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Graham Glad To Get Help

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By ANWAR S. RICHARDSON, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 17, 2007

TAMPA - There could not have been a lonelier running back than Tampa Bay's Earnest Graham nearly six weeks ago.

Cadillac Williams was first to disappear. The Bucs' starting running back suffered a season-ending injury when he tore the patella tendon in his right knee against Carolina on Sept. 30. The following week, backup running back Michael Pittman severely sprained his right ankle and was projected to miss at least six weeks.

Graham suddenly went from being the last kid picked to play dodge ball at recess to the No. 1 selection. As Tampa Bay's only healthy tailback, Graham's job was to hold down the fort until the Bucs could obtain healthy bodies.

His task is now complete as Pittman is expected to return Sunday for Tampa Bay's important NFC South road game against Atlanta. With the trade for Michael Bennett and Pittman's arrival, Tampa Bay will have its first full backfield in four games.

"It's huge," Graham said. "Pittman is a guy who has played a lot of football. He's a hell of a running back. For him to come back adds to our playbook. We're able to keep our backs fresh.

"Michael Bennett is up to speed. I have taken a lot of the load the last couple of weeks, and Michael Pittman brings a lot back to this team and gives us the offense that we need."

For those expecting any running back controversy, the only drama will be what the players behind Graham can contribute when called upon. After rushing for 29 yards on 13 carries against Tennessee in his first start, Graham rushed 19 times for 92 yards and added 13 receptions for 99 yards against Detroit. After rushing for 62 yards against Jacksonville, Graham had 124 yards on 34 carries two weeks ago against Arizona.

"Keep going Earnest. You've earned that job. He earned it. He's still our guy," Bucs running back coach Art Valero said. "I think what Pittman's return does for Earnest is when we have those 14-play drives and he hasn't come out for one and he's run the ball and protected the passer, run routes - 'Phew, let me play fresh.' That is what it does for him."

Pittman understands his role is to back up Graham, and catch passes out of the backfield.

"Graham really didn't get a chance to play, but he proved that he's a capable back who can do some good things in the passing game," Pittman said. "I'm just going to try to help him. It's good to be back, a veteran guy, a leader, and I know the offense like the back of my hand. I'm already confident in what I have to do.

"I'm just here to help. Take a load off Earnest. Make it easy on Michael Bennett and just try to help this team any way I can."

Bennett is the only guy who will not benefit statistically from Pittman's return.

After being acquired via trade Oct. 16, Bennett has appeared in three games and rushed 10 times for 57 yards and one touchdown. His longest carry was 19 yards against Jacksonville. With Pittman returning, Bennett falls to third on Tampa Bay's depth chart.

Despite the imminent decrease in playing time, Bennett understands his new role and has accepted it.

"I can't say it's a crowded backfield because I just got here and I'm still learning," Bennett said. "Basically, Earnest and Pittman carry the load, and I may have a few wrinkles here and there. The more I progress, the better for me because, again, I'm learning."

Graham's biggest challenge will be relearning what it is like not having to carry the load by himself. Considering he once was the only man standing, Graham welcomes the help.

"Right now, we're in the driver's seat and we want to make a playoff run," Graham said. "Michael Pittman has been a great player for a long time. Having him back will ultimately help the team."

Reporter Anwar S. Richardson can be reached at (813) 259-8425 or arichardson@tampatrib.com.

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