Bucs’ Backfield: No. 32
May 27th, 2019
Best of the worst?
Dead-last.
That’s where the Bucs’ backfield ranks in the eyes of a national NFL columnist. Dead-freaking-last. Not subpar. Not underwhelming. Not poor. Dead-last. As in no one has a worse crew of running backs.
That’s what Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report writes. In a column ranking each NFL team’s stable of running backs, Moton believes the Bucs’ running backs are just the worst.
Barber ran for 3.7 yards per carry last season behind the same offensive line the Buccaneers will feature this year. His backup, Ronald Jones, couldn’t find his footing as a rookie with 44 yards on 23 carries. The 2018 second-round pick has plenty to prove.
The depth beyond them is lackluster. Andre Ellington hasn’t played since the 2017 campaign.
Joe cannot really argue this point. The Bucs were bad running the football last year and the team’s concept of upgrading at running back was digging 30-year old Andre Ellington out of mothballs.
When Joe watched the draft last month, Joe threw his arms in the air in disgust when the Bucs, in the third-round round, could have had dangerous Memphis running back Darrell Henderson but traded out with the Rams who did just that and picked up Henderson.
Here was Joe’s reaction.
May 27th, 2019 at 12:18 am
get over yourself joe
May 27th, 2019 at 12:19 am
Ha,
Why is incompetency accepted,
This is flagrant negligence
May 27th, 2019 at 12:54 am
It’s like we’re pissing against the wind. Only spark of hope is that of all positions, rb is the one that’s easiest to find a diamond in the rough. Check out the situation in SF with freeman, mostert, brieda and McKinnon. You telling me you wouldn’t take brieda on this team?
May 27th, 2019 at 1:14 am
It’s May….
May 27th, 2019 at 1:22 am
Where’s Cadillac William’s when you need him. Come on man.
May 27th, 2019 at 1:27 am
In Arians we trust…until further notice…😉
May 27th, 2019 at 1:42 am
Not gonna say I told ya so Joes, but this has been a long time coming while you guys defended the OL and bashed Martin as the reason for shortcomings at rushing and even as an excuse for “America’s Quarterback”.
This line has been average-to-below average in the league for a good 5 years. Poor draft picks, gambling on the wrong players both internally and in fa, not being able to develop talent, having your best offensive lineman change positions TWICE, etc. got us here.
Sorry you’re just now seeing the reality Joes
May 27th, 2019 at 3:06 am
The only reason i care about this (since i think we should be in a sell out mode) is cause we are going to once again hear about how JW didn’t have a running game and how the bucs let him down and he needs another ‘prove it’ year or just bury ourselves with his 30 mil contract. I wish we had a decent running game just so we can cancel this argument.
May 27th, 2019 at 3:19 am
joe, why was my comment deleted?
May 27th, 2019 at 3:34 am
Bucs UFA Rb Bruce Anderson was expected to be a early to mid day three (4-6). Had the Bucs picked him 5th and signed the Kicker Gay as a UFA, We’d have the same results but fans would feel more like the Rb needs were addressed. I can’t wait to watch Anderson progress through training camp.
I see the Bucs waived cb Rivers to made room for Suh but why hasn’t he been added to the roster? Has Suh officially signed?
May 27th, 2019 at 3:40 am
it was simply a poor move not to grab henderson in the 3rd round…i guess the bucs feel they have it all with barber and rojo
May 27th, 2019 at 3:42 am
let’s hand the ball off on goal line situations to kong suh…
that would be too fuggin’ coo!
May 27th, 2019 at 4:42 am
Bruce Anderson’s to the rescue
May 27th, 2019 at 5:14 am
Barber could have a 1000+ yards this season. ROJO could be rehabilitated, pop some longer runs down field and have several hundred yards this year. All of our backs could catch more balls out of the backfield. What happened last year might not tell us what will happen this year. Bruce Allen, Todd McNair and Joe Gilbert could do things that make a difference. Moton and Sobleski could be dead wrong.
________
Go Bucs!!!
May 27th, 2019 at 5:41 am
Maybe, just maybe, there’s something else afoot that Bucs’ fans aren’t seeing at this point in the season. There are 104 days still to go between now and our first game against the 49ers on Sept 8th. That’s like 15 weeks folks, and a LOT can, and most likely will, happen between now & then. A number of rookies will displace some seasoned RBs; they always do. BA’s a wily old veteran coach, he’s ridden this horse before. Easier for him to plug in a QUALITY VETERAN RB than it is to bring a youngster up-to-speed.
