Rethinking Ronald Jones
July 13th, 2020
Not awful in pass game
Joe has been clear: Bucs running backs are below average and the team does not have a No. 1 back.
When your best back has never had 750 yards rushing in a season and is not even considered a top-40 running back, what are we talking about here?
Yes, Joe is writing about Ronald Jones.
Now Joe has argued for years the Bucs have needed help in the backfield, but the team sees something in its running backs no one else can see. In Joe’s eyes, running back is the lone major weakness on the team.
Shoot, Joe remembers one of the very few (maybe the only) times Bucco Bruce Arians snapped at a reporter was when in training camp last year Arians was asked about his “subpar running backs.”
So Joe recently read Jenna Laine’s writeup on ESPN about the Bucs and she mentioned how RoJo shouldn’t be a primary third-down back, in part because he is not a “natural pass-catcher.”
OK, Joe will buy her analysis of Jones’ pass-catching. After all, Arians himself said third down is not for RoJo. But it is not like the Bucs have Marshall Faulk on the bench behind him. (Joe doesn’t know about rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn because Joe has never seen him wear a Bucs jersey yet. You?).
So recently Joe’s research found that RoJo had 303 yards in YAC (yards after catch) last year. That’s not overly fantastic (No. 57 in NFL). However, if you break down RoJo’s YAC per catch, it’s damn near 10 yards a catch. That’s very impressive for a running back.
The way RoJo can get yards after the catch, Joe would be more inclined to see RoJo out there on passing downs more often. He may not be a “natural pass-catcher” as Laine states, but so what if he can get that kind of production.
Joe fully embraces Laine’s contention that the Bucs needed to make one more move at running back to bring in a veteran. Joe’s been pounding that drum since the end of last season.
July 13th, 2020 at 4:34 pm
ROJO has caught more than 77% of the passes thrown his way. I’d say that isn’t half bad. He also had a stacked box looking at him on *every* running play and still averaged 4.2 per carry. those numbers could possibly be considerably better if a few 40 plus yard runs hadn’t been called back on penalties.
With a different style of play from the QB position, he may well truly ‘breakout’ this season.
July 13th, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Not sure about that. Bucs saw some of the fewest stacked boxes in the NFL last year.
So you are saying defensive coordinators pizzed in their pants when a guy who never ran for 100 yards his rookie year stepped onto the field so they had to go to a stacked box despite all the passing weapons Jameis had and how Arians likes to air it out all the time?
This all seems very strange to Joe.
July 13th, 2020 at 4:42 pm
She is absolutely correct . Rojo does not have natural pass catching abilities, most running backs don’t . They for the most part receive passes that are “easy” to catch . While those catches may not be easy at first to a unnatural pass catcher , but eventually they will be . He has physical tools and he has natural running abilities though , and that’s all that matters after that easy catch .
July 13th, 2020 at 4:43 pm
*YAWN*
July 13th, 2020 at 4:56 pm
I believe ROJO will be the epitome of a “late bloomer.” The improvement from year 1 to year 2 was very encouraging. Plus, didn’t he have a 7 catch game last year?
July 13th, 2020 at 5:05 pm
Ronald Jones faced a stacked box on 26% of his carries, which put him at 14th out of the 48 running backs last season with at least 100 carries. Peyton Barber faced a stacked his 33% of the time, putting him at 8th out of 48.
The issue was playcalling. Defensive coordinators knew (based on formation and game script) when rushes were coming, so they smartly stacked the box against it. Barber was unable to find or create space, but RoJo was.
RoJo will only be better in year 3, remember he’s only 22!
All the talk about all of running backs is tired and inaccurate. Analytics show over and over again that any decent running back given good opportunities can produce. And we’ve seen supposedly good running backs have down years (recent examples: Bell, Gurley, Gordon) when their offenses don’t afford them good opportunities.
Byron still figuring out playcalling. Tom Brady will be the fix. Go Bucs!
July 13th, 2020 at 5:20 pm
LOL Joe directly asked Leftwich about that. Let’s just say Lefty did NOT like that question.
(Peyton Barber up the middle. smh)
Joe has been saying this over and over on Ira’s pod. Just get a decent back in here that can break tackles and who, on occasion, can make his own space. A running back with vision is a wonderful thing.
July 13th, 2020 at 5:27 pm
My main point was that, with a different style of play from our QB, opposing defenses will not be able to make us ‘one dimensional’. Last year, they were inviting us to throw in an effort to collect some candy.
This will be a different year in many ways.
July 13th, 2020 at 5:43 pm
Gp, JW led the league in rardage was 2nd in TDs. Trust me defenses were focusing on the pass because they were lighting it up last year. You can be a hater and throw jabs at JW, but try to be more accurate when you troll him.
July 13th, 2020 at 6:11 pm
Rojo’s out there practicing with Brady. Shows he’s committed. Might be a nice surprise this year.
July 13th, 2020 at 6:17 pm
Agree with those that are not quite ready to give up on Ronald Jones just yet.
July 13th, 2020 at 6:18 pm
RoJo will play his 3rd season as a 22 year old. Pass pro will have have to improve to see the field on 3rd down.
July 13th, 2020 at 6:18 pm
Rojo was the best back in college when he was drafted for yards gained after reaching the second level. The guy has a ton of talent but the coaches are not allowing him to go through the growing pains. Dare should stay off the field and give them to ROJO
July 13th, 2020 at 6:23 pm
BradyBunch
Not as much hating on Jameis as pointing out that our offensive tendencies were known and taken advantage of. Led in yardage and second in touchdowns and yet a losing season. Yes, the defense took a while to click and the kicking was bad, but, every defense looks forward to turnovers and we gave out far more because of the way they played us.
Again, trying to make it clear…
A less predictable offense will open opportunities for some players to excel as opposed to last years numbers.
BTW, when JW was our QB I supported him and my past posts will confirm that.
He’s NOT our QB anymore, No longer concerned one way or the other. Save his name for the next time he starts against us. Then I’ll be happy to talk about him again. No hate, he’s just not on my team anymore. Done.
July 13th, 2020 at 6:25 pm
He also had a stacked box looking at him on *every* running play and still averaged 4.2 per carry.
Not sure about that. Bucs saw some of the fewest stacked boxes in the NFL last year.
So you are saying defensive coordinators pizzed in their pants when a guy who never ran for 100 yards his rookie year stepped onto the field so they had to go to a stacked box despite all the passing weapons Jameis had and how Arians likes to air it out all the time?
This all seems very strange to Joe.
The boxes were stacked early in the season (first 8 weeks) when every first down was a run up the middle and when every other run was a run up the middle. They didnt even start using the backs in the passing game until a few games in and the offense just looked out of sync (something Arians NEVER had issies with in his offenses when he was the one coaching the offense and calling the plays)
When defense know what is coming they dont need to stack the box they can disguise the coverage to make it appear they will drop back and then crowd the box after the snap. Brady taking over the offense will rid the team of Leftwiches inability to coach effectively and make the running game thrive.So many teams take average rbs and make them household names.It was the offensive coaching and just like Koetter wouldnt throw smitty under the bus Arians wont do it to Leftwich ( not directly anyway ) which is why Tom was the perfect hire. It fixed the lack of coaching without actually having to demote his pal.
Running game will be fine as long as they have a training camp
July 13th, 2020 at 7:40 pm
I am hoping that our passing will be so good, that it will set up the run.
July 13th, 2020 at 7:54 pm
It is a matter of trust, I believe that the running backs will be put in better positions to catch the ball with more space and vision of the field. As Brady is much better at moving the ball in relationship to what the defense gives, all our running backs should benefit from him managing the field better. They need to focus on their assignments and trust in the system in place and they will have opportunities in open areas to catch the ball. Brady makes the players around him better, they just need to watch his back and trust what is in place and they will excel. All they need is a clam mind and quick feet and everything will fall into place.
July 13th, 2020 at 8:06 pm
Brady won’t rifle a pass to a RB 5 yards in front of him. Some touch will be nice to see.
July 13th, 2020 at 8:28 pm
Arians has said that ROJO is “his guy” but was benched last year for missing blocking assignments.
Licht has said he expects a big leap in production from ROJO this year.
ROJO has the talent, but he has to execute all the responsibilities of an NFL RB.
It’s up to him.
I expect a big year.
July 13th, 2020 at 9:20 pm
Rojo is a beast-in-waiting.
He has Elite skills and elusiveness.
He is definitely a #1 Rb.
July 13th, 2020 at 9:35 pm
Agreed @ Erik W Hesson
July 13th, 2020 at 9:37 pm
@smoothbayrider
Agree completely with your point with perhaps one very small difference in detail.
As you and Jenna point out ROJO is a “natural” receiver but he doesn’t have hands of stone. 77% catch % is ahead of backs like Gordon and Johnson.
But as you point out Smooth RB’s are not generally “great” pass catchers but adequate enough to catch a soft swing pass…ROJO did that well.
My only point to pick was IMO ROJO had not developed his hands at SC and it showed his rookie year. It “seemed” to me that he must have worked on his hands his first off season because he seemed more confidant last year. I think he improved significantly.
July 13th, 2020 at 9:38 pm
oops….NOT a natural receiver
July 13th, 2020 at 11:21 pm
@Joe
So frustrating as religious Sunday TV fan for last 5 years – screaming – “WHY – WHY -WHY?!” during such PREDICTABLE play-calling runs up the clogged middle – with Barber. And then there is Dare Omghelpme. And we ignored RoJo – Maybe Rojo cannot block a wet-paper bag, who knows? But the whole situation has been BAADDD and so frustrating to witness.
The RB conundrum at OBP for last fews years is joke. JL passed on drafting Dalvin Cook —TWICE!!!! Was worried about Dalvin’s “past”. 4 yrs later, Cook is model citizen. Good call to draft brick-handed OJ, Jason!
Perhaps the new kid (RB) from Vandy will be amazing. I hope so….Brady relies on RB. Then again, Brady has never had the WR/TE talent afforded to him on Bucs. All Brady needs is blocking for 2.4 seconds….. Shazam! Super Bowl!
Whatever the formula is for 2020 Super Bowl – Go Bucs!
July 13th, 2020 at 11:23 pm
@Joe – Correction – been Bucs TV fan for 20+ years. Was referencing the last 5 years, regarding RB fails…
July 14th, 2020 at 12:43 am
RoJo will get his carries but I think Vaughn can be a stud. He was a 3 down back, playing for a below par team in the SEC, and still put up really good numbers. Bringing in a vet would still be a wise move imo. Isn’t Lamar Miller still unsigned?
July 14th, 2020 at 3:13 am
Nice article and I agree with you Joe’s about our woeful (until proven otherwise) running back situation. Rojo was electric in college and Vaughn from the highlights that I’ve seen looks like he’ll be solid at worst, but I’d feel better having a runner that has proven that he can be a good starter.
July 14th, 2020 at 6:41 am
Fascinating…
July 14th, 2020 at 10:43 am
Rojo is still very young. Yes, that YAC stat you posted last week jumped off the page. I’d like to see him get more opportunities in the passing game.
July 14th, 2020 at 3:45 pm
not used enough
watch the arizona game he caught i think 3 passes and the YAC was good
he had 1000 yds from Rush 724 REc 309
that’s good
also they brought competition this year.
July 15th, 2020 at 9:30 am
@Joe
I don’t know how much weight this will carry with you guys but Madden just gave Ronald Jones an overall rating of 91. Maybe they know something that we don’t. It could also be the Brady effect.
July 15th, 2020 at 12:02 pm
Get:
It holds zero weight.