Feed Him!
August 28th, 2019
Deserves the rock, says a former RB.
The Bucs don’t have a running game, sorry. Joe understands this may irk folks at One Buc Palace but Joe has yet to see much that would suggest the Bucs are going to transform from a virtually non-existent rushing attack to one of the NFL’s best.
But former Jags running back and current NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew isn’t so sure. He thinks the Bucs have a bellcow back and this back just needs the rock more for him to unleash his talents.
Jones had a rough go in his rookie season. The 38th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jones was inactive for the first three games of the season (coach’s decision) and missed four games with a hamstring injury. To put things in perspective, Jones had fewer rushing attempts and rushing yards last season than both Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Yikes!
Luckily, it’s a new season, and Bruce Arians is steering the ship now. Jones should feel pretty good about what he’s done in camp and the preseason, as he is making a case to earn the RB1 job. Even if Jones doesn’t earn the top spot on the depth chart, he should see plenty of carries in Arians’ offense, considering the coach has had nothing but praise for Jones all offseason. Right now, I expect to see more of the player who lit it up at USC and less of the rookie who struggled to stay on the field.
If there was a way for Jones to break out of his shell, the Bucs could truly have a dangerous offense. And if Jones can become a threat, there is no better way to bury a team when you have a second-half lead than to pound the ball and eat the clock.
Can Jones be that guy? Well, the regular season kicks off in 11 days. We will soon find out.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:22 am
Sorry, but Rojo is not a starting nfl back.He was drafted too high and he won’t to much in the nfl. Maybe he could thrive in college with a more spread out field but come on.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:30 am
I do believe we will all be surprised by the running game this year. BA has been in the saddle for a few months now and fully understands that JW cannot be “whispered” to. Mental midgets must be yelled at in order to gain their focus. Basic fact of life.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:33 am
Too bad we will not know this year if Rojo is a bellcow RB as the Bucs Olinemen suck.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:38 am
If Rojo does good at all he would be a Super star on a team with a real O Line.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:39 am
Dare will be able to dowhat Jason thought Rojo could do so we are good.
August 28th, 2019 at 8:52 am
RB is not a weakness. LT, RG and RT are the biggest weakness on the entire team. Center is very average and LG is NFL starter quality.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:00 am
The poor run game last year had a lot to do with play calls and scheme. I think all the backs will look much better this year. Hopefully, we can have at least an average running game. The Bucs need a RG (until proven)…. the rest of the guys are at least average or better.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:04 am
Yep waiting for him and Cappa to show out….
Wait…
August 28th, 2019 at 9:09 am
Dear Jason,
Call the Vikings and give them a 5th round pick for Mike Boone and you add him to barber and dare and you have a great backfield.
Thank you,
Mike n
August 28th, 2019 at 9:09 am
“The rest of the guys are at least average or better”
I must be watching a different team than you K2. They are garbage. Nor close to average. They just are not. Trust me, Iwantthem to be but They are just garbage.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:14 am
JOE……Why do you guys keep deleting my posts about the Pickem league? You have allowed me to share the link for the last three years and there are many of your other readers that enjoy competing in the Pickem.
Is it because Joe Bucs is in the title of the league?
If so I can change the name of the league.
Please let me know. Thanks
August 28th, 2019 at 9:23 am
Miken, Koetter was a terrible talent evaluator and had no use for a back unless he was a premier pass receiver and blocker because all Koetter cared about was a passing game. USC is not a Division 3 school, If Ronald Jones had less carries than Jameis and Fitztragic shame on Koetter but you cant judge a back on that few of carries so I dont know where your evaluation comes from but I trust BA’s asessment of RJ’s talents more than yours. If we trade we trade for O line help not a running back. Come on man!!!
August 28th, 2019 at 9:24 am
Jones would be a very good back on any other team. The Buccaneers are incompetent at building an offensive line and they were way too predictable last year. Hopefully there still time to tweak a few things otherwise no running back could possibly succeed in Tampa. Stop blaming the backs until you feel like we have a true offense of line to work with. A perfect and dangerous point is that last year the 49ers had multiple injuries to the running back’s but everyone who started played well. That’s because they’re a good running team not just the running backs
August 28th, 2019 at 9:30 am
gotta feed him and see what he can do…..not like we have a choice….
GO BUCS!!!!
August 28th, 2019 at 9:31 am
Jones will never be a bellcow back. You could blame the O-line but still Jones does not break any tackles and looks like a 3rd back at best. Another wasted draft pick.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:33 am
all these comments that say rojo would be good on another team are laughable. O line run blocking is average. If rojo was more than a one trick pony,he would show some promise. He like sims and doug martin will be out of the nfl in a year or 2 if not sooner. If he played behind abetter o line… lmao
August 28th, 2019 at 9:36 am
No NFL RB can run at 7 or 8 NFL Defensive players who are unblocked and have any success. Seriously. There is not a RB in the entire league that would have a good season trying to rush behind the garbage men.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:38 am
I hate being so negative but I am disgusted with our OL as a whole.
August 28th, 2019 at 9:41 am
When the second highest paid o line can’t get any push in the run game it’s hard to evaluate a RB…
August 28th, 2019 at 9:44 am
When our RB is most often getting hit in the backfield or right at the line of scrimmage, please explain to me how that is to be considered average run blocking. Our blocking is not close to average. There is some serious crack smoking around here. SMH
August 28th, 2019 at 9:44 am
The rest of the running backs in his draft are balling out. Licht needs to go!
August 28th, 2019 at 9:55 am
I think ROJO improves this year but I don’t think he’ll ever be THE guy.
I really believe Dare ends up as our RB1 early this season.
August 28th, 2019 at 10:06 am
ROJO hears you JBF posters, he says you better draft him on your fantasy team (in spite of the offensive line). Trying to figure out how you can make a determination of a rookie RB under Dirk’s coaching and a RB coach no longer in the league. Secondly, this preseason after minimal snaps, when he has to not only get by defenders but the offensive line that are pushed in the backfield. We just need one professional offensive linemen to show the rest of them how it’s done, like when we traded for Logan Mankins.
August 28th, 2019 at 10:22 am
Some of these critics smh.
It’s obvious at this point Koetter emphasized pass pro last year. Bruce is attempting to balance the run game therefore there is going to be an adjustment period. Hopefully a big chunk of that has been addressed after last week’s terrible performance.
Fact is the OL was average last year. It truly was and if you think it wasn’t then you do not watch OLs around the league. Run blocking was really bad but pass pro was solid.
I’m confident we will have another average OL this season. depth is definitely scary though.
To suggest Rojo is a bust or isn’t fit for the NFL then you are simply judging too early. Both him and Barber have been flashing and it’s only the beginning. We all saw what bruce did with david johnson.
OL will be tweaked and we’ll be fine there. Run game will be light years better than last year. Calm the f*** down.
August 28th, 2019 at 10:43 am
rayjay is absolutely correct..been sayin’ it for 2 years. Much like the RBs can’t be evaluated neither can Jameis. I will bet you Arians either makes a trade or finds 1-2 guys after cutdowns. Benonoch will not be on this team, IMO. There are plenty of guys to go trade for, just have to be willing to give up a pick or a player-nothing is free in this world (except Division 2 or 3 offensive lineman in the 2nd or 3rd round)
August 28th, 2019 at 10:44 am
Nick2,
Koetters job is coach not talent evaluator ie; General Manager.
For the record, koetters had 3 top 5 rushing offenses in his career, oh..
That’s more than BA. Better coach…less results.
ROJO wasn’t ready for the NFL last year, this has been said multiple times by the current coaches. Either you’re unaware of that fact, or like so many .unable to process information that’s contrary to your belief. He’s also bulked up a bunch and Rojo himself said the extra muscle has given him more confidence and a touch more speed.
Last, the legions keep repeating…koetter only likes backs that can block first..
That’s the biggest… No Sh#& !!!! Listen up tards, What’s the biggest topic of conversation since Friday nites game errr. Sexual assault. …..the OFFENSIVE line…….
(.this is so fing stupid basic elementary football 101 stuff that I feel angry writing it…I don’t wish to sound like an ahole..but the problem is too many droolers can’t wait to mumble their own praises. )
In koetters offense and BA s, by scheme, the running back is helping the line block first then possibly providing a outlet. Since we all say the oline sucks..
And Rojo couldn’t block….cmon..it’s not a personal decision or preference from the coach…how utterly fing stupid ! Is it possible to complete the thought without going off the rails and blaming bigfoot or aliens. . 1 +1+1=457..only in Tampa. .
Oh, the Bucs as everyone states every freaking day on jbf..we’re behind 3 scores by the half. Acutally, that’s a myth. Bucs led or were tied at the half in about half their games last season. –Joe. ….Did that constant reminder post cause brain damage or is years of hanging off the back of one of hundred old azzz f150’s. Seriously. .
Because when you write this down by 21 pts at the half, only a labotizimised Northern transplant..read reject…can’t understand that the running game is gone, kaput, at halftime. If koetter hates the running game…you guys hate
thinking……fact..
Dry off the drool off your keyboard and pound out the predictable stupid ..but it’s smart..witty reply that only a chicken at the fair could put together.
August 28th, 2019 at 10:44 am
I cannot understand the comments that ROJO is a star in waiting, only “average” because of OL, he’s a bell-cow, etc., etc. I have been able to watch most every play so far and every play last year. Question: When has ROJO EVER done anything for the Bucs in the past two years? Every time I see him he is one and done for the game, he’s dropping a pass, he goes down on first hit, or he is slipping and falling on his face.
I think winning the lottery will happen before this guy becomes a star.
August 28th, 2019 at 11:12 am
I’m in favor of giving ROJO getting the ball more. Also would like to see Dare Ogunbowale get some touches.
August 28th, 2019 at 11:19 am
Rojo has been playing for 1 year dude. In dirk’s scheme that abandons the run all the time. Every time they put him in it was an obvious run which was only 1 or 2 opportunities a game.
Dirk did the same with davante freeman who blew up year 2. There are a lot of valid reasons to believe rojo is legit.
August 28th, 2019 at 11:52 am
Oh look another article not about the qb where pittstain cant help but bring up Jameis. Your Jameis derangement syndrom is really kicking in little guy.
