Caddie a big loss too

There is a feeling among Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans that losing running back Cadillac Williams for the season is not as bad as losing left tackle Luke Petitgout.

Not quite.

While every team needs a strong left tackle to protect the quarterback’s blindside, and while Petitgout was doing a terrific job of that before suffering a season-ending knee injury last Sunday at Carolina, don’t be quick to dismiss the loss of Williams, who also suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Williams will be replaced by Michael Pittman and Earnest Graham for now and maybe Kenneth Darby later.

Pittman did enjoy success as the Bucs tailback during the 2002 Super Bowl season and the years before Cadillac’s arrival. But the Bucs still drafted Williams in the first round.

As for Graham, he was an undrafted free agent who has played well on special teams. Maybe more carries might jump-start his career as a running back, but, again, he was undrafted. That tells you something.

Williams struggled last year and wasn’t setting the league on its ear before being hurt this season. He found the end zone, yes, but he also continued to fumble.

Still, he had value as a blocker and the team saw improvement in that skill.

Unless Donald Penn explodes in a big way this season, the Bucs will miss Petitgout. That’s without a doubt.

But check back after the season. I think we’ll find the Bucs will miss Cadillac, too.