Tampa Bay's Derrick Ward Could Be The Biggest Fantasy Football Steal At Running Back This Year

Despite the fact he will be teamed in the backfield with Earnest Graham & that more teams are playing this running back by committee approache, this is one case in which I think Ward could be an exception......


1. Ward's Numbers from 2008
Put up 1,025 Yards rushing with a 5.6 yard average, along with 41 receptions DESPITE the fact he split time with Brandon Jacobs in New York last season, who also went over 1,000 yards.

2. Earnest Graham is just coming off that season ending ankle injury with ligament damage. There is no given he may even return to his old self.

3. Derrick Ward is the new coaching staff's "guy" they went out & signed.
This will probably work in his favor which should result in more action than Graham as the season progresses, if Graham even stays healthy that is.

4. Last but not least, Tampa Bay plans to run, run, and run some more under their new leadership.....

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD> Derrick Ward - RB - Buccaneers </TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=bodyCopy>Coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski promises the Bucs will be an aggressive, run-first offense this season.</TD></TR><TR><TD> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>"We will be a successful team running the ball, I promise you that," said Jags. "We are going to be a one-cut, downhill, physical football team." It's a sea change in philosophy from Jon Gruden, who never ran more than 46 percent of the time. With the uncertainty at quarterback, the offense will revolve around the young drive-blocking line and backs Derrick Ward and Earnest Graham</TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=vaLink>Source: Tampa Tribune</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

he could be good this year. especially where he is getting drafted, but don't count on great fantasy numbers. He may have but I would lean more toward the no. Ward will get the most carries but TB has 3 RB's that should all see decent playing time. Also there plan may be to run, run, run but it will be hard to run when they are trailing 35-3 in the 3rd quarter. TB might be the worst team in the NFL this year.

Where ya at in Florida Easy-M?

No no no we are far from being the worse this year I predict 7 and 9 season

The New York offensive line is a million times better than Tampa's and those holes won't be there for Ward this year.

Tbs o line is very underrated

Hache Man said:

Where ya at in Florida Easy-M?

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I'm in Vero Beach. About 90 minutes southeast of orlando.

jimmy0607 said:

No no no we are far from being the worse this year I predict 7 and 9 season

Click to expand...

Look at the schedule. Its brutal. Here is who we play up till the bye week.

Dal
@ Buf
NYG
@ Wash
@ Phi
Car
New England in london

At best they start the season 2-5, at best.