Merriam-Webster defines the word remedy as "something that corrects" or "cures" a particular problem, whether it be a disease or a pitiful rushing attack. America's favorite dictionary continues with an explanation to the meaning of remedy as a transitive verb: to provide or serve as a remedy for; [to] relieve.
According to offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, "LeGarrette [Blount] adds a dimension with his running style and his size as a complementary back." With this defined role, Blount has been called upon to remedy, to relieve rookie rusher Doug Martin.
The Buccaneers' former lead back has become a "good solid square peg." A complementary back if you will.
Blount has become Martin's occasional remedy. When you catch a glimpse of the 6'0", 240-pound behemoth on the sidelines, he looks like a high school fourth-string wide receiver tip-toeing in his coach's shadow when the team extends its lead to a solid 34. Helmet strapped up, gloves tight, eyes filled with a humble, hopeful outlook.
The once frustrated back who would find his way to the bench on passing downs has become a hungry, humble, and headstrong young ball player who is simply waiting it out.
"At the end of the day, if they tell me to go in, I’m going to be ready," relayed Blount to the media, all of whom wonder when he will reclaim his role as a contributor.
Maybe Blount's time will come against the Chiefs this upcoming Sunday.
I hope Sullivan and head coach Greg Schiano have gotten their needed rest this past bye week. Minds should be fresh. Tape must have been reviewed. Players have got to be rearing to strap up and knock off Kansas City.
LeGarrette is still lifting. Blount is still watching film. The complementary back is still taking second-team reps.
Maybe Blount's past will speak for itself.
Martin has struggled and has seen a decrease in production since his debut against the Cardiac Cats in week one. The rookie doesn't even stay in on third downs, the passing situations that Martin was supposed to be so good at. Now, Buccaneer fans get to watch a mediocre D.J. Ware struggle to catch passes and ineffectively pass-block.
Wasn't that the reason Blount was forced to the sidelines?
Maybe Blount's role as a complementary back will change.
His 13 carries are truly a slap in the face. Coach Schiano has mentioned a one-two punch that has yet to materialize. Blount is still waiting.
Maybe Blount will become the remedy that cures the Buccaneers' woes on offense.
And the rest is history.
Smith began his freshman campaign with the winless UCF Golden Knights, led by head coach George O’Leary. The team had no expectations. Well, besides losing.
Kevin Smith, however, would be one of the many dynamic players that was able to turn things around for a team with no promise. The Golden Knights finished the 2005 season with an 8–6 record, reaching their first bowl game where Smith rushed for 202 yards and three touchdowns.
However, the 2006 season would end up being a poor showing for a UCF squad with so much potential. They finished 4–8 that year.
He could be the missing piece to an attack that has seen the run game collapse. LeGarrette could be the key to Josh Freeman settling in, looking comfortable and throwing the ball with success. Blount could be the guy to making Sullivan's offense look somewhat dominant.
When the Buccaneers line up toe to toe against the Chiefs, Blount should be staring down any linebacker willing (or stupid enough) to try and bring him down. Their defense allows 4.4 yards per pop on the ground while their opponents have racked up the ninth most in the NFL.
He'll just steamroll you. He might jump over you. He could break about seven tackles.
Maybe former Buc ballcarrier Earnest Graham is right...
"But I stand there and listen and do everything that everybody else does. My time will come," Blount believes. "And I’ll be ready."
Whatever role Schiano and Sullivan see fit for Blount, they better make sure he's contributing. For the Buccaneers to find offensive success, "Blount Force" and "Blount Trauma" need to become regulars for anyone discussing Tampa Bay.
And 13 carries don't count.