“Chaos” Of Preseason Numbers
August 28th, 2018
Should preseason stats matter?
Call this carrying the piano on your back for the last 10 yards.
We are a week away from writing about real games! And Joe is struggling to hit the finish line of preseason caca before regular season topics are typed about.
Though Joe has already started.
In two days the Bucs will host an AAF job fair at the Den of Depression to (thankfully) end the preseason. And because preseason games are such a joke, Joe doesn’t know whether to completely dismiss their stats or assess some value to them.
Mike Tanier of Bleacher Report is in the same boat. He has a list of preseason stats he refers to as “chaos” — no, not “KAOS” the international organization of evil on “Get Smart.” And in that list, Tanier discusses the alarming rushing stats produced (?) by Bucs running back Ronald Jones.
The over-the-shoulder deep catch was sweet [on Friday], and it provided a flicker of hope that Jones will contribute somehow this season. But 18 carries for 18 yards in the preseason, with a long run of just five yards, is hard to sugarcoat.
Again, Joe is trying to dismiss these numbers because it is preseason, but as Tanier typed, it’s hard to ignore.
In the very next paragraph, Tanier writes about Raiders running back Chris Warren rushing for 250 yards this preseason. Tanier explains how he would like to see Warren succeed first against the non-vanilla defenses of the regular season.
This brought Joe back to Jones. If Jones is struggling against vanilla preseason defenses, how can we expect him to be a weapon at New Orleans or against Philadelphia or Pittsburgh when the Bucs will likely need him the most as America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, serves this three-game sentence?
August 28th, 2018 at 7:11 am
I hope the kid works out but I must say I was not high on this pick and if you watch him vs a good defense in the Ohio State bowl game he is non existent.
August 28th, 2018 at 7:12 am
The preseason is a mixed bag……I do think individual performances are important…..but the team performance is difficult to measure because coaches are making game decisions they wouldn’t normally make…..like running back most kickoffs…..going for it on 4th down when a punt would be more important…..teams playing with players for extended periods that won’t be there.
As for ROJO……sure, there is concern….but other than Barber, I don’t think any of our RBs did very well……we seem to not be able to run block…..and our playcalling (1st & 10 run plays up the middle)….that’s been a problem for a long time.
August 28th, 2018 at 7:28 am
@Joe … “If Jones is struggling against vanilla preseason defenses, how can we expect him to be a weapon at New Orleans or against Philadelphia or Pittsburgh.” The answer is really pretty clear Joe: WE CAN’T. And the reality is that he may not contribute all that much all season long. IMO it’s not so much that RoJo is a bust at this point, but more-so that he’s just not ready for prime-time. If he expects to see any appreciable playing time, he’ll as a minimum have to learn how to pass-protect for his QB, or else Koetter won’t let him on the field. And right now he’s a liability there (as well as in catching the ball out of the backfield AND running between the tackles).
The only way Bucs can keep defenses honest AND win the TOP battle each game (both keys IMO) is to have a reasonably effective running game. But to go into the season with Barber, Rodgers, RoJo & Wilson is an invitation to having a non-existent running game … especially between the tackles … IF Peyton Barber gets injured. Jacquizz is Mr Solid & Steady (a #4 RB IMO), but he can’t carry the team’s running game. Neither could 2 rookies (RoJo & Wilson?). Bucs NEED a veteran RB to spell Barber & fill in for him if the need arises. Personally I’d keep 4 RBs … Barber, Rodgers, RoJo & a vet with a history of being able to gain decent yardage running between the tackles.
August 28th, 2018 at 7:34 am
Think it’s in his head. The mind is a bad ass opponent. Ask R. Aguayo.
August 28th, 2018 at 7:37 am
Vanilla defense -vs- vanilla offense
MEH
Remember, these are just scrimmages (complete with real life injuries)
ROJO is a slash n dash runner who needs to get past the line to turn the rockets on
I just don’t see him pounding it through the tackles, but get him the ball in space?
I think we can expect some splash plays from him but no bell cow here
August 28th, 2018 at 7:38 am
Can’t see him contributing much this year. Coaches have zero trust in him. Maybe down the road a few gAmes or if bucs up a few scores he will get some more touches. He is gonna have to earn them and right now he is not doing a good job in one area.
Just has to get some mojo moving forward
August 28th, 2018 at 7:52 am
This could be a disaster…then again it could be no big deal.
Barber has emerged as a bellcow. He’s thick and strong enough to pound the rock with just enough speed and moves to become a really effective NFL RB.
As long as Barber remains healthy I think we’re in good shape. Hoping a bellcow can make it through an entire season with no injuries is not comforting. But that was one of the good things about Doug…at least he was durable.
