Por (Arthur Noriega) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Here is a guy with years of experience, but not the type of “miles” on his body that you would expect. He’s been a ghost in terms of actually running the ball with any consistency over the last few years. Gruden just doesn’t feel comfortable using him for whatever reason. One thing that is absolutely true about running backs more than any other position except Quarterback, they need reps to develop a rhythm. The A-Train needs to really be evaluated after a two to three game stretch in which he’s actually carrying a significant piece of the load.

Por (Eric Schurz) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Good points but I think the City of Tampa and all Buccaneers fans nation wide owe Mike one more year to give him the credit he is due and not toss him aside like we did Lynch and Sapp without a proper send off. I know his skills are not what they used to be but he was a huge part of the turn around for this organization . I know we all regret letting Lynch go and if the Bucs had to do it over again he would a Buccaneer for life. Let the A-train ride one more year.

Por (john a livingstone) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

I agree. I watched some old games & the A-TRAIN was an unstopable force, Not at all as he has been these last couple of years. Mike, the memories will allways be there, but it’s time to say thank you & bow out gracefully…..Please don’t shoot the mesenger !!!

Por (James Jones) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

It is absolutely unbelievable to me that you would decide Mike Alstott is finished after viewing one game.  Arthur is correct.  Alstott has not had any chance of carrying the ball since Gruden got here.  I for one still think he could do quite well.  He may not be the running back he was 5-8 years ago, but none are.  To say he is finished is rediculous based on the Cleveland game.  If the holes were so great for him, were they that great for Williams?

Por (Quentin Hardwick) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Since he’s determined to stick around this year, I hope the team at least realizes that he’s not a fullback. What I’m hoping they do with him is line him up at halfback for a whole series or two in each game. One reason I think one reason his ypc was so low last year was because he only lined up at HB on special occasions. It was obvious who was getting the ball. If you stuck him in there for a whole series, you might see his production increase a bit. That said, I’m also in the boat that thinks he should retire. I just think that since he’s not going to, they should consider changing how they use him a bit. I don’t think he would mine a dramatic decrease in his playing time if it meant more carries, especially none goal line carries.

Por (Chris Slooter) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Mike still has all of the skills that he had early in his career. He was never a 4.2 speed runner, but a sure handed power runner. There is no reason that Mike could not have a great year. I dont think any player would stay on a team if he could not play at an acceptable level. Older players use desire and experience as thier bodies lose a step. Lets go Mike!! He will have a great year!!!

Por (bill Livingston) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

I think he will get cut before the season starts. May the best man in 2007 win.

Por (Reginald Gray) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Can we please let the Mike Alstott fan club R.I.P. Why is it that every game that Alstott gets the ball, the A-train fan people all say “well everyone knew he was going to get the ball” but when it’s 4th and 1 they beg for him to get the ball. MAKE YOUR MIND UP!! When Warrick Dunn was here, I always thought that #40 should have been the feature back and use warrick on 3 down, but when Gruden came, I for one never thought he fit the offense and Gruden has been tryng to please the fans and wasting a roster spot at the same time. I sometimes think the fans wanted to Gruden to win the Superbowl then the next year bring bck Dungy so we can keep the good ol days. When you ran Dungy out of here, you ran out the Alstott era. REMEMBER THAT!

Por (Richard MacLemale) on July 17, 2007 (Suggest removal)

The Bucs do not CARE about “fan backlash.”  That’s invented by the media.  It’s total fiction.  The Bucs are bringing him back because they feel he’s got one more season in the tank.

Por (Richard Lowe) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Proper send off? He had it last season when his kids came on to the field with him in the final home game…

Por (aaron gerding) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

the bucs ARE bringing him back because of the backlash. remember when jurivicius and lynch were cut. they were very popular and it was bad.

Por (James Jones) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Reginald, no one thinks the Bucs are wasting a roster spot with Mike Alstott.  He has been the starting FB here since Gruden arrived.  If you think Gruden is just trying to make the fans happy by keeping him on the team then I would like for you to meet a coach named Gruden.  I like Alstott but I am a Bucs fan first, not a card carrying #40 fan club member.  Dungy got released because he kept getting crushed by the Eagles.  Fine man great coach but it was the right move at the time.  No fans ran Dungy out of town.  On a separate note and only becuase Paul mentioned him.  Does anyone ever notice how apparantly Ian Beckles does little or no preparation for his radio show.  He must get contradicted 5 times a show.