August 28th, 2019 at 12:08 pm
Dare and Jones can be dangerous especially in split sets. Knowing arians he will coach that
Leftwhich actually CALLING the play is another thing though
August 28th, 2019 at 12:19 pm
D1 on FIRE!
We’ll see. I’m not totally convinced on ROJO but, there is different coaching. He’ll be afforded the opportunity. I’m hopeful we’ll see this run-game emerge.
August 28th, 2019 at 1:19 pm
Our runblocking has looked better this preseason. Admittely that does mean much compared to where we were. Still I think if Jones is a good RB we will see some flashes this year.
August 28th, 2019 at 2:27 pm
The way some of the JBF posters analyze the Bucs players, Ronde Barber was definitely a bust and Cadillac Williams was about to break every rushing record in the league.
August 28th, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Been away from the site for a bit!! I agree w Rayjays’s takes on this thread!! Our OLine has been ignored for too long!! We do have some high and mid round picks on our line but who ever evaluated their talent is blind! I believe we (Arians not Licht) will look to add from the releases of good OLine teams to compete for starting jobs next week!! Hard to believe our line can be upgraded by grabbing released players… but it is what it is! Thanks Meathead!!
August 28th, 2019 at 4:43 pm
If a Dlinemen is first to touch your RB your line is not doing there job
August 28th, 2019 at 4:48 pm
We had a golden opportunity according to a poster on here named ghost of Darrel Henderson. To draft the greatest runningback in the history of college football and passed on him. And now he is blowing it up for the rams. He is taking the preseason by storm and we could have had him. He already has 23 carries for 58 yards. Averaging 2.48 ypc. With that average we could have let him run it every play of the game and never got 1 first down. Why did 32 gms pass on this elite talent. Why didn’t they see the greatest running back to ever play in the mighty aac would be even better against a huge step up in competition level.
August 28th, 2019 at 7:38 pm
Rojo may improve remarkably and achieve a below average grade for the year. He’s not the guy. Yes, o-line is bad too, but RoJo has flashed nothing, zip, zero, nada.
August 28th, 2019 at 10:26 pm
” …but Joe has yet to see much that would suggest the Bucs are going to transform from a virtually non-existent rushing attack to one of the NFL’s best.”
Again Joe displaying the fact that he does not understand the difference between an efficient running game that moves the sticks/is appropriate for a system from a running game that’s one of the best in the NFL built around a generational player.
Joe, my friend, my buddy, my pal… I thought we talked about this?
You don’t NEED to transform the running game from non-existent to NFL best to win football games. You NEED to move the sticks and set up the passing concepts that are in your gameplan. You NEED to make a routine kick more often than not. You NEED to get reasonable stops on defense. You NEED to control time of possession and field position. THAT’s the kind of $h!+ that wins football games. I swear it’s trending towards you just straight up refusing to admit any of this. You’re either incredibly stubborn or you lack a philosophical understanding of the game of football. And before you mention it, don’t think because you have a press-pass that automatically grants you the latter, either…
I’m not trying to be rude but good grief. You’d think a guy who’s probably been consuming football for several decades would have picked up on this kind of stuff.
August 28th, 2019 at 10:36 pm
Nothing about these running backs — nothing! — give Joe any hope or confidence or a shred of evidence they can do anything but help the Bucs offense to go three-and-out.
It is simple as that.
August 28th, 2019 at 11:43 pm
But, Joe, it’s not as simple as that. In fact, that’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. It has nothing to do with a who’s who running back not being on the roster. It has nothing to do with whether or not Peyton Barber or Ronald Jones or Andre Ellington or Dare Ogunbawale can be a franchise back for the Bucs. It’s about their skill tree and how smoothly it fits into the offensive machine – like a jigsaw puzzle. Think about it, when was the last time the New England Patriots had a franchise, game breaker, Zeke Elliott type guy back there? Or anyone even CLOSE? Never. 9 Super Bowl appearances later and it’s always the same… James White? Danny Woodhead? Rex Burkhead? Legarrette Blount? Brandon Bolden? Stevan Ridley? BenJarvus Green-Ellis? Lawrence Maroney? Sammy Morris? Jonas Gray rushing for 250 yards in a game……?
These are the guys winning super bowls. Look at that list and tell me which of these backs isn’t Just A Guy that Bill seamlessly fits into his gameplans and exploits mismatches with.
Move the chains. Keep the defense honest enough to take some heat off of the passing attack. Don’t kill yourself with penalties. Make your routine kicks. And finally, but most importantly, play average defense at the very worst and come up with big stops.
This is the kind of stuff BA has been speaking on but you guys keep coming up with these surface level takes. He says he likes the RB room, not because he’s blowing smoke up your @$$, but because each guy fits one aspect of his scheme or another, and they’re all somewhat versatile.
But, yes, RoJo needs more carries. My prediction is that he’ll look like a bust again for the first few weeks of the season as they learn and gel (and everyone will panic of course) but then he’ll have one or two noteworthy performances by season’s end.
August 29th, 2019 at 9:06 am
^^^^^^^ Yup