Lineup decisions coming at RB, WR

Here's something the Bucs will ponder over the next several days before they return to work on Monday: with running back Michael Pittman and receiver Michael Clayton returning from their respective ankle injuries next week, how will the Bucs work them back into the lineup given how well their replacements have played?

In the case of Pittman, the Bucs have to decide whether to keep Earnest Graham in the lineup or go with Pittman, who was in the starting lineup when he was injured at Indianapolis. Graham has since found his groove. He rushed fr 124 yards against Arizona last Sunday. Maybe the Bucs will just insert Pittman as a third-down back initially, but coach Jon Gruden tells us they definitely intend to find a role for Pittman immediately.

At receiver, Clayton returns after injuring his ankle at Detroit three weeks ago. Now, the question is who will be the No. 3 receiver: Clayton or Maurice Stovall, who seemed to be emerging in Clayton's absence. Remember, unlike at running back, where both Pittman and Graham can share the workload to some extent, the difference between the No. 3 and 4 receivers is huge. The Bucs only use a handful of three-receiver sets, and the next time I see them in a four-receiver set might be the first time.

So, whoever slides to No. 4 will be basically chained to the bench. Shame of it is that Clayton was starting to come on strong when he was injured, even though he has a long way to go to make up for his shortcomings of the past 2 1/2 years. Stovall has some great potential, but he's still a little raw.

Of course, none of this is a big deal in the big scheme of things. It's actually a good problem to have to choose between two capable players at one position. Hard to say how either will turn out, but it's one of the questions will be seeking to answer when practice resumes on Monday.

In the meantime, I'm gonna get some rest. Been at this since July 27, when training camp started. Think this might be my first weekend off. If you don't hear from me, it's not personal.

See ya soon.

Comments

[Leonardo Deartiaga]

Graham should remain the starter at running back. Ever since Pittman became a Buccaneer, his best performances have been off the bench for 3th down situations. Pittman has decent hands and creates mismatches with slower linebackers on pass routes. Pittman is quick on the open field and is capable of making plays but I don’t believe he has the ability to be the back that carries the ball 15+ times in a game. He lacks vision for open holes and is easily taken down by defenders.

Who can doubt Graham’s performances this year? He's a tough runner that is rarely taken down by one defender and runs straight through arm tackles As Bucs fans; we should judge Graham just like any rookie coming into the league. He’s going to miss open holes, drop some passes but from judging his performances, the man has heart, dedication and determination to succeed in this league. I have faith in him being our starting running back and you should too.

[JC]

Graham has earned the right to start and it should remain his job to lose for the rest of the season. Likewise, I think that Stovall deserves the chance to be the 3rd receiver. Sure, he's raw, but he isn't going to get experience on the bench. His production has been comparable to Clayton's this year, and the latter is coming of an injury. I think that Clayton's been given too many chances to prove himself after his rookie year; it's time to see what other people can do.

I think Graham should keep his starters job. I have even liked him better then Cadillac williams. Go Gators.

[BuccanBobby]

"Simeon Sacked"...Rice released by Denver, if he couldn't make it on a poorly playing, banged up Bronco defense...I'm glad he's not here with us...Kudos to the Bucs for knowing when to cut ties and move on!

[D.W.M]

Graham and Stovall should remain in the lineup until they prove that they can not produce.

[Gator Homer]

yeah, I think that Earnest Graham is probably the best RB in the NFL right now besides Fred Taylor! he is awesome baby!
ORANGE ... BLUE .. WHOO HOO!!!

[Skylar]

Just playing Devil's Advocate: Do you remember the upside of Clayton? Not to mention that Stovall does not hold his jock when it comes to blocking. With Galloway and Ike playing 1 & 2, Clayton is probably our best 3rd. Let Stovall continue to play special teams (which he is doing a great job of) and let Clayton continue to regain his confidence. Graham is our best running back and it's arguable he was our best running back even when everyone else was healthy.

[Sammy]

Graham should stay as the starting RB until proven he cannot perform as well as Pittman, which he has the last three weeks. He is younger and can take a beating much better than Pittman at this point.

There are two differences between Clayton and Stovall: Clayton is averaging many more yards a catch and is throwing good blocks. I cannot say the same for Stovall.