Many have referred to Barber as the next Earnest Graham. Graham was Mr. August for a few years until injuries finally forced the Bucs to play him and he certainly made the most of that opportunity. Barber impresses me as a highly motivated guy who was ignored in the draft…then ignored by the Bucs for two years. I think he has an Earnest Graham type breakout year.
Graham had 13-28-11 attempts in his first three years. His fourth year he exploded for 222 carries and a 4 ypc average for just under 900 yards after Cadillac went down. Graham had another strong season the following year and he never averaged below 4 ypc. Graham fumbled five times in his entire career!
He held on to the rock. For comparison Cadillac fumbled five times his first two years.
I feel great about Barber…but feeling great about ONE RB without competent backup is not very comforting.
August 28th, 2018 at 7:55 am
Rojo seems very unsure when he has the ball in his hands. It looks like he is uncomfortable and thinking too much. And it makes sense cause I remember seeing an article about him struggling to understand the offense. I watched all his usc games that are available online and he is a very instinctual/ reactive runner and he can’t be that if he is thinking too much. I don’t see him being much of a factor either unless they are playing some kind of game and telling him to look bad so he is a surprise during the season. But I seriously doubt that
August 28th, 2018 at 8:00 am
Kobe was the 1st here to tell you sheep that our 199lber doesnt have the skills and size to succeed in the NFL
“What is he going to do to a 250Lb linebacker as fast as he is? 2nd round Bust…again
Picking a runningback is the easist evaluation and Gump cant even get that right! 5-11 team and they get no production from the 1st 2 players drafted? They must be plug and play at that high of a draft!
“But, but he still ist worse than Dominick”
The Buc Realist
August 28th, 2018 at 8:12 am
RoJo will develop as season progresses- he will come on in the 2nd half of season much like Godwin did last year… In the meantime, let’s hope Barber stays healthy
August 28th, 2018 at 8:17 am
I remember reading a recent article explaining that one of the Joe’s likes preseason and the other Joe could care less, i guess i know which Joe this is lol.
I remember people saying that Jones strength is in space, where he can make things happen with better reads and where he can utilize his speed, the only space I have seen this kid get was that sweet catch he made Friday night early on with one defender on his heels, instead of the whole d-line in his face. So why haven’t we got him in space? is it Jones or the pieced together o-line he’s been playing with and can a healthy starting o-line make a difference for Jones? I haven’t really seen any open lanes for this kid to run, or is the d-line he’s been facing just reading the run plays?
a lot of questions that hopefully can be put to rest soon.
August 28th, 2018 at 8:19 am
He’ll adapt….Right now he’s probably thinking vs reacting. When i watch him, he seems to be struggling to get into a rhythm with the o-line….Its like he’s just getting the hand off and taking off……Where as Barber subtly lets the play develop then punches it.
August 28th, 2018 at 8:21 am
You gotta give this guy a chance since we have given JW 3 Plus years and he still can’t go through his progressions. You can’t teach a dumb dog new tricks but you can beat it into him over time.
August 28th, 2018 at 8:26 am
@Kobe Faker … “Kobe was the 1st here to tell you sheep that our 199lber doesnt have the skills and size to succeed in the NFL.” First off Kobe, RoJo is listed at 5’11” & 208 lbs (not 199 lbs). More importantly though, your opinion doesn’t track with NFL history.
o Barry Sanders … 5’8″ & 203 lbs.
o Maurice Drew-Jones … 5’8″ & 205 lbs.
o Warrick Dunn … 5’9″ & 180 lbs.
Need more examples?
August 28th, 2018 at 8:29 am
@Godeep66 … “You can’t teach a dumb dog new tricks but you can beat it into him over time.” Sure wouldn’t want to be your dog. And as far as Jameis “still can’t go through his progressions” goes, that’s a dumb observation.
August 28th, 2018 at 8:30 am
If nothing else, maybe the kid is a credible diversion from Barber. If Jones only gets forty yards, and Barber gets 150, I’m fine with that for now.
August 28th, 2018 at 9:04 am
44 D. Ogunbowale. This dude has put up some decent tape this PS. I’ll take him over J. Rodgers any day. Hope he makes the 53 because I can see a two-headed running attack similar to what the Saints have. Decent in the return game as well; if he can pass pro I think we have something.
August 28th, 2018 at 9:13 am
On this site if you suggest we should have drafted another badk be ready for some serious blow back.
The Alvin Kamara miss last year fueled this pick
News flash…he ain’t Alvin
August 28th, 2018 at 9:34 am
Alvin Kamara?
