Jacquizz Relishes Day 1 Starter Reality
September 9th, 2017
Seven-year grind
Before last season, running back Jacquizz Rodgers only had more than 11 carries in a game twice in his career, which began as a Falcons fifth-round pick in 2011.
Those two games came in 2013, and Rodgers performed rather well.
But that was it, Rodgers spent a career as a backup/third down back until Dirk Koetter called his number last season.
The gameplan in Week 5 at Carolina on Monday Night Football? Pound Jacquizz, who finished with 30 carries for 101 yards, plus five receptions. Rodgers followed that up with 154 yards on the ground at San Francisco in the Bucs’ next game.
Recently, Joe talked to Rodgers 1-on-1 about whether it has hit him what it means to be the Buccaneers’ opening-day starter. Specifically, Joe asked about the fact being a Day 1 starter gives him a shot to carry the load all season and be a featured running back getting a chance to have his game compared full-time RBs around the league.
“That chance to be the guy, it hit me last year when I had a chance to start. But for me, what I get from it, you gotta come out here and work hard every day and don’t take this opportunity for granted,” Rodgers said. “Just like any other year, you gotta take full advantage of the opportunity, whether you’re trying to make the team, trying to be a starter, trying to make the gameday roster, you still have to compete every every day.
“Because we all know if you’re not performing, you’re going to be out. It doesn’t matter who you are. Any team will get rid of you. That’s really the only mentality I know.”
Rodgers, 27, truly has an amazing opportunity in front of him. It’s his seventh season and he’s getting his first shot to be a go-to-guy out of the gate — at 5-feet-6 inches tall (maybe).
Just on his size and grit alone, Rodgers is one of the great stories in the NFL.
September 9th, 2017 at 4:48 pm
Joe…are you posting from Charleston Ill. ?
September 9th, 2017 at 5:03 pm
One of ny best friends is from Charleston ill
September 9th, 2017 at 5:09 pm
But Joe, Quizz wasn’t drafted in the 1-3rd round and doesn’t, to my knowledge, have any history hitting or sexually assaulting anyone.
Do you really think he should stands a chance?
September 9th, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Rimshot by Doosh
September 9th, 2017 at 7:57 pm
Love Quizz being a Buc..that man went in and did his job..a veteran with heart..and his wife is just a genuine good soul..
September 10th, 2017 at 12:13 am
Still often wonder why height is always brought up for shorter backs. If they are well built/stocky what difference does it make? Rodgers is very solid. I mean if he were 6 feet tall then 205 may be a bit light, but if he was 6 inches taller he’d likely be 240 or something
September 10th, 2017 at 3:45 am
Glad you’re here and making the most of it Jacquizz!!
I was impressed with him last year….small but thick ball of muscle amongst those big guys makes him hard to tackle. Between Jacquizz, Martin and Barber, people will see why we didnt draft a rb high this year….probably wont next year too. Need DE and CB first and second.
September 10th, 2017 at 10:28 am
IMO, he’s more suited as a change-of-pace back than an every down starter.
September 10th, 2017 at 10:57 am
Our o-love be is weak in the run game which doesn’t bode well for “THE BRICK” Quizz!!
September 10th, 2017 at 11:00 am
Our O-line is weak