Por (Kurt Hartless) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Who is Paul Stewart? Oh; nobody. First of all, we have a FB that we can put into our starting RB rotation; which is an incredible luxury no other team has. Are you sure you were watching the Bucs? Our line had some serious issues all year in which Caddy had numerous games under 50 yards rushing. In the home game against the Skins, Mike had 6 carries for 28 yards in the 1st quarter and then he didn’t touch the ball again (because Gruden is an offensive guru;) Alstott may not make to the HOF (even though he is the best FB the NFL has ever seen) Paul, you belong in the HOF for inept sports writers who use opinion instead of fact to write their articles.

Por (delores consadine) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

This is almost as good as Pigskin Preacher!

Por (Mike Carpenter) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

I normally agree with Paul Stewart and his views on the Buccaneers as his knowledge of the team is extensive. This time I have to disagree. I believe
he is still a short yardage threat and can punch the ball in the endzone. He averaged four yards a reception in 2006 but still seemed to get the key first down. Will one more year really hurt? He will be a hall of famer someday and has earned his place in Canton. That’s all…......

Por (Patrick Dotson) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

i agree with kurt,a offense beginnings in the trenches,without a solid line you wont be able to run the ball,also mike hasnt lost anything,you cant expect a guy who only gets the ball 4 or 5 times a game to produce with big numbers,we call mike the a-train right,well a train doesnt get going unitl its warmed up….what gruden needs to do is run mike hog wild at the beginning of the game that will make the d line tired and than bring in caddie with his speed,i also have always said why not use pittman/mike in the backfield,one of pittmans stregths is blocking…you put pittman in front of mike and see what happens…like brooks,mike is going to leave ray jay and the bucs behind when he dawm well feels like it…GO BUCS

Por (nick houllis) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

as someone who emails paul on a weekly basis, I know first hand his knowledge of and love for the Bucs is second to none. But I disagree with you Paul. You are right, the Clevland game showed us that hes not what he was, but can you easilly disguard the Alstott of the Washington game? or his TD vs Chicago?...there are others. I feel BJ Askew should be given a fair shot to be our fullback, and he should be able to beat Mike out,  but a fresh healthy Alstott with 4 or 5 touches a game is about 90% the same as Alstott of 2002. He proved that to us last year. Its not his fault so many idiots write or call and say “Give Mike the Ball” Even though I am number 4 on that list
Nick Houllis
Tarpon Springs, Fl
PS Congrats on your TampaBay Job!

Por (John Tibby) on July 18, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Paul, first of all I enjoy your excellent Buc Power website. It’s has so much info for die hard Buc fans like me. I think the last couple of years Mike has been the best option at Fullback. With the addition of B.J. Askew Mike’s role will be reduced. Here’s hoping this is a great final year for Mike and he go’s out in style.

Por (Rock Strongo) on July 19, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Why are writers from the UK telling us what the Bucs should do?  We don’t tell them how to run the Manchester United…oh, wait, yeah we do.  The Glazers own them. 

Por (Rick Kerns) on July 23, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Obviously, Gruden is no fan of Mike. He will use him only when it serves Gruden. Mike is on the down side of his career. It takes time to develope any player. Mikes place on the team is occupying a place of another. He will not be cut unless he is misserable in training camp. His staying is keeping another player off the team. It takes a team and there is no room for experiments. The RB/FB situation is easier to remedy when the other positions are stronger. Carrying an aging player who does not have the eye of the coach only weakens any team. In pro football, to win, there can be NO weaknesses. Mike should step up to the plate for the team and retire while we still love him.

Por (Steven Small) on July 24, 2007 (Suggest removal)

Last year, if LT played for the Bucs, he would of had 600 yards rushing. If the Bucs become an 8/8 team, Mike will be a welcome addition.