A Lot To Prove
August 20th, 2018
Alarming stats.
This was almost enough for Joe to toss his oatmeal this morning.
In less than three weeks, the Bucs will travel to New Orleans to face the Saints to kick off the 2018 season. And at this point in the preseason, it doesn’t appear that second-round pick Ronald Jones is ready for the big lights.
Warren Sharp is an NFL handicapper who relies on deep statistical gibberish and analytics to become one of the top wise guys when it comes to football wagering. Locals may remember he was a regular guest during past football seasons with Joe’s good friend “The Big Dog,” Steve Duemig, on Tampa Bay radio.
Yesterday, Sharp posted stats on how rookie running backs this summer are faring in preseason. And the following may have Bucs fans reaching for a bottle of Pepto Bismol.
There are currently 22 rookie running backs on NFL rosters. None have worse numbers than Jones has with the Bucs through two preseason games.
Yes, Joe understands this is preseason which doesn’t mean a damn thing. And Joe’s not going to bury a guy after just two preseason games of what Joe hopes to be a long career with the Bucs. But as Joe pointed out yesterday, for those banking on Jones getting roughly half the touches of Peyton Barber, that simply isn’t going to happen barring Jones somehow turning the corner in the next two weeks.
If it makes you feel any better, only one running back selected in the first two rounds this past April is doing anything through two preseason games. So Jones is hardly alone in his struggles.
August 20th, 2018 at 5:03 am
Another example of Lichts prowess at drafting second round players. See Aguayo. But hey let’s give him an extension especially with his stellar win loss record.
August 20th, 2018 at 5:36 am
Jason Licht has drafted well it’s ridiculous to say otherwise.
Rojo has not done well so far, but the Bucs have got to be very pleased at this point with Stewart, Davis, Watson and Whitehead.
August 20th, 2018 at 5:47 am
Wasn’t M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis 2nd round picks?
I put half the blame on the OL the only two times I’ve seen any openings he made a nice cutback for a TD and last game ran for 8 yards only to get called back from a penalty. We need him so I’ll be rooting hard for him and the other running backs game 3. We’ve got to get a consistent running game to improve our redzone efficiency.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:05 am
He had a decent run last game, but it got called back because of a penalty.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:06 am
Buc believer Says:
August 20th, 2018 at 5:03 am
“Another example of Lichts prowess at drafting second round players. See Aguayo. But hey let’s give him an extension especially with his stellar win loss record.”
Last I checked he drafted THREE players in round 2 this year. How did he do on the others?
August 20th, 2018 at 6:07 am
Barber knows the offense and will be the main guy but they need Jones to contribute. Preseason is when these rookies gets adjusted.
Jones needs to get thrown into the fire against the lions. They need to feature him and work out the kinks.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:09 am
I personally think this year was the best draft of Jason Licht’s career.
Every player has a good chance of making the team, even Rojo.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:17 am
Everyone know to stack the box when Ronald Jones is in the formation, until he proves he can catch the pass, teams are gonna stack the box and probably even blitz to test his blitz pick-up skills.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:18 am
Jones may not be producing yet, but it was only his second nfl game.
He might be the kind of guy who looks bad in preseason, but blows up in the regular season.
All I know is that his focus needs to be on learning the playbook right now. Winston had to point to where he was supposed to be multiple times, and once, Rojo stayed in the wrong place regardless, ignoring Jameis, who shook his head and started the play.
And Winston had to scramble on that play because Jones was not in position to block.
Last year, the Bucs cut McNickols for the exact same reason. This year, Rojo will probably make the team because of a lack of bodies and injuries.
But the biggest issue I have with him is his total lack of fire.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:22 am
This is a guy that’s relied on his speed. No need to panic yet. He still needs to adjust to the nfl where everyone is fast
August 20th, 2018 at 6:23 am
The kid will be fine, give him some time. And in the mean time we got Barber, the guy looks legit!! Lost some weight, looks like a different back out there. RoJo’s time will come and he will ball out!!!
GOBUCS
August 20th, 2018 at 6:27 am
i do not think he’ll make it, maybe i’m wrong, just aint looking good for him
August 20th, 2018 at 6:31 am
@Bucemup… great so he is 2-3 for 2nd round picks. He is 75%. Great. What about that win loss record? Without looking it up I believe it is 22-42 as I said stellar.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:44 am
Can’t wait to hear Chris Berman yell, “Kerryon my wayward son Johnson could…go…all…the…way!” But please, not against the Bucs.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:51 am
Give him some time. Although, his timid approach is concerning.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:54 am
Bonzai, I didn’t catch that about RoJo not lining up properly, but that’s a major boo-boo for a rookie. Learning how to adjust to the speed & intensity of the NFL is one thing, but not knowing the playbook is ludicrous. That all by itself will earn him an assignment to the practice squad (if he’s lucky). Sounds so far like RoJo has issues catching the ball & pass blocking, but those can be overcome with practice, practice, practice. But not knowing the playbook & where to line up? Sorry, but that’s inexcusable IMO, if in fact that’s the case of course.
