Earnest Graham likes Bucs' offensive direction

RB Earnest Graham doesn't mind sharing carries with new acquisition Derrick Ward. He loves the schematic changes in the offense being implemented by coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski. And Graham can't wait to see QB Luke McCown finally get his shot.

Graham is one of the Bucs at One Buc Place today during the first week of offseason strength and conditioning workouts. He stopped by for an interview before calling it a day.

A big topic of discussion was the team's pickup of Ward, who signed a four-year deal earlier this month. Graham is excited about the possibilities, referencing the Panthers duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

"The potential, I think, is through the ceiling, particularly with the way we’re talking about running the ball," Graham said. "Who doesn’t like watching Carolina play and watching those two guys tag team different teams. We’d definitely like to present some of the same problems. Carolina as well as New York (Giants) definitely set the bar of how you run the ball in this league.

"I went through a season two years ago where I was the only back. I got all the carries and I never came off the field. It’s tough. Last year, I was a power back, and then I played some fullback. It’s tough to make it in this league like that. It’s changed somewhat. I don’t think you’ll make it like you could years ago. I’m definitely looking forward to it."

As for his take on the exceptionally athletic McCown apparently getting his shot, Graham was very direct.

"I think letting Luke have a chance is a great decision," he said. "He probably should have been playing a long time ago. I think we’re moving in the right direction.

"I personally think with the exception of Michael Vick when he was (playing) and probably Vince Young, I don’t think there’s another athlete as good as Luke McCown at the quarterback position."

Comments

[OAR]

Being compared to Vince Young and Mike Vick, might be considered a backhanded compliment?

[ref813]

The key word in that comparison is athlete. McCown has the strong arm and the speed like Young and Vick. McCown isn't an idiot, though. He's also more of a pocket passer than the others. He's not a baby like Young or Cutler. There's not much bad to say about the guy other than that he hasn't had the chance. I blame Gruden's inability to trust some younger players for that. I don't bash Gruden, but I will say his insecurity was on full display when he said McCown would start all week, if Garcia couldn't, and then switched to Griese at the last minute.

[Opinion Master]

ref813:

my only concern about McCown is his pocket sense... which I am sure he will improve on given the chance to consistently play. or at least I hope.

but no one will ever know, if he never gets a shot.

[cody]

I said this on a different site and got laughed off and I probably will here to.

I think in the right system with some true weapons around him, like we have now, Luke McCown may be capable of putting up 20+ TD's and 3500+ yards. I don't think those numbers are out of the realm of possibility.

I don't see the Cutler thing happening anymore and Luke's going to get his shot. If he hadn't gotten injured a couple years ago he probably would have already have the job.

[OAR]

I think McCown is much better than either Vick or Young. I think his only inabilities come from not having the experience, which he hopefully will get.

[D Block]

If Graham likes it i Love it! Yes i said i would trade for Cutler if he was available. I also said this a month ago "the team should let McCown & JJ compete for the job" i don't disagree now either. If Morris believes in Luke & JJ don't make the deal for Cutler but if you don't believe in them make the deal. I said i liked Luke before some of you now that but i'm no fool either. Right now he doesn't hold a candle to Cutler but he hasn't played either.

[Erick]

I couldn't agree more on McCown being at least as good, and probably better than Young. Vick was decent but only because his run threat scared defenses. I think Luke is a pass first kinda guy, but has the great scrambling ability. Anyone notice how those run-first QB's never really last or make the big game.

The Bucs would do themselves a great disservice by drafting a QB in the first round and not going DT, or some other D position. I'm tired of all these national "experts" saying that the Bucs don't have a viable QB and need to draft one. Let's just hope the Bucs brass are ignoring that BS.

[conradbuff]

LUKE... USE THE FORCE!!!! mcnown will be fine.

[G. Michael Reynolds]

Luke Skywalker 4tw.

[G. Michael Reynolds]

I'm kinda excited about the idea that I might live long enough to see Tampa with a good offense.

[ref813]

The fans who agree need to make it clear that we are content with McCown. If the Glazers/Dominik really are trying to make fans happy, they'll likely give up too much for Cutler if they think it will sell tickets. They did make a run at Haynesworth so they may still have plans to make that one big signing, if possible.
I'm not going to be mad if we get Cutler, just like I wouldn't have been mad if we got Haynesworth, but it would stress me out a bit knowing that we spent so much money (and draft picks in Cutler's case) to get a guy with some problems. Haynesworth doesn't play hard at times and he get injured a good bit. Cutler makes a lot of questionable decisions and he's a terrible teammate lacking in leadership ability. Both are good players, but there are plenty of good players without these potentially serious defects.

[Joe]

DON'T GET CUTLER. Draft the defense. McCown can handle it. If we shore up our DL and LB, we can do some damage in the playoffs.

[The..Bucs...win]

Graham is a class act and we are going to have a hell of a backfield this year...I believe we will be in the top ten offenses this year because of our running game. Plus we have some young talent that will be here for a long time to make this team good for a while!!! And no I am not blowing smoke out of my a**...I have been a season ticket holder for 12 years and I know when I see a good offense coming together!!

If we get Cutler OK...but dont go overboard to get this guy...he seems to be a cancer around his teammates...but he is a hell of a QB...

Let Luke and JJ battle it out...they are both young and very talented...and can both run...I LIKE IT. I think McCown is a hell of a QB and will do fine as our starter. I am confident in our back ups and like i said months ago ...Josh Johnson is a good player AND we will see him starting in this league with in a couple of years,,,,mark my words!!!

As for our d-line... they better get to work on it now!!! Draft a good young talent and spend some money on a few veterans that can still get it done!!! Sure up our d-line and we will have a heck of a team!!!!

GO BUCS!!!!