Bruce Arians: RoJo Only Needed “Confidence”
February 4th, 2021
Fixed RoJo.
Man, Joe wonders what the hell Dirk Koetter’s staff did to RoJo to mess his mind up this bad?
Bucs running back Ronald Jones sure screamed “bust.” His first years was awful, and when you searched Pro-Football-Reference.com to come up with running backs this century who had so few yards in their first two seasons, it was a truly gruesome list.
Joe had zero hope. And then, boom! RoJo busts out. He should have had 1,000 yards.
Someone had to make sure they got their roomie a bonus though. Hey, it’s all about who you know, you know?
Today in his Super Bowl LV media session, Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians was asked about running backs coach Todd McNair. Basically, Arians gave McNair all the credit for salvaging RoJo’s career.
McNair was once a running backs coach at USC, where RoJo went to school. As a result, the two hit it off right away and RoJo broke out.
“Todd was with me in Cleveland,” Arians said. “Heck of a running back. Played for me in Kansas City. Knows exactly how I want things taught and how to teach him. I was really happy to get him back in.
“He does a great job, especially with RoJo, being an SC guy they hit it right off. He gave [RoJo] a lot of confidence. That’s all Ronald needed. He didn’t have any confidence.”
Why would a second-round pick have his confidence that shot? Joe can only think that either RoJo had issues when he was drafted, or his head was fully screwed with by someone on Koetter’s staff.
February 4th, 2021 at 3:37 pm
another reason koetter was a terrible coach yet gets a ton of glory for one nine-win season. jameis probably killed his career anyways
February 4th, 2021 at 3:42 pm
Licht best acquisition ARIANS!
The rest is history.
Coaching, coaching, coaching has turned this franchise around. And I still believe there is outstanding communication between the coaching staff and Licht’s staff. Licht has become as confident as Rojo with Arians by his side.
Go Bucs!!!
February 4th, 2021 at 3:54 pm
Mike Smith.
February 4th, 2021 at 4:00 pm
mike smith was terrible as were so many players but it is on him to hire competent coaches and understand when something is going wrong and he clearly didnt.
February 4th, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Mike Smith should’ve been gone after the 2017 season. I mean for god sake, Trubisky looked like Brady in that 2018 week 4 matchup against us! That game still haunts me to this day!!!
February 4th, 2021 at 4:05 pm
Continually disparaging Rojo for his 2nd year……
Do I have to remind everyone that he simply didn’t get enough carries…
His 4.2 ypc average @ 15 carries per game would have been 1008 yards….
So…yes…his first year was horrible….but not year two….
February 4th, 2021 at 4:50 pm
Koetter had his head up his arse when it comes to talent. Remember he had Cappa riding the bench as well. Thankfully Arians resurrected both from the ashes. I am sure Jason is happy as well.
February 4th, 2021 at 5:11 pm
He just needed to be allowed to do what he does best.
Let Rojo Run!
February 4th, 2021 at 5:16 pm
I think the 978 was more about Brady wanting to get 40 touchdown passes than it was Brown getting his 250
February 4th, 2021 at 6:07 pm
Dirk didn’t need help ruining his career here as a hc. He did a fine job of that.
February 4th, 2021 at 6:21 pm
I never called Rojo a bust. Thought Smith and Koetter were busts…but that aside. Rojo could have easily had 1000 yards, but didn’t play some games because he was quarantined. He is a young guy, not even yet in his prime. Maybe falling a little short will spur him on to continued commitment for improvement, and greater achievements in the future. These coaches know where his head is at.
February 4th, 2021 at 7:31 pm
Dirk Koetter, is a decent guy and a good Offensive Coordinator. But as a Head Coach in the NFL no, not a good fit. With Rojo, it is not about talent, he has plenty of that. Glad to see Rojo has good coaching. At the same time, it is all about where his mind is. Confident or thinking on negative stuff. The bottom line is your attitude determines your altitude. Again Rojo has the talent to be a consistently good RB in the NFL. GO BUCS!!!!
February 4th, 2021 at 9:09 pm
Rojo had his self image revamped under Tod McNair in his second year. Then he totally remade himself and bulked up during his off season at home with a helluva program. His third year in the league (and second year under BA) shows what a difference superior coaching can make.
February 5th, 2021 at 7:41 am
Correct me if I’m wrong here. But Koetter wouldn’t let running backs that played for him actually run the ball until the back showed he knew his blocking assignments and could successfully read and pick up blitzes. If you tell a running back that blocking and picking up the blitz takes priority over running the football. Then the running back might say why am I even here? What’s the point? That would screw up anyone’s confidence. My coach doesn’t believe in me and my main talent the reason I’m here isn’t valued. Not to mention defenses at the time could read if we were going to run or pass by which running back was in the game.