August 20th, 2018 at 6:55 am
He’s a negative in the passing game, runs into the backs of his linemen, poor vision, goes down at first contact, and played in the PAC 12 so his stats are inflated. These were all red flags in his draft profile across multiple websites and scouts. Why did we think it would change?
August 20th, 2018 at 7:02 am
Too early to hit the panic button guys.
Frustrating that a 2nd round RB isn’t killing it right away, but how about a little patience with this one?
August 20th, 2018 at 7:04 am
Dumb pick.
It todays NFL, you need a guy who can BREAK TACKLES.
Rojo has NO UPPER BODY.
And weak legs.
He aint gonna break any tackles.
And hes a 4.45 guy, not like Chris Johnson who was a 4.3 guy.
I wanted us to sign Dion Lewis.
Did anybody see his moves against us? Daaaammmn!!!
Dion Lewis was the guy to sign.
August 20th, 2018 at 7:11 am
Ding!
August 20th, 2018 at 7:18 am
10 carries…..need I say more…..
I think some are going to feel silly…..give this guy some time to develop and do some run blocking.
August 20th, 2018 at 7:47 am
The beauty of playing RB is, one 60 yard run and his ypc is no longer an issue…
As someone stated, the Oline has to take some of the blame for Rojos misfortune…First of all the sample size is still very small; and secondly, on over half of those carries he’s gotten TFL by multiple defenders…
I’m not ready to hit the panic button after 2 preseason games with only 11 carries…He’s gonna get in the open field sooner or later and everyone will see why we drafted him…
As for fantasy owners, Barber is the obvious choice for now; I definitely see Baber running for more yards and TD’s this upcoming season…I think eventually Rojo can overtake Barber, but it may not happen this year…
August 20th, 2018 at 7:51 am
@Dooshlarue … “Frustrating that a 2nd round RB isn’t killing it right away.” I think that OUR expectations are really the key here. Bucs had a terrible running game last year, for several reasons (no it wasn’t JUST because of Doug Martin). Fixing the running game was a MAJOR goal in this past draft, and it seems that Koetter & many others wanted someone who was more EXPLOSIVE. Well, RoJo is surely faster than Doug Martin was, but as we seem to be seeing thus far, that doesn’t necessarily mean that our running game will now be more EXPLOSIVE. Quite the contrary it appears.
Dirk has good reason for wanting his RBs to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield and to be able to pass-protect. One-dimensional players don’t cut it in today’s NFL. Was personally very surprised when Licht grabbed RoJo in the 2nd round, but I can understand & appreciate the logic. Our bigger problem is that he won’t be helping our running game for quite awhile, and IF Barber gets injured we’d really be hurting … just like last year.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:05 am
Defense Rules- To add to that, I saw no real effort in trying to establish the run-game. The play-calling was far too pass happy. These preseason games are where you can afford to test different aspects of your offense.
This offense needs to find some balance. We NEED a run-game.
I cringe to think what it would be like if Barber gets hurt.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:11 am
I just don get it. DK’s most successful seasons came with Michael Turner at RB. Guy was big, fast, and added to the passing game. Guice has the same 40 time as Turner has proven the ability to break tackles and showed in dills he can catch. Why would we not try to recreate what worked with the Falcons?
Ryan = Winston
Julio = Evans
White = Godwin
Gonzalez = Brate/Howard
Turner = Guice
August 20th, 2018 at 8:13 am
I mean the kid got a total of 4 carries against the titans idk if dirk is trying to save him for regular season but he needs some carries I mean put him inn the 2nd half try to get his confidence up he had 4 carries idk what we can tell from that
August 20th, 2018 at 8:15 am
Saquan ripped off a nice run, but was otherwise bottled up on his first few carries. It takes rookies a minute to adjust to the nfl speed. He has had guys at his feet as soon as he touches the ball. Let’s see how he looks this week with some reps with the first string line. If he looks bad then I’ll be the first one to start wearing the Browns South tshirt.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:19 am
I just think he needs to develop a lot similar to Jeremy McNichols. Hopefully has a tougher mentality and more work ethic. Once he gets passed the defense of line he’s a breakaway player but I have always said I’m concerned about the running backs on this team. We need another tough hardnose 230 pound running back to run over some people especially in the red zone. I’m worried barber won’t last the season the way he runs.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:28 am
Sit barber Friday night and start jones to see what he’s got. Barber is too valuable at this point plus Jones needs the work.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:30 am
Hey were are all the big mouths that called me out for calling this draft pick ?
There were so many bangers on the board when we drafted him.
Jason watch sec football on Saturday man
So if Barber gets hurt our backfield is Charles sims and Rogers.
They say Barber is the second coming of Jim Brown well let’s see
August 20th, 2018 at 8:53 am
OLine sure not doing Rojo any favors yet.
OneBuc55 Says:
“one 60 yard run and his ypc is no longer an issue…” – Exactamundo!
August 20th, 2018 at 8:59 am
Destin Johnny, right on, watch the usc v bama football game and that is your NFL tailback running against a sec defense, then go and watch guice against bama and the rest of the SEC, watch kerryon johnson or dalvin cook, licht has passed on 8-10 solid nfl backs and has picked rojo and that scrub snoops nephew
August 20th, 2018 at 9:00 am
People are not stupid enough to believe 1 60 yard run crap are they? That is the same as Doug Martin had 1 good year then could never do it again.
