Former Giant RB Ward Pressured To Perform In Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Online has Derrick Ward highlighted as one of their top 5 veterans that have something to prove in 2010 – and for good reason.

Ward had a dismal year last year for the Bucs carding less than half of the production he had in 2008 as a Giants. Ward was signed for 4 years and $17 million by the Bucs as a free agent the off season after he and Brandon Jacobs became only the fifth RB tandem in history to each post 1000+ yard seasons. Now behind “Cadillac” Williams in the depth chart, and a far inferior offensive line to boot (perhaps the real issue here) Ward is unable to duplicate his efforts from his NY days.

Here is the snippet about the former Giant:

"RB Derrick Ward: Ward was Tampa Bay’s top free agent signing last year, but he failed to show why during his first season. He had 114 carries for 409 yards and one touchdown, a far cry from his 1,025 yards and two touchdowns with the Giants in 2008. His biggest accomplishment was not speaking to the media for most of last season because he was frustrated. Cadillac Williams proved he could carry the load, and Ward has to show coaches he was worth the hype."

Something always hotly debated among NFC East analysts is undeniably in question here – was Ward ever any good or did the Giants offensive line that superior to simply make Ward look good? My answer to the debate has always been and will continue to be: He gave it all he had and helped his team win some huge games. [ex: Carolina]

I won’t take anything away from Ward but I agree with TBO, he’s on the hook here.  And if Ward doesn’t perform for the team he’s on right now, that will lend credibility to the offensive line argument and will forever dampen his accomplishment with the Giants. Sad but true, regardless of his legacy with Giants fans.

I wish Ward lots of luck in 2010. But I do like Ahmad Bradshaw better in the #2 spot. Just sayin.