By Tom Krasniqi

 

It was extremely hot during Friday’s training camp practice for the Buccaneers.  The only thing hotter than that so far in camp is the battle at running back.  LeGarrette Blount is being challenged by rookie Doug Martin, one of the team’s first-round picks.  Blount and Martin are splitting the reps with the first team but it appears Martin’s versatility gives him a leg up in the early going.

Blount spoke to reporters after Friday’s practice and talked about the fierce competition in the backfield.  “We have 7 running backs [in camp] and everybody wants to start…..we come out here and whenever you get the opportunity to come up, you have to do everything perfectly so you have no red marks on your paper”, says Blount.  There were plenty of red marks on Blount’s paper last season.  After a 1,000-yard rushing season during his rookie campaign, Blount rushed for just 781 yards last season.  Ball security has also been a concern.  Head coach Greg Schiano has made it clear that fumbling will not be tolerated.  Through the first two years of his NFL career, Blount fumbled 9 times and lost 6 fumbles.  His pass catching skills have also been called into question at times.  Blount had just 15 receptions last season and 20 career catches.  When I asked him about that, Blount scoffed at that notion that he’s not a good pass catcher out of the backfield.  “I can catch the ball, that’s point blank.  There’s no question there”, Blount said emphatically. 

Blount was criticized in some circles for not being in the best of shape last season.  To his credit, Blount reported to camp in good physical shape.  Schiano praised Blount for his leaner physique and says he’s been happy with Blount so far in camp.  Blount is listed at 247 pounds and says he’s still learning the new offense being installed by new offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan.  Learning the pass protection schemes is something he’s also working on and that’s imperative if Blount wants to see action on certain passing downs this season.

Schiano prefers a split of the workload between Martin and Blount but he has mentioned that he isn’t afraid to ride the hot hand during games.  Remember this about Schiano: Back when he was at Rutgers, he had a 2,000-yard back named Ray Rice and Martin has been compared favorably to Rice in size and ability.   Blount says he’s content with sharing the load with Martin for the time being.  However, Blount wants the ball 20 times per game.  “Oh yeah, most definitely”, he says about wanting to be the main ball carrier.  After a week in camp, it looks like Martin has the lead but we’ll see if that translates to game action.  The first preseason game is next Friday in Miami.

 

News & Notes:

  • Friday’s practice was “the toughest day physically since we’ve been here”, says Schiano.  The weather was extremely hot and humid.   Guard Carl Nicks left early because of the heat but is fine, according to Schiano.
  • Schiano says CB Eric Wright was limited today at practice with back tightness.
  • There is no update on the status of DE Michael Bennett but he thinks Bennett will be back to practice soon.  Bennett was feeling a little woozy (concussion-like symptoms?) a couple of days ago and the team is waiting for clearance from the trainers and medical staff.  “I don’t think it’ll be long”, says Schiano.
  • Safety Mark Barron was limited in practice with a toe injury but says it’s just a precautionary measure.
  • The hit of the day: CB Myron Lewis popped backup RB De’Anthony Curtis on a pass play.  Curtis was shaken up for a while but looks to be OK.
  • The team will hold its annual night practice combined with FanFest Saturday at Raymond James Stadium.  The gates open at 4pm and will feature autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with players and staff.  Admission and parking is free along with $1 hot dogs and soft drinks.  The night practice runs from 6:30pm-9pm and a fireworks show will follow. 
  • 620 WDAE will broadcast live from FanFest and the night practice beginning at 4pm with yours truly along with Ronnie “Night Train” Lane from the stadium.  Keep it locked to 620 WDAE for your best Bucs coverage.