And besides, until our OLine is ‘fixed’ our RBs will probably continue to find it hard to get untracked. Maybe, just maybe, with a mouth-smashing OLine RBs like Barber, RoJo, Wilson, Anderson, Ogunbowale and/or Ellington will get the job done. Everyone TALKS about the importance of the OLine to the running game, but then they freak out when the ‘weapons’ aren’t effective because we didn’t BUILD THE TRENCHES FIRST.
Bucs started in a really bad spot in many areas … like the defense and like the running game. Expecting to FIX everything in ONE FA period (when you have close to no money) or in ONE DRAFT is quite unrealistic IMO. But I’ve been really pleasantly surprised at what this coaching staff has accomplished in such a short period of time. And with still 15 weeks until Game 1, they’ve still got lots of time to make additional improvements.
May 27th, 2019 at 6:13 am
Imo it’s not the RB’s on the roster, they’re solid…our offensive line needs to grow a pair and step their game up…
It’s almost criminal that our rookie RB who has game breaking speed on got 23 carries last year; shame on you Dirk for not being innovative enough to find a way to get the kid involved in the game…Koetter was so busy “holding Jameis accountable” that he forgot about his coaching staff and the other 52 players on the roster…
May 27th, 2019 at 6:18 am
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (23.2)
QB Jameis Winston, RB Ronald Jones II, WR Mike Evans
I’ll cop to not totally getting what some others see in Winston, who turns the ball over far too often for my liking and does not appear to be the kind of player who can transcend his surroundings. The Bucs had the NFL’s worst ground game last year, but perhaps they can unlock Jones in Year 2. And Evans is a flat-out stud.
The “Best” QB in Buccaneers history isn’t even on track to make the Ring of Honor at Ray Jay
May 27th, 2019 at 6:28 am
Love Bruce Arians but Todd Bowles and Jameis Winston love him more. He has given both wonderful presents. For Bowles-a draft of mainly defensive players and for Jameis-a not improved offensive line and below par running backs so he can get another franchise tag next year-after all can’t blame Jameis when he has to work with a very poor backfield and an unimproved O-Line.
May 27th, 2019 at 6:32 am
I get a laugh when I read posts like “It’s May” because the team needs are glaringly obvious. A coaching staff can only do so much with the players on any team, and this team is not talented enough with the exception of the receivers and maybe linebackers.
May 27th, 2019 at 7:08 am
I for one feel very optimistic. A proven coach. A solid coaching staff, and even a offense consultant regarded as a legend. There’s still plenty of time to develop this team and from what I hear, Rojo is starting to get better. This is a new scheme that I think creates mismatches. I trust Arians will turn this team around and sneak up on a lot of teams this year! Go Bucs!
May 27th, 2019 at 7:12 am
No running game, inexperienced secondary spells Jameis Winston throwing 50 times a game not good.
May 27th, 2019 at 7:12 am
They should make a super sized copy of this article 10 ft by 12 ft and put it right on the wall in the middle of the locker room.
May give the running backs and Olineman some inspiration. Or at least make a few players angry.
Was pulling for RB Henderson so I hope those dbs were worth it in the trade back scenario we pulled a few weeks ago.
Who knows a running back may not make final cuts that could improve our backfield.
Sounds like Barber has chance to play 3 downs. Catch some screens. So we shall see
May 27th, 2019 at 7:20 am
C-O-A-C-H-I-N-G
See Rams b4 McVay
See Cards b4 and after BA
See Bucs b4 Dungy and after Chucky
See Eagles b4…
See Seahawks b4 Pete Carroll
May 27th, 2019 at 7:28 am
Its pretty easy to defend the run when the left side of the line is pretty much the only option, because of the ineffective right side of the line. Benenoch struggled,Dotson can’t block downfield consistently, and Cam Brate is not known his blocking skills. Some of this might be blamed on Warhop and the blocking scheme. One other thing, some of the best running backs that I have ever watched welcomed the responsibility of blocking because it was important to the success of the team. That said if a running back is not mature enough to block or catch passes out of the backfield then he should sit until until he can. ROJO was
drafted in the second round. Players should be expected to contribute in their first year when drafted this high. Hope he puts it all together this year.
May 27th, 2019 at 7:29 am
I think you will see a very improved OL an RBs this’s year for BA will play to there strong suits an not have them do things there not great at I wouldn’t be surprised if Dotson isn’t starting at RT an I think Watford will be a major improvement at RG we will have top 10 OL play
May 27th, 2019 at 7:32 am
Someone has to be last…..just look at it this way…..lots of room to improve.
BA has a history of going after running backs and wanting a good running game….I’m with the “Our roster isn’t complete crowd”…..and I suspect Rojo will surprise.
We need to get our Oline run blocking or no running back will succeed.
