Bennett gets antsy at limited field time

The addition of running back Michael Bennett was seen as essential after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published December 11, 2007

TAMPA - The addition of running back Michael Bennett was seen as essential after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman.

But with his continued lack of involvement in the offense since his trade to Tampa Bay in October, Bennett hasn't felt much a part of the Bucs' plans.

He didn't touch the ball during Sunday's loss to Houston and, Bennett said, was used for just one play - as a decoy. With Earnest Graham proving he can carry a load, Bennett doesn't figure to become more involved.

The frustration is beginning to mount.

"I just want to play," he said. "Maybe it's three or four plays a quarter. I just don't want to be sitting on the sidelines cold and then, at the spur of the moment, go in."

Bennett thought his arrival in Tampa Bay, after a trade Oct.23 from Kansas City, would lead to an increased workload. But even with Williams out for the season and Pittman a nonfactor because of a slow-healing ankle injury, Bennett has had a limited role. He has carried just 11 times since the trade, including a 19-yard touchdown run.

Bucs coach Jon Gruden has instead opted to ride Graham, who has averaged 23 touches rushing and receiving per game the past month.

"I know I'm guilty of overworking him, but he gives us our best chance to win," Gruden said of Graham. "I'm expecting a lot more from Michael Bennett."

Bennett says it has been difficult to prove much on the sidelines, where he often rides an exercise bike to stay warm. As for whether he has a good comfort level in Gruden's complex offense, Bennett admits he hasn't mastered it. But he is confident that his knowledge of the scheme will allow him to be a factor and thinks he has proved that in practice.

A major question seems to be whether Gruden has reached the point at which he can trust Bennett.

"I think it's a big issue," Bennett said. "(Trust) is what you want. But I think that's what practice is for.

"My thing is, I work my butt off to be rewarded on Sunday. It's not a money thing with me. I just want to play. I'm part of a winning team, and I want to feel like I'm contributing somehow. ... The payoff is Sunday. I just think I can be out there doing something, whether it be running down on kickoffs, anything. I just want to be on the field."

Despite his feelings, Bennett said he will accept his role - like or not.

"I can't sit here and say what's right and what's wrong," Bennett said. "(Gruden) is the head coach."

THIRD DOWNS NO CHARM: The Bucs' abysmal performance on third downs against Houston contributed significantly to the loss. But the Texans' 10-for-17 success rate on third down was aided by the Bucs' inability to limit them on first and second downs.

"You take care of that on first and second down," linebacker Cato June said. "You hold them to a couple yards, then they have a long second and 8 or second and 9. That's where you take care of third down. If you allow them to get in third and short, chances are they're going to convert those."

[Last modified December 10, 2007, 23:25:31]