Distribution Questions
August 24th, 2018
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Chuckle at the thought of Charles Sims if you wish, but who will replace the 380 snaps he got last season for an offense that marched the ball up and down the field but couldn’t score touchdowns?
That total led the Buccaneers at running back and, of course, Sims primarily was a third-down back — and the Bucs were the best in the NFC at converting on third down.
Joe’s not overblowing the value of Sims here but replacing him is a critical question at One Buc Palace.
Thankfully, in some ways, it’s good that Sims was having a poor training camp before he got injured against the Titans last week placed on injured reserve yesterday. Joe thinks the Bucs already were leaning toward more third-down touches for Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers this season as a result of Sims being off his game.
Keep in mind Dirk Koetter gave Sims the rare “outstanding” label at camp last summer.
The Sims injury conjures up some questions:
If Rodgers, 28, is now going to carry the heavy and vital load as a third-down back, then will Koetter take him off No. 1 kick returner duty?
And might the Bucs look for a veteran who can handle third-down pass blocking, just in case Barber or Rodgers get hurt?
Jameis Winston has been hit in the last two games after poor blocking from Ronald Jones and Shaun Wilson, who was downright brutal in one play last week. Wilson chose to block the wrong Titans rusher and he missed that block, getting in Donovan Smith’s way in the process.
Joe’s not concerned about Rodgers taking over as third-down back. He might be better overall than Sims, though less dangerous.
August 24th, 2018 at 9:51 am
Rogers haven’t done much since Week 4 vs Giants last year
August 24th, 2018 at 9:51 am
Quizz is great
Great chance for Rojo to step up as well
3rd down back is the least of our problems
We’ll be fine
August 24th, 2018 at 9:54 am
Rodgers is so much better for the role anyway. He may not be capable of game breaking plays, he does everything well and his efficiency is great. He doesnt waste time, reads the blocks well and shoots through whats there. He can catch the ball, and he can pass block adequately. At least when hes on the field we’ll have the option to run the ball.. ideally Ronald Jones would fill this role but he just isnt ready to be trusted on Sundays.
August 24th, 2018 at 9:55 am
I see the 380 “snaps” number but how many “touches” or “passes” did he get, that’s the real number.
August 24th, 2018 at 10:03 am
Tom, doesn’t matter how many touches he gets, it’s how many blitzes he picks up to enable the Qb to get the ball out.
August 24th, 2018 at 10:11 am
j.charles….t.west….
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!!…GO BUCS!!!
August 24th, 2018 at 10:15 am
Swaggy Baker got released. Jason Licht, the FA Signing Monsta!!
August 24th, 2018 at 10:16 am
Sims had 21 carries for 95 yards, & 35 receptions for 249 yards last year. If talking about RB’s on 3rd down, I agree with Dewey that it’s more about pass protection.
August 24th, 2018 at 10:24 am
Who will replace all that dancing in the backfield?
August 24th, 2018 at 10:25 am
Who will replace all that backfield dancing?
August 24th, 2018 at 10:30 am
Joe, NFL.com is reporting that DT Chris Baker has been cut by the Cincinnati Bengals. His crap wasn’t tolerated there either apparently.
August 24th, 2018 at 11:01 am
I love how everyone is worried about the running game now. The time to worry was the offseason. The moves or lack there of have been made and they are frightening. To think that this team has actually tried to have a running game for four years is comical. Just imagine hinging the season to an undrafted RB that hasn’t done anything when given the chance.
August 24th, 2018 at 11:10 am
Joe
Chuckle at the thought of Charles Sims if you wish, but who will replace the 380 snaps he got last season for an offense that marched the ball up and down the field but couldn’t score touchdowns
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Couldn’t score TD’s with him, so what difference does it make?
August 24th, 2018 at 11:14 am
Agree 100% with Koetter that RBs need to be complete backs who can run the ball, catch the ball & pass protect if they expect to see the field very much when the lights come on. Barber certainly had his ‘issues’ with pass protection especially when he first came here, and so did Martin … most rookies probably do (I’m sure to rookies Dorothy’s statement “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore’ applies). Keeping 2 rookies in our stable of 4 RBs total doesn’t bode well WHEN (not IF) the injury bug strikes (RBs take a beating obviously).
As you said Joe … “And might the Bucs look for a veteran who can handle third-down pass blocking, just in case Barber or Rodgers get hurt?” Veteran RBs WILL be out there after the cutdowns (they always are). Time for Licht to work his magic (but please, hold the illusions’ part this time Jason … we need REAL upgrades that can help the TEAM).
August 24th, 2018 at 11:46 am
HIs production with those snaps are what matters. At least now, Koetter can’t lean so heavily on two (Martin, Sims) RB’s that don’t produce.
August 24th, 2018 at 11:48 am
All the “weapons for Winston” blah blah No Oline and No real RBs. DLine castoffs, and LB’s who aren’t interested enough to tackle. Lavonte will run down a fumble if it’s heading his way though….
Jason Licht can’t continue to work here…..
August 24th, 2018 at 11:56 am
despite all the talk of balance i could really see the bucs passing more than 60% of the time this year. their WR\TE options are so much better than their RB options in alot of situations that they’ll see more benefit in going empty backfield (even motioning out an RB) to add a target instead of lining up a guy in the backfield whose pass blocking and pass catching are both suspect
August 24th, 2018 at 12:24 pm
3-13 and ronde barber’s first pick as new bucs gm will be Nick Bosa…..at least cleveland has a competent GM even though their HC is a complete buffoon, the celeveland defense is legit and hope they dont get their first win against the yucs
August 24th, 2018 at 1:37 pm
@TheSeasonisover
A serious non snarky question. If you believe the season is already over why do you bother? Could you possibly be a troll?
August 24th, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Why can’t Honcho step up as a 3rd down back, save a roster spot.
I don’t see him getting too many snaps at TE.
He can block.
August 24th, 2018 at 5:32 pm
Look up in the sky..its a bird..no its a plane..no its a Winston bomb for a touchdown!
August 24th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Sims sucks and I won’t miss him. He would have been cut anyway. Another wasted draft pick.
August 24th, 2018 at 8:33 pm
I can’t believe the disrespect these players receive from posters on this site! To be invited to an NFL training camp you have to have “elite” football skills and to compete to be on any team takes guts like most of the posters or “posers” that hide here will never have. Give credit to these young men that lay their body on the line to achieve their dreams of being a professional. To call them “camp meat” “furniture movers” or any other term is disrespectful in my opinion. Get some “Class”