199lber isnt even Kenyon Johnson nor Royce Freeman!
Anybody that thinks this skinny frame straightup runner is a 20 carry bell cow is dreaming
Like Kobe says he is Bipolar
He wants to run inside but with his frame he wont last
He has the build of a scatback but he has no moves nor hands of a skilled back like warrick dunn
August 28th, 2018 at 9:39 am
We need a larger sized back. a runner who could move the line and punish people. finess runner in tampa with this line is not going to work.
August 28th, 2018 at 10:15 am
Rojo didn’t “struggle” all by himself on those 18 pre-season runs.
I’d say on at least 10-12 of those 18 runs – Jones had absolutely nowhere to go and/or was getting hit in the backfield.
Open up an actual hole for this runner to see, get at least 1 second level block and Rojo will have a chance to show off that speed and those cuts that got him drafted high in the 2nd rd.
August 28th, 2018 at 10:23 am
Aaaaand Pickgrin the great is the only rational one again. This kid hasn’t even been given a chance. This guy will be just fine. He doesn’t have smith doesn’t have Marpet. He will learn to hit the hole. It’s hard for his style of back to make something happen without blocking. Two words for the doubters : devonta freeman. Kid was buried by koetter only to break out after his dismissal. He will learn to block then he will play. I don’t see the concern personally. Wait til he breaks a thirty yarder.
August 28th, 2018 at 10:33 am
Does our offensive line hate Jones? Every time he touches the ball seems like there at least two guys ready to take him down immediately.
Zero running room.
August 28th, 2018 at 11:01 am
Gotta believe that catch has given him some confidence. He will be fine, he racked up all those yards at USC and how many of those USC offensive linemen are lining up on Sunday. Lets see him behind the true first team offensive line. Lets see jensen not get pushed back into his lap or when that screen pass goes to him with blocking in front of him. This article will become irrelevant after a few games.
August 28th, 2018 at 11:30 am
Bobby M, you are right on the target. THAT is the actual problem for him at this point. He simply doesn’t give the play time to develop.
Now we are talking about a split second to an entire second but none the less that is the heart of his problem. He’s running like a scared rabbit up the middle and he is absolutely in his own head so much that he isn’t thinking it through. At this point for him nothing is fluid.
If he did give it that split finesse second he would identify that either “Ok, there is my lane finally” or “there goes any and all chances to go up the middle” and I better break right or left… Which of course you would see by giving it that split second. He doesn’t trust the line to open a hole immediately and nor should he until he sees that hole. Perhaps he will start to trust when he gets the opportunity to play with the first string and the fact that they “might actually” be able to make him a hole to run through.
Until then use your head sure. BUT don’t you let your fearful head stop you from using your good senses…
He just hasn’t seen that within himself and guess what, THAT CAN AND WILL BE FIXED! It’s just a matter of when he figures it out for himself….
10 and 6 with a playoff berth! GO BUCS!!!!!
August 28th, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Defense Rules Says:
August 28th, 2018 at 8:26 am
@Kobe Faker … “Kobe was the 1st here to tell you sheep that our 199lber doesnt have the skills and size to succeed in the NFL.” First off Kobe, RoJo is listed at 5’11” & 208 lbs (not 199 lbs). More importantly though, your opinion doesn’t track with NFL history.
o Barry Sanders … 5’8″ & 203 lbs.
o Maurice Drew-Jones … 5’8″ & 205 lbs.
o Warrick Dunn … 5’9″ & 180 lbs.
Need more examples?
——————————
Jamal Charles and Priest Holmes aren’t exactly John Riggins either.
I’m not overly concerned with Jones. Talk about his frame and such, he has been hit in the backfield numerous times and still fights and claws and is hard to bring down with one guy. He might have 18 yards on 18 carries, but most of those 18 yards were hard fought with little chance given to succeed. Going back to Koetter’s past, other rookies didn’t start right away when he was in charge of the offense and Maurice Jones-Drew and Devonta Freeman turned out to be okay… and they were both under 210 as well.
August 28th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Pickgrin:
I agree, we did not see enough of him in pre-season and when we did he was totally boxed-in. It’s really tough for an RB in his first NFL season (and I realize there are multiple exceptions) but I say let’s give him a chance, based on his college performance and Draft projections he showed a lot of talent.
August 28th, 2018 at 4:05 pm
Lets give this guy a year. The guy reminds me a bit of melvin gordon. Speed RBs that need some time to ajust. Also why doesnt Dirk give him some carries designed to run to the outside? Maybe the reason only our short running backs do well is because we only run up the middle. If hes a great coach then ajust to your players. Give him so screens and let him know he can do well in this league by getting him in space.