The difference between Earnest Graham and Legarrette Blount: Jump Cuts

by Sander on Oct 20, 2011 8:00 PM EDT

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 16: Running back Earnest Graham #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tumbles after a midfield run against the New Orleans Saints October 16, 2011 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Legarrette Blount has been the foundation of the Bucs' running game for most of the season. His combination of size and speed presents a problem for defenses, and tacklers seem to magically fall off the big man. But there's one thing he cannot do: make people miss. He can outrun some angles, he can run through people and he can jump over people - but I don't think I've ever seen him juke anyone.

Enter Earnest Graham. The 31-year old running back lacks speed and size, but he does have some elusiveness. That elusiveness was on display on Sunday, and it was a big reason why he had a productive day. In fact he created a number of plays that Legarrette Blount could never have made.

Case in point: Earnest Graham's 34-yard scamper in the second quarter. Click the link to see the video and follow along. The line blocks to the left, leaving a hole over right tackle. Both Erik Lorig and Jeremy Zuttah, pulling from his left guard spot lead in front of Graham through the hole. That leaves Graham one-on-one with Roman Harper, my favorite Saints whipping boy.

And then, Graham makes a beautiful jump cut which leaves Roman Harper grasping at air and allows the running back to pick up the first down, and then some. Legarrette Blount could never have made that play, because he can't make those jump cuts. He could have tried hurdling or running over Roman Harper, but usually the big man would be stopped - maybe picking up a few extra yards by dragging Harper.

Earnest Graham created space for himself to gain 34 yards. He didn't need much speed to outrun the defense on the play, but he did need that elusiveness. That's what Graham brings to this offense: the ability to make a man miss.

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Back in 08, or was it 07

I used to love watching the jump cuts earnest made. Almost a signature move.

Josh Freeman - King of Sling

by nomatchformybowers on Oct 20, 2011 8:11 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

He has a beautiful head fake too.

I love the way he makes himself so small and then runs with power and quick feet. He’s always had his best games against the Saints for some reason. Remember that game a few years ago where he and Dunn kept burning the Saints D with those cut backs?

by Brooklyn Buc on Oct 20, 2011 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

He was really impressive last week

Let’s hope we see more of that in London.

I’d still like to see the Bucs add another RB in next year’s draft- a speedster to add to our repertoire. LaMichael James in the 2nd or 3rd round would be a perfect fit. I’d love to see next year’s Bucs have the mixture of Blount’s raw power, Graham’s elusiveness and experience, and James’ pure speed.

by RookTakesYou on Oct 20, 2011 8:57 PM EDT reply actions

That seems like a luxury pick to me. At least that high.

I’m thinking more like a lineback, a safety, and an Olineman with the first three. Also I think another good TE wouldn’t be amiss.

by Brooklyn Buc on Oct 20, 2011 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Linebackers and O-linemen we definitely need

But for our first round pick, a CB seems like the key need to address. Ronde may be done after this season, and there’s no telling what will happen at Talib’s trial.

by RookTakesYou on Oct 20, 2011 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions

And don't forget that Dominik likes to double up on areas of need so we'll probably draft 2 CB's.

Although i really think we might draft 2 O-linemen as well with the first two picks.

Still waiting for the day that the NFL comes back to LA...

by LABucsFan on Oct 21, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Definately corner first

But O line second, we gotta make sure we can protect Free, and then corner again in free agency. biggers has not played horrible I think hecan be the #2 for a lil bit

by Carlitin1988 on Oct 22, 2011 6:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Reunite the Oregon boys

That would be great, complement Blount.

Let the anvil pound opposing DB’s 20 times a game, and spell him with a water bug.

by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Oct 20, 2011 10:18 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Skip Bayless once compared Grahm to Emmit Smith

It’s unfortunate the bucs never gave graham the commitment of being our feature back…the guy has always proven his talent when given the opportunity…sometimes it just fate…

by Upgrade97 on Oct 20, 2011 9:29 PM EDT reply actions

May e it's a good thing he wasn't overworked?

He still has some tread on those tires. I love me some Graham, he is just a no BS hardworking selfless teammate.

I hope he keeps it up this week bc we are going to need him.

Any word on Chad Spann, he doing anything in practice?

by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Oct 20, 2011 9:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Have to agree with that

It’s rare for a 31-year old RB to have as much gas left in the tank as EG. If we’d kept him as our feature back through his career, I doubt that’d be the case.

You’ve got to love EG’s attitude- he’s a true team leader, absolutely selfless.

by RookTakesYou on Oct 20, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Ronde and EG

Our savvy vets

by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Oct 20, 2011 10:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Skip said that?

I remember there was an interview with Gruden and Gruden said he invited his father to practice and his father always said Graham reminded him of Emmitt because of their running style being so similar. And if you think about it he’s so right. They were both patient backs, had some nice jukes, and their best run plays were always the draw. Smith destroyed defenses with the draw mostly because of the weapons that were already around him which let some of the heat get off of him.

by Gage Tyler Bain on Oct 20, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions