Bring On The “Grind Game” & “35 Touches”
December 1st, 2019
Bucs legend Derrick Brooks weighs in
When your team has the 16th-most rushing attempts and is ranked 20th in total yards rushing and 23rd in yards per carry — and you’re not closing out a lot of victories with kneel-downs and clock-killing runs — something isn’t working well.
Those are the Bucs’ rushing numbers for this season.
With an expensive offensive line and a dynamic passing game that gives defenses fits, the Bucs should have a much better rushing attack.
Joe will steal a phrase from Bucs legend Derrick Brooks on the great TAMPA TWO show seen here at JoeBucsFan.com. This week Brooks is calling on the Bucs to find a “grind game.”
Not “ground game” but “grind game.”
Brooks talked about massive holes he saw the Jaguars’ defense allow last week against the Titans and he called upon the Bucs’ offensive line to bring on the “grind game” to keep the Bucs moving sticks and staying ahead of the downs. Brooks is seen wondering whether the Bucs could get “35 touches” today combined from Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones, and let that grind game set up the big plays.
In other words, Brooks is wanting/hoping the Bucs the play some old school balanced football today en route to a victory.
Joe doesn’t see that “grind game” as the Bucs’ strength, too much inconsistency from the O-line and not enough talent in the backfield. Joe loves a good running game, but Joe thinks that’ll be a next-year thing for the Bucs.
Still, balance is always good and hopefully Byron Leftwich has just the right feel in Jacksonville, even if that means a very-pass-heavy approach that leads to the Bucs going run-heavy late with a lead.
December 1st, 2019 at 10:47 am
Grind enough to get LB’s and safeties thinking “run”, then burn with play-action.
I don’t think full-time “grind” is in Coach “No Risk It, No Biscuit’s” wheelhouse.
December 1st, 2019 at 10:56 am
the games are already a GRIND with all the flags and replays…..
December 1st, 2019 at 11:29 am
Jags give up 140 plus yards a game at 5.5 yards per carry so lm sure we will throw 50 times today.
December 1st, 2019 at 11:43 am
Why exaggerate the narrative we have an expensive line. 2 guys make big money. We have an expiring elderly right tackle on the cheap and a second year guy. The other guy you keep saying is on a team friendly contract so which is it. Yes the run game should be better but hey instead they should actually make a commitment to run the ball and see how that works out
December 1st, 2019 at 11:59 am
LOL Dom! It’s a Bucs life.
December 1st, 2019 at 11:59 am
Fans can’t deny the #1 question on their mind the moment our offense takes the field.
December 1st, 2019 at 12:06 pm
And use the tight ends too please.
December 1st, 2019 at 12:11 pm
If we have success on 1st down up the middle……I’ll be convinced.
December 1st, 2019 at 12:16 pm
How about a defense that can choke teams out, an efficient balanced offense that gets us ahead then pound the rock in spite of the whole stadium knowing were running the clock. Thats what i want to see
December 1st, 2019 at 12:18 pm
NFL.com Chargers might bench Rivers if poor play continues
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How is that when he’s 4th in passing yards? Only 200 yards behind Jameis
December 1st, 2019 at 12:23 pm
If the GRIND doesn’t wourk…then FAMOUS will lead the way to our two game win streak….KEEP HOPE ALIVE FAMOUS!!
December 1st, 2019 at 12:26 pm
Give ROJO 25 freaking carries. Save Barber for the second half. Gotta see what this guy can do with a heavy workload.
Bet he gets 100+ if they pound him all game. But nope. We’ll get some cutesie crap from BL. Lots of Scotty Miller, Dare, and Perriman.
December 1st, 2019 at 12:42 pm
FAMOUS WILL LEAD THE WAY ….Grind or no grind!!
December 1st, 2019 at 12:56 pm
Kinda hard to grind when your right tackle is too old (cool guy, just reality) and your left tackle and guard are overrated and soft. I love our right guard’s talent and attitude but he is essentially a rookie (thnx Koetter). Our center, who’s probably our best lineman this year admitted to taking it for granted last year. Maybe he still does 3-4 times a game? Anyways, take all of the above and it’s no wonder why our o-line is so inconsistent.
Running back wise, I’m happy for Rojo and I’m glad that he is not a bust. He’s also very average so far. Barber is not good and neither is Dare and I’ll leave it there to be nice. We ain’t “grindin” anyone with this lot.
For those who want to put Bridgewater or gosh forbid Dalton behind our current line, I’m guessing that you have something personal against them? Lol, they will get murdered! Jameis is awkward as all hell, but he’s Michael Vick compared to those too. Jalen Hurts for the win. 😀
*Sorry for the long rant. I had waffles with a ton of syrup for breakfast.
December 1st, 2019 at 3:45 pm
“Here we go again, losing another game to a rookie QB. Unbelieveable.