May 27th, 2019 at 7:36 am
Great point rrsrq – the Rams are a great example (and a similar situation to the Bucs a little bit) of an under-achieving team with some good pieces already in place (especially on offense) that came together for success with some good coaching. Many pundits were whispering the “bust” word about Jared Goff before McVay got there. My point is let’s see what some of these players look like with real NFL coaching before we write the season off again.
May 27th, 2019 at 7:45 am
You have to take into account that these RB’s had no chance to succeed. I thought Barber did a pretty good job considering what he had to deal with. Not sure what it was about Koetter’s running attack but defenses not only knew it was a running play but they also knew where it was going. This is the absolute only way to explain the number of times the defense was in the backfield as the ball was snapped. There must have been something in the formation or personnel that gave the entire play away from the start.
May 27th, 2019 at 7:49 am
D-Rome—
It’s May!
Hahaha
My only concern, IN MAY, is the OL. I’m viewing the other positions with an open mind toward coachable improvement. BA has done it before.
RJ only had 23 carries last year and he was hit behind the line of scrimmage 13 times. Hard to believe anybody can call him a bust with that sort of blocking.
As mentioned, I have confidence that this new staff will get the most out of each and every player, but the OL is still bothersome. Let’s hope they can move some cash around and pick up a semi-quality lineman during/after training camp when some teams will be “forced” to release a veteran that has been usurped by a low priced rookie or second year guy. I stress the word “hope” because I don’t know where the cash will come from unless they release JPP.
May 27th, 2019 at 8:03 am
Yaaaaaawn….same.players will perform better at all positions.
May 27th, 2019 at 8:05 am
When she threw the phone, she stepped with the wrong foot. That’s just bad coaching.
May 27th, 2019 at 8:06 am
6-10
Last place again
May 27th, 2019 at 8:35 am
Bucs not listed among the seven most improved teams, imagine that.
May 27th, 2019 at 8:52 am
But, but, but, the Gumpster Fire did get two magic beans in exchange for DH.
Funny, in an article above, D White and his Mom celebrate him running a 4.42 at the combine and he becomes the #5 overall.
I saw Darrell Henderson run a 4.37 and it got buried. His only mistake was not bringing a lawyer and an agent to the combine. It must have happened during Gump’s nap time. The only team that was awake was the Rams.
DH averaged 8.9 yards per carry and 14.5 yards per reception. The only knocks on him was that at 5’9″, he was 2″ shorter than the NFL ideal and he was not the starting RB at Memphis. His 2300 yards and 27 TD’s last year was as a back up RB. Although he was a 1st team All American.
It was a freaking bona fide miracle from Heaven that he was still sitting there at #70 in the 3rd round.
May 27th, 2019 at 9:00 am
Yawn lol what team did Brent ever play for? You can t predict how a new scheme will impact these guys and writers go above and beyond to acr as if they are foremost experts and not just guessing like fans do… major guess not even factoring in injuries, you would have to assume everyone is going to have the exact same production as last year which is impossible
May 27th, 2019 at 9:04 am
Yeah…but Licht Weight doubled down on reserve defensive backs who may be better safeties because they aren’t very good cornerbacks. I think Licht Weight was thinking the hand delivered Henderson pick will earn him a scouting job with the upstart Rams once he’s finally fired.
May 27th, 2019 at 9:10 am
And when Henderson proves himself as a JAG maybe we can hear the end of this. You don’t hear me bringing up Steven Jackson over Michael Clayton, Patrick Willis over Gaines Adams, Luke Keuchly over Mark Barron, DeMarcus Ware over Cadillac Williams, Cam Jordan over Adrian Clayborn every chance I get despite me openly calling for these players BEFORE the draft. And for the record, I was never in the Johnny Football train.
May 27th, 2019 at 9:17 am
JA,
Apart from the Bucs receiving corps and maybe the linebackers, every other unit and key position is the worst in the division. I think the Bucs receiving corps is the best in the division. I think linebackers may be 3rd best.
– Worst QB in the division
– Worst secondary in the division
– Worst offensive line in the division
– Worst running backs in the division
– Worst special teams in the division
A single coaching change cannot fix all of this. Switching to a 3-4 is not some kind of silver bullet. That alignment has its pros and cons like every other alignment. Ultimately, this season will go as Jameis goes and he’s still the worst QB in the division and it’s not even close.
May 27th, 2019 at 9:32 am
Here’s hoping Rojo’s hands have gotten better!! Agree 100% with Joe on Henderson!! He is and will be a difference making RB in this league!! Just bout threw up when we traded with the Ram’s for 2 magic beans, and then they selected Henderson! Would Love to see Bruce Anderson ease our pain and become Philip Lindsay like!! But with each Philip Lindsay there are 200 Mcplaybooks!!!