August 20th, 2018 at 9:13 am
DBS – to be fair D. Martin had one stellar year and one good one.
August 20th, 2018 at 9:21 am
Most of this is simply the O Line.
Really hard to tell anything yet.
They could be saving some RB screens and such, because right now everyone just tees off on his runs.
As far as being a 4.45 guy, that is just not accurate. With a bum leg yes!!
He is a 4.3 guy ALL DAY.
That being said, I am truly glad Barber looks explosive and Jones will serve a purpose. Also Shaun Wilson looks really good at those punt and kick off returns sooo…..
August 20th, 2018 at 9:24 am
Doug Martin also stood out his rookie year. Was that o-line that much better? I’m just sayin’!
Maybe my expectations are too high but I see other teams back-ups tearing it up. I expect a 2nd round RB to stand out. Thus far, he has not.
Thankfully, behind him we have Quizz who is more than capable of assuming that change-up role.
August 20th, 2018 at 9:31 am
Ok Chan. To be because it needs to bespelled out for people like you. He had one stellar year (pro bowl) and could never do it again.
August 20th, 2018 at 9:35 am
Saw quizz running the ball and as a veteran NFLer was doing really good but that being said its jaquiz rodgers, licht is usually2-3 years behind what the team needs so the OL should show up by 2020
August 20th, 2018 at 9:52 am
I hope he can turn the light bulb on in his head and learn to become a good pro RB.
I also hope Chris Warren III is on this teams radar – pretty sure he is RB4 on the Raiders depth chart. .. but if for any reason he is either cut on put on the PS – this guy is worth a shot. . . @manbeast
August 20th, 2018 at 10:18 am
Way too early to draw any conclusions about Jones.
Also way to early to hold a ticker tape parade for stewart, davis, watson, whitehead.
Hope Vea can practice and play this week or any hopes of him making an impact in first three games is out the window.
August 20th, 2018 at 10:25 am
I think people forget the kid is 20 years old…… His potential is incredible when you think hes not even done growing yet.
August 20th, 2018 at 10:44 am
Even if Jones turns out a Bust, how angry can you be at Licht?
1. Every single GM has 1st,2nd,3rd rounders that dont turn out?
Half of all first round picks become starters. and that bust rate increases each round. Licht has hit on so so many picks. Cant expect him to have a 100% success rate guys
August 20th, 2018 at 10:44 am
Dont ask me why I started a list and left it at only 1. lol
August 20th, 2018 at 10:46 am
“Ndog Says:
Sit barber Friday night and start jones to see what he’s got. Barber is too valuable at this point plus Jones needs the work.”
YES.
August 20th, 2018 at 11:22 am
Buc Believer
Justin Evans was also in the second. I know there’s Licht haters, but what is the him being bad in the second round BS? You people can speak freely but you should do some research unless you’re just trying to piss ppl off by being so stupid. Sounds like you believe.
August 20th, 2018 at 11:26 am
time to give AP a call……
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!….#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
August 20th, 2018 at 11:27 am
If Jones is still showing these stats 4 games into the season, make Rogers #2 RB. He’s always been somewhat solid at getting through holes and the little guy is a good pass blocker.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Yeah, let’s give up on ROJO….cause Brett Favre was so good in the early days of his career. ROJO had a successful stint at a major university. It’s a process, let’s cut him a slack.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Everybody talks about Sims & Rodgers being the 3rd & 4th RB,s. I would argue that Wilson & Ogunbowale would be better & cheaper.
August 20th, 2018 at 12:49 pm
After watching the games this weekend, I’m amazed at how many teams have an abundance of RB talent..
Anybody see this kid Chris Warren III? Ran like a beast..UDFA…
August 20th, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Joe Says:
August 20th, 2018 at 7:11 am
Everyone know to stack the box when Ronald Jones is in the formation, until he proves he can catch the pass, teams are gonna stack the box and probably even blitz to test his blitz pick-up skills.
Ding!
———————————
Rest Barber the last 2 preseason games, and work Jones hard. He will know the signals by the first reg game. That’s hoping Buc Luck aka injuries don’t bite him.
August 20th, 2018 at 5:06 pm
The bucs should have taken the usf kid
August 20th, 2018 at 5:37 pm
NJ Buc
Turner was a fine RB but he was not DK’s best. At Jax he had MJ Drew who rushed for a thousand more career yards and two more TD’s than Turner even though Turner was a big beast who obviously got a lot of his TD’s on short yardage goal line runs.
Koetter had an excellent running game with Jax and MJD.
MJD…5-7 210…Turner 5-10 a biscuit shy of 250 at 247. Two different backs who were both very effective. There is more than one way or one player type to get the job done. ROJO is 5-11 207…MJD”s size but obviously a different running style.
August 20th, 2018 at 8:27 pm
Breaking news: Running back can’t get yardage behind a suspect o-line.
In other news: Water is wet.