2/2/1 running attack yields way to the “Hot Back”

Last season, that Bucs had pretty much the same running backs they will go into this year with. Other than taking Earnest Graham out of the equation because he will now be the FullBack, its the same backs. The wildcard last year was the return of Cadillac Williams, who did not appear to Bucs fans to be able to take on a leadership role as a running back because of his inuries with his knees. Well Carnell Williams DID in fact make a full return to the game and became the starting running back. The only thing the Bucs could do was try to devise a system where all the backs got some touches. This would give the effect of spreading the ball around and give everyone a fair shot. Problem was, no one could get hot. In 2010, Hot is exactly what the factor will be as far as who starts, or who continues to pound the rock during a game. If Its Derrick Ward getting the ball and he is breaking some runs, he will continue to be fed the ball. But what if he’s not getting some good runs? Warrick Dunn was a prime example of a runner who may take the first ten runs and get about 30 yards out of them, but that 11th carry was the magic one that turned into a 45 yard jaunt. How would Dunn and Alstott have fared in the 2/2/1 or Hot Back systems? To be fair, lets not call it a “whos hot” system, its called the NFL. Thats how every team plays it, the next carry is the back who is getting it done, and that is the feature or franchise back. Do we have one? Is it Cadillac Williams, or will Ward step up in 2010 and be the guy? That depends on the next variable in the question….The offensive line. As in which one will show up? The 2007 version (or 2008) that opened some holes, or the 2009 that was never able to get any consistant play from the guys up front, and a lot of that had to do with the OC firing and subsequent instructions to lose weight for the Zone Blocking then gain weight for power blocking. Alot will be told from the PreSeason matches, as Jacksonville and Miami represent physical matchups, as do the Texans and their more than decent Defensive Line developed over time. Its a topic that will be viewed by more than just Bucs fans, by the starting QB himself Josh Freeman. A solid running game will take pressure off Freeman and his rookie Wide Receivers.