Alstott Vultured, Caddy Benefits
The career of Mike Alstott is worth reflection, but I'll leave that to the Tampa sportswriters. Fantasy owners will always remember a player who averaged a sturdy eight touchdowns a year in his first seven seasons.
I'm more interested in how Alstott will affect the 2007 Bucs. With B.J. Askew taking over fullback duties, is it reasonable to expect more goal-line carries for Cadillac Williams?
Absolutely. Since Caddy was drafted, here is the breakdown of carries for Bucs running backs inside the five-yard line ...
Mike Alstott - 18
Carnell Williams - 6
Michael Pittman - 2
It floors me that Caddy had only six chances in two years despite a poor conversion rate by Alstott in 2006. (It was solid in 2005). Perhaps Askew will get the occasional taste, but Williams should definitely see more goal-line touches this year. If the passing game improves, the Bucs should get in the red zone more often.
Alstott's retirement is another reason why I expect Williams to easily out-play his current fourth-round Average Draft Position.
Comments
Seems good for Caddy on the surface...but I saw a few of his 6 goal line carries during the last two years and he didn't look so good. I'm still in agreement with Gregg though. Caddy looks like a good pickup this year, especially where his ADP is. (Of course, his value relies solely on the Bucs "revamped" O-line and the season-long health of Garcia. Yikes! Those are tough odds.)
Posted by: JS | August 9, 2007 01:26 PM
In Auburn Carnell was nicknamed "Cadillac" and it wasnt for his spacious back eat. The only reason this guy doesnt excel on goal line carries is because Tampa and Gruden have moved away from pounding the ball inside the 5. Give "Cadillac" more opportunities inside the 5 and you will see a vast improvement in Tampa's and "Cadillac's" conversion percentage.
Posted by: Brendan | August 9, 2007 05:35 PM