Cadillac knows he must cut down fumbles
By STEPHEN F. HOLDER and JOANNE KORTH, Times Staff Writers
Published September 27, 2007
TAMPA - Three games, two fumbles.
That's all it takes to make some wonder about Cadillac Williams and whether this is a trend or an aberration.
Asked Wednesday, the Bucs running back said it's the latter.
"Isolated incidents," he called losing fumbles against Seattle in Week 1 and Sunday against the Rams. "I don't look at myself as a guy who is a fumbler. It's football. Things do happen. For me to have two fumbles in the past three games is unacceptable.
"Personally, as a back, if you fumble, you can't play no matter how good you are. That's something I'm going to emphasize this week."
A look around the league shows Williams' eight fumbles in 31 games are not out of whack.
The Chiefs' Larry Johnson has, since 2005, fumbled seven times, losing six. The Rams' Steven Jackson has three this year, losing two, and 10 since 2005, losing seven. Even the Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson has five since 2005, losing two.
Still, that won't be a reason for anyone at One Buc Place to give Williams a pass. Coach Jon Gruden drove home that point Sunday by benching Williams after the fumble.
"I know, as a ballplayer, if you make mistakes, Coach is going to be reluctant to play you," Williams said. "It's part of the game. We know how big turnover ratio is, so I have to do better. I have to put it on me."
PISCITELLI DONE: Rookie safety Sabby Piscitelli, a second-round pick from Oregon State in April, was placed on injured reserve with a broken left foot and is out for the season. He said his recovery will take about eight weeks, meaning the season would be nearing an end by the time he returned.
"I had expectations of coming in here and ... having a big rookie year," said Piscitelli, hurt while covering a kickoff Sunday. "But at the same time, I have to try to turn this into a positive. I have to study and learn the game in the meantime. But it's going to be a struggle. You can't sugarcoat it. I'm just hoping I can come back with a vengeance."
Look for Will Allen, who was inactive against the Rams, to be available Sunday at Carolina. Receiver Chad Lucas was promoted from the practice squad.
CAROLINA QBs: Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme is 7-1 against the Bucs but did not practice Wednesday because of an elbow injury. Backup David Carr likely will start.
"With David Carr you get a little bit more mobile guy, a guy who may do a little bit more bootlegs and stuff," Bucs middle linebacker Barrett Ruud said. "We have played Jake Delhomme a lot. He is one of those crafty, winner-type quarterbacks."
Still, the Bucs claim not to care which quarterback plays.
"You just look at what they've been doing as a team because one quarterback is not going to change what they've been doing all year," safety Jermaine Phillips said. "There is a difference in the two, but we're not going to prepare any differently."
PRACTICE SQUAD: The team signed offensive tackle Jason Capizzi and receiver Micheal Spurlock and released center/guard Enoka Lucas.
INJURY REPORT: Receiver Joey Galloway and left tackle Luke Petitgout were limited in practice, though neither is listed as injured. Cornerback Brian Kelly groin and defensive end Greg Spires (ankle) also were limited. Receiver Ike Hilliard (ankle) and defensive end Patrick Chukwurah (knee) participated fully.
Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377. Joanne Korth can be reached at korth@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8810.