Where's Michael Bennett? Have you seen the Bucs Running back?

by angecorrado on Oct 28, 2008 8:48 AM EDT Comment 9 comments

...UPDATE...

Apparently Head Coach Jon Gruden has admitted to making a mistake by allowing Warrick Dunn to play last weekend:

"We probably shouldn't have allowed him to play," Gruden said of Dunn. "We choose not to use him much. But he is such a warrior. He has played this game for so long. But, I agree. He wasn't himself on Sunday in Dallas. That's a big part of our offense" - Stephen Holder of the St. Pete Times

The feeling I get is that Gruden had his hands tied. By the 'Warrior' comment I'm assuming he's suggesting that Warrick Dunn wanted to play and probably asked to play and so Gruden gave in. The only thing that would make me think otherwise is the fact that Gruden has never been shy to bench a player due to injury or poor performance, i.e. DJax, Jeff Garcia, etc. Definitely a missed opportunity there, hopefully it doesnt happen again.

***********

With Dunn banged up should we really notice a drop off in productivity? We do have Bennett available who last I checked has started a game or two in the NFL. With Caddy off the PUP there were talks of his potential return to the line up. So if we can get Caddy into the line up why can't we get Bennett in the line up. At this point I have no major preference and certainly Dunn must get credit for the exceptional job he's done up to this point....but considering this position is in augmentation to Graham, why do I find myself concerned.

JScott:

The thing that baffles me with the trio is Michael Bennett's lack of usage. He's been inactive for the majority of the games this season. Which is slightly understandable considering the Running games success thus far BUT this past week Gruden really could have utilized him and lost a huge opportunity to see what he can contribute. #1: Warrick Dunn was obviously still reeling from the pinched nerve in his back, he should have never dressed and chanced further injury especially considering how much time he didnt see on Sunday. #2: Bennett can at the very least be used in the kick return game. He's done it before and there's no need in jeopardizing any receivers health on the roster by putting them in that role, i.e. Clayton/Hilliard. It's just odd because it seems like every team in the league uses their personnel to the best of their ability and to me Gruden leaves talent on the sidelines and for what? Maybe they're just not ready, that's the lack of knowledge i inevitably have as a fan.

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THE BENNETT SITCH

I WONDER WHY WE DONT USE HIM TOO SIR!

by stixx692001 on Oct 28, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate to be

the fan who thinks the best player is always on the bench, but last week I certainly believe with Dunn’s injury he should have not dressed allowing Bennett to earn his money. Like Graham, who is an example of Gruden “leaving talent on the bench”, Bennett showed us in the pre-season (yes, I know it’s preseason) that he has learned his role on the field in this offensive scheme, which was the excuse last year. Let us not forget #34 was Mr. Preseason (multiple years)….and that has translated to success during the actual season.

by angecorrado on Oct 29, 2008 9:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i thought about that when i added on to your post

the notion that because he’s a back-up he’s gotta be able to provide more than who’s in front of him. In the instance though its the truth, its not just a fan in the dark spouting off. A 110% healthy Michael Bennett is better than a 60% healthy Warrick Dunn. For whatever reason Gruden let the opportunity pass by.

the Bye Week cant get here quick enough

Buc 'Em Your SBNation Tampa Bay Bucs Blog where Dull Boys are not allowed!!

by JScott on Oct 29, 2008 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can tell you as a Chief's fan . . .

I wondered the same thing for multiple years. I remember him running quite well for the Vikings for a few years and I always expected him to the lightening to Larry Johnson’s thunder. But nothing.

That said…I now fully expect him to suit up against the Chiefette’s this week and run all over us.

by schraggyj on Oct 29, 2008 10:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

don't hold your breath man

last week would have been the perfect moment for him to see the field and Gruden let it pass

With Dunn having another week of rest under his belt, i dont foresee Bennett taking the field much less dressing this weekend

Buc 'Em Your SBNation Tampa Bay Bucs Blog where Dull Boys are not allowed!!

by JScott on Oct 29, 2008 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

With some foresight

Gruden would have ran Bennett at least some against Dallas if his intent was to use him against KC. I do not doubt Gruden’s ability to plan such things, so in line with J’s comment I wouldn’t expect to see Bennett on the field. I hope he can at least dress, should he be needed and so he can save some face with his old team…that would hurt to healty and be in street clothes when visiting your former team.

by angecorrado on Oct 30, 2008 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

VERY TRUE EXHALE!

Hey KANSAS CITY…..BENNETT probally wont play. GRUDEN does it for a reason…what it is he wont say. We are kinda used to that here in BUCLAND. Shady trades…not paying people more money when they said they would…McCARDELL….GARCIA, have said such. The GRADKOWSKI experiment, the SIMMS saga, cutting JOHN LYNCH, the list goes on and on! So if BENNETT is insurance for a running back getting hurt, GRUDEN wont play him until we lose one for the intire season? I like GRUDEN , I really do, but he is a mystery-man must the time. I think most BUC-FANS would agree! Good luck SUNDAY. We really should win this game, but the BUCCANEERS can lose one they should win about 2 times a year it seems. And those 2 games were DENVER and DALLAS. DALLAS hurt the worst to me. I hate them, especially this DR guy who talks smack about them in our BUC blogs. We shoulda won last week…dang…but I love my BUCCANEERS no matter what and wish them the best every week….GO BUCS!!!!

by stixx692001 on Oct 29, 2008 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Seriously he could be used in alot of different ways, but what the Bucs need to do is use Dunn as a slot man more, and have Graham and Bennett pound the ball, they have four awsome runningbacks, three are healthy, Gruden is waisting Bennett’s year, phh and
p.s. what ever happened to jeremiah trotter, is he still on the team…

by tanard36 on Oct 29, 2008 10:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Trotter was let go in the off-season

i believe he was a free agent and if i remember correctly, he didnt even dress for the Wild Card Playoff game last season.

As per Dunn, you are right. I know its critical, but i think Gruden really mismanages his personnel at times. Case in point with Michael Bennett and as you alluded the lack of touches Warrick has seen in the flat. That was the sole aspect i thought Dunn was brought in for and for whatever reason he hasnt been utilized in that role.

Buc 'Em Your SBNation Tampa Bay Bucs Blog where Dull Boys are not allowed!!

by JScott on Oct 30, 2008 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs