Imagine If The Bucs Had A Running Game
December 15th, 2019
Jason Licht with a telling take
General manager Jason Licht sent a clear message before the Buccaneers kicked off and dominated today in Detroit.
And it was a telling take that represented a wish that didn’t come true.
“I’d like to see the run game step up. That could really help us,” Licht told the Buccaneers Radio Network.
Licht had been asked about receivers needing to keep stepping up in the absence of Mike Evans. But the GM turned his attention to the run game.
The running backs didn’t deliver. It was another rough day with 22 carries for 43 yards.
But Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, put the Bucs on his back and the lack of a running game didn’t matter.
But it will matter next season. This thing has to get fixed. Who knows what Bryon Leftwich could cook up with legit talent in the backfield.
Just imagine if Jameis had something close to an average run game. This offense might set all-time records and own time of possession even more than it already does, which is ideal for the defense.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:37 pm
OL…SOS !
December 15th, 2019 at 4:38 pm
They wouldn’t score as my points. This is the offense.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:39 pm
Again, why do you need a running game? The Bucs control the LOS, they control the clock, what exactly does a running game bring to the table? Sure, it’s a nice to have, but this is the 2nd leading offense in the NFL.
Also the issue is more the o-line and play calling than anything. They run the ball in obvious run situations and the line is getting no push. I’m not seeing Ronald or Barber missing holes, making bad cuts or otherwise messing up. Sure a special talent could make some plays, but short of Barry Sanders, there isn’t any RB getting 1500 yards behind this line.
But again, who cares. If you score points and control the clock, why does it matter if you do it through the air or on the ground?
December 15th, 2019 at 4:40 pm
I’ve always wondered what it would look like if JW hit the WR in stride. He did today , several times and holy crap!! A game like that makes you a believer.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Imagine if the Bucs has a good GM
December 15th, 2019 at 4:40 pm
Yes I do not know how much money we will have after signing our DL and QB but we must start get a better RB. We could also use a upgrade at blocking too.
I’m to the point where I say signing a RB is more important then a CB this off-season.
Also won’t rule out drafting a RB in top round. There might not be a guy they like enough to take that high but if they do it’s not a bad call.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:40 pm
There was a play where we got called for holding I think it was Jensen and still only gained half a yard. I don’t understand how the rushing game is so pathetic. I mean Gawd Awful.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:41 pm
It’s the blocking, Joe.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Rod
Against the Lions, you do not need a running game. But when we play better defenses we will absolutely need one.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:43 pm
It’s incredible what Jamies is doing with no running game
December 15th, 2019 at 4:45 pm
NFL records 450yrds back to back – [X] CHECK
30 TDs FRANCHISE Record – [X] CHECK
Culture CHANGED & Infused Team w/ winning mindset – [X] CHECK
100 Million & Haters continuing to hate – [X] CHECK
Keep going JW REAL recognize REAL!!!!
These are not the same BUCS
December 15th, 2019 at 4:45 pm
Tbbucs3,
Hey, stupid. Who do you think brought all the talent to the team that we have? Jameis throws for 458 to backup WRs because the all-pros that Licht drafted were hurt. A backup LT because the solid LT Licht drafted was hurt. Who brought SMB, Shaq, White, everybody except Dotson and David to the team? Duh. It’s the GM.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:45 pm
Rod Munch…..maybe but you better have a defense that can help you win. You aren’t winning playoff games with a one dimensional offense and no defense.
It’s never happened in history.
So you could trust in the defense but I say try and upgrade RB since a definite identifiable weakness.
Now if you got a running game you can lean on it if you run into a nasty defense that can shut down your air attack. Better chances to win a title when your guns are fully loaded. Why leave a empty barrel?
December 15th, 2019 at 4:45 pm
One has to wonder if it is a lack of talent, or is it our run blocking scheme ?
ROJO is third all time running back at USC.
USC was known for it’s running backs, so does ROJO really lack talent, or does he lack good run blocking ?
December 15th, 2019 at 4:45 pm
Rod munch not saying you are wrong except for why do we need a run game.. we are 1 dimensional.. everybody knows we are passing.. not a defense in this league is worried about stopping a run because they can.. missing link is a run game to making this offense being a dominant force on the league… not to mention cutting down JW’s interceptions
December 15th, 2019 at 4:45 pm
Tbbucs3 – The Bucs are the #2 scoring offense on the year, not just against the Lions. You win by scoring points, not by winning the rushing or turnover column. The Dolphins, with Marino, year after year after year had no real running game, and they won a ton of games – and that was at a time when running was a lot more important.
Again, if you control the clock (Bucs are 7th in TOP last I checked), move the ball and score points, what does a running game bring to the table?
December 15th, 2019 at 4:46 pm
It’s a 1 -2 deal Jason
The line has to be good as well.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:46 pm
If you want to cut Winston’s INTs in half…., get a running game. It is truly amazing what he has done without one. But you know, let’s get rid of him.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:47 pm
He only has himself to blame.
“We’re beyond excited,” Licht said on draft night after passing Dalvin Cook for Howard.
“That was the most excited I’ve seen the entire room since we picked Jameis with a first-round pick,” Licht said. “He checks all the boxes,” Licht said.
Cook is having an MVP season. Howard has GIFs of about 40 mistakes ore-programmed into YouTube.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:47 pm
If Peyton Manning had good RBs and running game (45 yards today) like JayMiss WinsNot does he’d have as many wins as America’s Turnover Machine, the human crableg and Uber groper.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:47 pm
Brandon…. no better point has been made in a long time on this site lol
December 15th, 2019 at 4:48 pm
One more thing.. imagine if the Bucs had cool uni’s
December 15th, 2019 at 4:50 pm
To me and this is just my opinion is, Bucs o-line isn’t great but it’s decent and I think Jones should be doing a better job rushing. I don’t know if other have seen it but I’ve seen many times when there’s a hold and Jones don’t hit it
December 15th, 2019 at 4:51 pm
JimmyJack – If the Bucs can get David Johnson on the cheap this offseason, then they should do everything they can to get him. I think the most important thing a RB on this team should do is catch the ball and block well – and DJ can do that – and he’s obviously a great runner – or he used to be anyways.
I have no issues with upgrading the running game, but I think it’s all about the offensive line and play calling – and personally I like the play calling as is – I don’t think we need to artificially run it up the gut to meet some imaginary quota because the coaches handbook from 1971 says you must run it 30 times a game to win.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:51 pm
With all due respect Dan Marino led teams should not be the standard by which we set our goals. I say go for a title.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Running game? Two words…Jonathan Taylor.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:56 pm
Bucup – Sure, the #2 offense Bucs are one dimensional, but so is the #1 offense in the NFL, the Ravens.
They’re at the exact opposite ends of the offensive spectrum – and they’re both one dimensional, and they’re #1 and #2.
The difference is the Ravens defense has given up 140 points less than the Bucs, or 10-points a game. If the Bucs defense gave up (account for the turnovers) like 8 points less a game, this Bucs team would also be 12-2.
In any case the running game is easier to address than the passing game – but personally I don’t care how we score points so long as we’re scoring a lot of points.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:56 pm
The only way Taylor was stopped by anyone was when they put a spy on him with extra in the box… by any team. Do that to the Bucs, and our receivers would feast.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:58 pm
Neither RB could hardly get past the line of scrimmage. There was a defender on them in the backfield or at the line on practically every run. That’s not on the RB’s like Joe likes to suggest, it’s because of a poor blocking O-line.
December 15th, 2019 at 4:59 pm
Imagine if the Bucs drafted an OLineman in the 1st round…
December 15th, 2019 at 4:59 pm
JimmyJack – I think a Marino like run would do wonders for the city. The excitement with the Bucs between 1997 and 2002 was insane. After 2002 it wasn’t nearly as much fun as Gruden destroyed the team. In any case the run, the excitement, the year in year out feeling you can make a run – if we can get back to that point, wow.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:01 pm
There is nowhere to go but up with the running game. It cannot get any worse. Taylor and Dobbins are both really good backs, but we can’t use our #1 pick on a RB. Gotta beef up the OL, in my opinion.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:04 pm
The RB’s had 105 all purpose yards combined.
43 yards rushing
62 yards receiving
December 15th, 2019 at 5:05 pm
Alvin…I could see Taylor in the first, a RT in the second, and DE in the third. All would impact this team tremendously.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:07 pm
Imagine if the Bucs had a competent GM that didn’t waste draft picks and FAs.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:12 pm
I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t agree that they need a solid running game. These are probably the same people who want to run JW out of town. If this team had a decent running back, JW would have to throw so much to keep this team in games. They can’t even remotely run a 4min drill.
The fact that this team can’t run the ball and the defense gave up so many points the first part of the season is why JW has to throw so much.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:16 pm
2015 Bucs:
Total Rushing Yards: 2,144 | 134/game
*Including 213 yards from Jameis
RBs (Martin & Sims) Receiving yards: 832 | 52/game
————————————————————
2019 Bucs (*14 games)
Total Rushing Yards: 1,217 | 86.93/game
*Including 229 yards from Jameis
RBs (Jones & Barber) Receiving yards: 357 | 25.5/game
————————————————————
Jameis is only throwing about 6 more passes per game compared to 2015 yet he’s thrown 9 more picks over two fewer games.
Granted the Bucs finished 6-10 in 2015…
But can you imagine a running game like that (plus the RB’s contribution to the passing game), plus the improving Jameis Winston?
I guess what I’m trying to say is…
Let’s run the freaking ball!!!
Give Jameis’ more help here as he’s maturing in his career.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Why have a running game? In this offense, being able to get 4 yds on 1st down consistently holds linebackers and makes execution of the play action pass less problematic .
Other than NE and perhaps KC, the better teams can run it some…
December 15th, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Our o-line pass blocked we’ll today, but I saw 0 push when run blocking. It’s not all on our less than average running backs.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:29 pm
Brandon
I’m sorry, last time I checked football was played on offense AND defense.
Would you like me to pull out the numbers of Jason Lichts handpicked Bucs defense throughout the years?
I bet you wouldn’t cause it you made you look bad.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Did I say that Licht hasn’t picked a good offense? Never said that. But there are still way too many holes on the offensive side of the ball.
1- O line
2- No running game.
Special teams and defense are Jason Lichts primary problems but let’s just go ahead and brush those off cause the Bucs are good on offense. No big deal.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:33 pm
It would be nice to have a strong run game. It might be better to have a fast run game.
To have either we need more depth on the O-line. First and second round, maybe even third. That is if Brad Delpit is already gone.
Third or fourth round find another safety. Then get a QB with an attitude for falling so far, then get a runner. One of those little fast runners might be best, given the Bucs penchant for running on every first down.
I don’t have a lot of faith in Licht picking NFL runners. A little guy will always have been told he was too small for football, so he will give it everything he has.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:35 pm
Anonymous Says:
December 15th, 2019 at 4:41 pm
It’s the blocking, Joe.
__________________________________________
Ding Ding Ding.
They rarely get any push. And when they do, you actually see Barber and Jones pick up yards. Funny how that works…
December 15th, 2019 at 5:36 pm
DB55 is a Jameis Basher. The Almighty Famous Jameis Winston has won 4 in a row and 5 of the last 6. America’s QB, Famous Jameis Winston is also breaking records. It must really grind your gears that he’s doing so well in life and at QBing the Bucs. Suck it hater!
December 15th, 2019 at 5:36 pm
DB55 is a Jameis Basher. The Almighty Famous Jameis Winston has won 4 in a row and 5 of the last 6. America’s QB, Famous Jameis Winston is also breaking records. It must really grind your gears that he’s doing so well in life and at QBing the Bucs.
December 15th, 2019 at 5:37 pm
DB five five is a Jameis Basher. The Almighty Famous Jameis Winston has won 4 in a row and 5 of the last 6. America’s QB, Famous Jameis Winston is also breaking records. It must really grind your gears that he’s doing so well in life and at QBing the Bucs. Suck it hater!
December 15th, 2019 at 5:39 pm
Rod It sounds like your trying to tell me the Bucs offense would worse with better running backs.
December 15th, 2019 at 6:11 pm
We need a good offensive line coach. Unfortunately, all the good ones are taken.
December 15th, 2019 at 6:19 pm
Playoffs are coming up, NOT the Wild Card BS, watch all those teams will have strong running games as a result of STRONG OL’s…even in today’s passing NFL…being able to run the ball better than your opponent is a HUGE advantage and you will see this into the last game of the year…Super Bowl
December 15th, 2019 at 6:23 pm
The Oline got slammed on most every running play….I don’t blame the RBs…..
The only person that ever really has a hole is Jameis.
December 15th, 2019 at 6:38 pm
DB55 Payton had hall of famers in his back field and still had over a 120 turnovers. It’s just that Payton had the national media backing him that’s why all his turnovers were ok for him . They got mad when they found out that Payton and Jamies numbers were the exact same. Go bucs….
December 15th, 2019 at 6:53 pm
Rod Munch Says:
December 15th, 2019 at 4:59 pm
JimmyJack – I think a Marino like run would do wonders for the city. The excitement with the Bucs between 1997 and 2002 was insane. After 2002 it wasn’t nearly as much fun as Gruden destroyed the team. In any case the run, the excitement, the year in year out feeling you can make a run – if we can get back to that point, wow.
Rod thank you, glad I am not the only one that thinks Gruden destroyed our team.
December 15th, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Hey Rod the Rams currently have 13 yards rushing while the Cowboys have 200+……
The score is 7-34.
So tell me again how the running game isn’t important? It’s the NFL not the NCAA
December 15th, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Dump Ronald the suckmaster Jones, pay David Johnson (when he’s released) a decent but not stupid contract, and keep Peyton Barber. I’m good with that.
December 15th, 2019 at 7:53 pm
Tbbucs3 – Gurley is what, the 2nd highest paid RB in football. That’s a ton of resources put into the running game.
December 15th, 2019 at 8:06 pm
It is hard to say what would happen. The Bucs system is pass first to setup the run (if they actually remember to run).
My guess is Winston’s turnover rate would drop to what it has historically been (which is only slightly higher than the league average) and the Bucs would put up less points but also get scored on less.
December 15th, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Having a strong running game is a must for January playoff games with bad weather. We might be playing at Green Bay or Philly next year in a snowstorm.
December 15th, 2019 at 11:33 pm
Jcscycles – The Bucs 2002 team had 49 rushing yards on the road against the Eagles in the NFC Championship game.
December 16th, 2019 at 9:32 am
Heres the issue.. Winston steps to the line, sees a light box on early downs with the safeties playing back. He checks into a run and the Bucs get, anywhere from -2 to 3 yards. Now imagine that is 5-7 yards. This is what changes. Also, want to know why the LB’s are the guys always picking Jameis… They don’t honor the run
December 18th, 2019 at 11:12 am
I was an ardant Winston supporter until the London game this year but he has swayed me back to his side. I said all along he needs a run game and I thought Jones was the answer. I think with this line that is adequate at pass blocking but below average run blocking we need a dynamic back (yes Doug Martin was that for at least a year or two) like the kid from Clemson (Atien I think is his name) or the back from Ohio State. What that means is spending a number one on a running back which has been a sin for GM’s of late. We can gamble but either that or bring in a high priced FA and I dont see that happening and no David Johnson wont get it done we need someone in the Dalvin Cook mold. Time will tell…..