Buc's offensive philosophy: Run the ball

Jul 19, 2009

Regardless of who wins the QB battle for the Bucs this fall, Tampa Bay's offensive philosophy appears set.

Run the football.

New OC Jeff Jagodzinski is committed to a run-oriented attack, whether rookie Josh Freeman, Luke Mccown or Byron Leftwich starts under center Sept. 13 when the Cowboys visit Raymond James Stadium in the regular-season opener.

"We will be a successful team running the ball - I promise you that," said Jagodzinski, who improved Green Bay's ground game from 30th to 23rd in 2006 when he became OC of the Packers. "That's one of my strong suits, my knowledge of the running game."

Jagodzinski is convinced Tampa Bay has the offensive line and running backs to forge a powerful ground game. That's good news for new HC Raheem Morris, who vows the 2009 Bucs will force their will on opponents.

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.