“It’s Gonna Pop”
November 25th, 2019
Free RoJo
Ronald Jones had an excellent revival game yesterday after averaging 3.4 yards per carry through his previous seven games.
Still, the Bucs are expecting RoJo to be a lot more special.
Today at the One Buc Palace podium, Bucco Bruce Arians lamented a pre-snap penalty against the Falcons that the head coach thought might have negated a 97-yard run. And Arians talked about another penalty that likely (but certainly not definitely) thwarted a 45ish-yard run by Jones in September.
RoJo has not been very explosive through 119 carries this season, but Arians is feeling it.
“It’s gonna pop,” Arians said. And the guys know he can do it, so I mean there’s a little more, ‘Let’s get him loose. Let’s get him loose.’ I mean that touchdown run [yesterday] was a really good run.”
RoJo is building confidence and experience, but Joe would like to see him get more touches. He’s not a good pass blocker. The Bucs prefer Dare Ogunbowale in the two-minute offense, and Peyton Barber was used to close the game and often to pick up short-yardage.
Postseason is toast. Let’s free RoJo and get him valuable experience and see what he looks like as an every down back.
If not now, when?
November 25th, 2019 at 2:26 pm
When he improves his pass blocking, or you’re playing to lose.
November 25th, 2019 at 2:29 pm
ROJO should stay on the field
but people are right…..his pass blocking skills suck right now
November 25th, 2019 at 2:29 pm
RB snaps should be 80% Rojo, with PB filling in with support. Hopefully we can get there.
November 25th, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Barber runs guys over, but he isn’t a good short yardage back. He takes too long to get going.
November 25th, 2019 at 2:39 pm
That goal line rush by Rojo was very impressive! That’s how GOOD RB’s find the endzone with those type runs. And, I agree with the majority his PB skills need to improve but he’s showing decisiveness, explosion and damn he’s shifty!
Imho, I believe Leftwich is having a mind boggling time trying to come up with good game plans.when there are so many weapons to choose from. A few of those weapons are lacking in blocking, route running and catching therefore we get a mixed bag but if/when they’re cemented I see big things happening.
November 25th, 2019 at 2:55 pm
having a back back there that gets jameis feeling uncomfortable would not be a good plan if you are trying to sell the fans on him coming back next season.
an uncomfortable jameis feeling pressure early because he doesnt trust the back to pick up his assignment, is not a recipe for his success.
November 25th, 2019 at 2:58 pm
I feel it too, one day, ROJO is gonna break one. He almost did yesterday, went through a mile wide hole, but the play was whistled, because of a penalty.
Remember, this guy is number 3 all time in YPC at USC !
November 25th, 2019 at 3:01 pm
He might break one if you would give him the ball at least 20damn times please
November 25th, 2019 at 3:18 pm
Better blocking from the OL would make ROJO more effective as well as reduce the number of interceptions. It’s basic.
November 25th, 2019 at 3:22 pm
Joe says
Still, the Bucs are expecting RoJo to be a lot more special.
——————————————————————————————-Right in the spot Joe…….Sure we expect more, way much more!!!!
Our running game is better than last year? U bet it is
Our running game is good? It is not…..average being optimistic!!!
November 25th, 2019 at 3:26 pm
He looks significantly stronger this year. He is breaking tackles that last war would have brought him down.
It’s like when Vea couldn’t block shed and then bam all of a sudden he got it and became a beast. I hold out that same hope for Rojo, as it seems he is beginning to get it.
The best thing he has improved though is his vision. That was his biggest problem last year. This year he is more patient and then when he sees the hole he bursts through. This is why you don’t rush judgment on a rookie.
November 25th, 2019 at 4:02 pm
Amen.
November 25th, 2019 at 4:35 pm
@miken – I 100% agree!
I don’t understand why #44 is ever in the game.
Rojo had a huge block on #91 on the 1st & 11 play from the Bucs 1 1/2 yard line in the 1st quarter that helped Jameis get out of the pocket and scramble for the 1st down.
I think it was two plays later Jameis hit Jones on 2nd & 7 for pass and another 1st down.
Same drive Jameis hit Godwin for the 71 yard TD.
GIVE JONES THE SNAPS & TOUCHES!
November 25th, 2019 at 5:29 pm
Jones isn’t getting breakout runs because the offensive line isn’t very good at run blocking. Leftwich isn’t finding a way to feed him the ball in space, once Jones gets loose he’s very strong. Its hard being a decent back on the Bucs because holes are small and Leftwich’s tendencies are to run on first down. Defenses know when Jones is in the game its more than likely a running play.
Not much creativity in the offense to get a good run game. Jones would put up big rushing totals if he played behind a bad-ass offensive line.
November 25th, 2019 at 5:41 pm
I know one shouldn’t argue from the general to the specific and one play doesn’t represent an entire body of work….but…..
Yesterday I saw ROJO throw a perfect cross block on a Falcons D lineman…giving up his body and letting JW make one of those runs around the right end for a significant gain.
Perhaps his blocking is improving much as his running has improved with experience.
November 25th, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Watching RoJo run his development is exciting to watch. Suprising also. Barber adds positive plays to compliment a halfway decent Bucs running game. Expect overall better play continuing from our run game.
November 25th, 2019 at 11:25 pm
How can all y’all say his Pass blocking needs to improve I don’t remember the last time I seen the kid in the game pass blocking
November 25th, 2019 at 11:25 pm
Just like he can’t Catch
November 26th, 2019 at 10:25 am
3.4 yards per carry, times 3 carries equals 10.2 yards. Therefore, if he carries every snap, Bucs never have to throw a pass, and never miss getting the first down? Gawd I love those statisticians !
November 26th, 2019 at 3:08 pm
#44 is in the game because he is the only reliable running back who can catch the football.