May 27th, 2019 at 9:55 am
D,
You forgot worst coaches in the NFL. You are very short-sides on the QB and RBs. This is all because of the O-Line was the worst in the league, our defense was the worst in the league and our ST was the worst in the league. Jameis would have at least 5 more wins from kickers alone. He may have another 5 or 6 if our defense could hold a lead. That is a huge swing. Many of his turnovers are out of desperation. Others are just due to a better defensive play and others are from pure gifts (which every QB does). He will still have turnovers, but we will be able to make up these in the next year.
BTW, you are very wrong that a single coach cannot fix all the problems…see Sean McVay.
Also, I’m still worried about O-Line though I think the blocking scheme matched the Dirks playbook, there is no other explanation for how many olé blocks there were last year. Also still worried about kickers and ST. I think the other aspects of your comment will be greatly improved. If that is the case, 9-7 will be the floor for this team, IMO. You’re 30 million dollar QB is coming whether you want him or not, lol. I believe he will be in the MVP talk this year at least for awhile.
May 27th, 2019 at 9:57 am
^^blocking did Not match play design^^
May 27th, 2019 at 9:59 am
That may be the most intelligent take Joe had head about the offensive line.
May 27th, 2019 at 10:39 am
Henderson is just a short speed back, but so is our Jones, Wilson, and Anderson and if you watched Jones on channel 8 last night BA’s RB Coach has Jones already catching his passes. Barber and Ogunbowale are power backs. Koetter’s Coaches just like Warhop could not develop anything. Therefore Jones got no development last year and was thrown to the wolves bringing him in and running predictable plays, which destroyed his confidence to succeed and then condemned by many of our posters as a bust! The same posters who demanded Licht spend a pick on Henderson. Jones has bulked up so this year he also can run inside some and take hits. Jones is a 4.3 speedster and will be a success this year. Wait and watch! BA knows exactly how to spring him with a power blocking offense. And when it comes to short yardage we don’t need Su. We need Vea playing FB like he did in High School and blocking for Barber in the hole! Remember the Fridge blocking on TDs for the Bears years ago. BA will. And that will force the defense to try and defend that which would make scoring easy for Jameis in the red zone at last. As far as RT blocks from Dotson last year he was playing with an injured hip that is now repaired!
May 27th, 2019 at 10:43 am
BA FAN.
Like your post!!! But I do believe Henderson is going to be SPECIAL!!
May 27th, 2019 at 11:06 am
Here the perfect example of coaching: In 2017/18 Peyton Barber ran for over 100 yards against the Pack, he likely would have had more had DK continued to use him…, next game Doug Martin took all the hand offs
May 27th, 2019 at 11:54 am
I hope the fans aren’t falling for this propaganda the Licht, BA & his coaches are handing out.
May 27th, 2019 at 12:52 pm
Based on last year, ok fine.
But This year, Ronald Jones WILL become Jamaal Charles 2.0.
And Peyton Barber is super solid as well.
** P.S. Don’t sleep on Shaun Wilson either. He’s just as shifty and quick as Kamara, but a bit smaller… Kind of a hybrid between Kamara and Darren Sproles.
Yes I just said that about UDFA RB Shaun Wilson.
-We won’t be #32 after THIS season…
May 27th, 2019 at 1:07 pm
Wow what a difference a day makes! Yesterday it was a hotbed of negativity in here…today a lot more positive…still the negative nellies but a better balance here today.
And lot’s better takes! There are some great points in this thread!
rrsrq…and BA fan you guys get it!
Stanglassman EXCELLENT observation on the draft!!! You switched just two picks…Gay and Anderson and all the caterwauling stops. Except for maybe Joe who is still smarting from not taking Allen higher.
But you are correct about this draft many others…after the 4th…maybe even 3rd round…these guys are incredibly hard to handicap. Plenty of UDFA’s make it each year for that reason.
There simply isn’t all that much difference in the odds of success after the 3rd round…they are low for every player and it’s a crap shoot down there.
May 27th, 2019 at 1:38 pm
StPetey Deux ! As always I love your can do attitude! Looking forward to your literary masterpieces hot linked here on JBF a la the elf erotica collection!
May 27th, 2019 at 2:15 pm
I agree with Erik Hesson!!! I believe our RB’s and OLine will Vault all the way up to #31…
May 27th, 2019 at 3:14 pm
The dreamers out in full force. Typing something doesn’t make it true. None of our backs are Jameel Charles 2.0. Come on…dreamer.
May 27th, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Jay Ajayi is a FA
May 27th, 2019 at 8:53 pm
Yeah, we could have drafted yet another RB with a high pick and still had Ryan Smith as a starter… good idea Joe.
May 28th, 2019 at 1:36 pm
See what Barber,Jones and Anderson can do, if not satisfied don’t resign Barber and sign Lamar Miller next year problem solved.