Once upon a time way back in 2008, Earnest Graham was The Man in Tampa. A fan favorite, Graham was an undrafted player that slowly climbed the depth chart to become the team’s primary running back.
After Derrick Ward signed in free agency and Cadillac Williams completed a remarkable recovery this year, Graham has been buried on the depth chart with only eleven touches in five games.
On Sunday, Graham will reprise one of his most memorable performances in Tampa as the team’s starting fullback. He volunteered to fill in once last year after an in-game injury, and led the way for Warrick Dunn to rush for 115 yards.
With starter B.J. Askew out, Graham will open holes for the guys who displaced him at running back against Carolina.
The Bucs could desperately use a win before heading to London to face the Patriots, and feel optimistic about wide receiver Antonio Bryant’s health.
“Antonio has looked the best he’s looked since [offseason workouts],” coach Raheem Morris said.
Bryant has nine catches for 106 yards over the last two weeks despite some drops. With a little help from Bryant and Graham — two keys from the team’s 9-3 start in 2008 — maybe the Bucs can finally win a game in 2009.
Know what I mean Vern?
I gather you must have done an Earnest Goes to Camp reference already. When are you going to do Earnest Scared Stupid? Great movie.
0 and 16 – again!