run over defenses so he has to rely on his shiftiness to get to the holes when he runs. What stacks against him is that when comparing his strengths against the other three backs, at least one of the three possesses the same strength  and more. We'll have to wait and see if Madu brings something additional to the table with the new coaching staff. Had to go back to his college days for highlights do to his pro injury

My personal belief is that Doug Martin will take the lead as the starting running back and Bucs fans will be flocking to the stores to purchase Martin jerseys. This kid is going to be special and unlike any back in the Buccaneers' recent history. Blount will get his touches and, after accepting some good coaching, provide some highlight reel runs that leave defenses asking what hit them. Smith will find his touches in the return game and will occasionally make some splash plays on some 3rd down packages. I believe Madu will be kept for insurance on injuries and will have to claw his way back into the rotation. All in all I see some great things ahead for the Buccaneers' running game and that only lends to opening up the passing game. As always, GO BUCS!!