On Sunday, Tom Brady Was Your Bucs Leading Rusher
September 27th, 2021
Sad numbers.
This is going to get people really peeved at Joe and this next paragraph is squarely directed at those about to get their briefs bunched up.
The top two Bucs running backs are getting paid millions of dollars to produce while running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. And they got out-rushed by a 44-year old man who is about as mobile as Joe’s chicken-wing-stained, Bromosa-soaked recliner.
This is absolutely unacceptable.
Ronald Jones had 11 yards on five carries yesterday. That even makes Peyton Barber wince in pain. Playoff Lenny had eight yards on four carries.
You cannot be serious?
Tom Brady led the Bucs with 14 yards on 3 carries — Tom Brady!
Can you imagine?
Don’t give Joe this nonsense that the Bucs didn’t run enough for those guys to get into a rhythm. Stop! Two yards a carry behind the Bucs’ offensive line? Really? You can get two yards behind this offensive line just by falling forward.
C’mon, Playoff Lenny. Joe loves ya’ but this is simply not getting the job done. Joe knows you want to be The Guy but averaging two yards a carry you will get you on The Bench.
RoJo? This coaching staff has been working on your head and your psyche and your confidence going on three years. Enough! Either grow a pair and grow up and produce or tell the Bucs you want out and maybe Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht can get a third-string cornerback for you.
Joe’s done hearing about RoJo’s mental funks.
Joe likes both of these guys but there is no excuse in such a big game as yesterday for them to be so unproductive unless there are hidden injuries.
To be fair, Joe will give them slack for being asked to run up the middle on first down so often. If a drunk in a bar knows the Bucs will run up the middle on first down, imagine how Rams linebackers reacted?
Don’t like what Joe just wrote? Well, guess what? The Bucs’ running backs have the opportunity to change this narrative. Joe doesn’t.
For those steamed, where is Joe wrong here?
September 27th, 2021 at 6:05 am
Arians said they abandoned the run early in the game because the secondary was getting torched.
September 27th, 2021 at 6:23 am
Joe is wrong by thinking Bucs RB’s can run through a wall of unblocked waiting defenders. Agree or disagree, this team’s issues are not on that side of the ball. They still have the offense to repeat.
The issue is 100% defense.
The Bucs have a total of three sacks in three games and the opposing QB rarely gets pressured. The DB’s couldn’t break up a pass thrown by Aaron Roger’s fiancé. They often look lost and confused, much like last year before the playoffs.
Yesterday, Miles Garrett had 4.5 sacks by himself!
I confess I’m not aligned with many posters here who claim to know more than all NFL coaches, but I think I can make a deduction or two based on elementary logic.
If you have young DB’s who never appear to know where they’re supposed to be, why not stick with man coverage instead of giving the opposition the chance to throw into wide open zones?
It couldn’t be any worse …
September 27th, 2021 at 6:28 am
Everything that Pete feared would happen, did. But, Pete’s the crazy one, right?
September 27th, 2021 at 6:36 am
JA- You’re not wrong about the defense. However, running the football effectively eats up clock, keeping our D on the sideline.
We have to do better in the run game. It gives balance to the offense. I mean, I just wince every time the Bucs throw the run game out the window. It becomes quite predictable.
And say what you want about the play-calling but, a competent back should do better than 2 yards!
Lastly, it is a known FACT that the percentages for mistakes go up exponentially when a QB drops back 40+ times. You know what helps this?!
September 27th, 2021 at 6:37 am
Lenny the bad blood in the rb room . He should’ve never started this game to begin with as he’s had turnovers in every game this season & is going unmentioned. Soon as Rojo got in the offense looked a lil better. Rojo has to get out of his own way . Neither one should be here next season unless it’s Rojo waking up .
GoBucs!
September 27th, 2021 at 6:41 am
Ever hear of ‘setting up the run with the passing game’? Why do the Bucs insist on running up the middle on first down? 2nd down & 8 to go is killing drives!
September 27th, 2021 at 6:45 am
we can try to analyze, or sooth ourselves that this was JUST one game, or get real and accept the bitter fact the the “Buccaneers Experiment” is done.
It worked for one season, but was short and over.
Was not one game, preseason and the first two got flags all over.
bringing back 22 maybe was a fatal mistake, everyone reach a peak, not everyone can repeat that. Look at the pass rushing…gone to non existence.
D was not good last year, this year is just BAD. Coaching getting out match, but not only they keep the job, but get contract extension (like DC)…
we were hoping for one more year, well I don’t think we going to get it.
“Buccaneers Experiment” is toward the end.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:01 am
This is on the coaching staff-
Apparently, they spend more time figuring out how to shift the RB’s into WR position then they do figuring out a scheme that the opponent can’t read immediately.
Every time they run, the opponent’s LB’s and Safety read it immediately- OLine has no chance and neither do RB’s.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:04 am
One of the best lines at pass blocking…maybe. Guys cant get any push this season. Rams played harder and were the aggressors. Tip your cap. Time to get em ready for the next one
September 27th, 2021 at 7:04 am
Anon so if we are getting torched wouldn’t we want to control the ball by running the ball and eating up clock?? Not give it right back to them so can score over and over again!
September 27th, 2021 at 7:08 am
Why not have Fournette or RoJo lateral back to Brady after getting the handoff?- the middle zone will be wide open and that would keep the opponent’s LB’s honest.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:19 am
Yes, the running game is not good, as it is for many teams as they take advantage of the rules against defending the pass and hitting receivers (what the NFL wants). Bigger concern is the number of penalties against this team and the critical timing of them.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:24 am
Let that stat sink in for a moment…. that is just tragic.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:26 am
Our so called play makers on defense just aren’t making any plays. It’s really simple as that. Third down is the money down, yesterday our D came up flat broke. The running game is not very creative, Lefty, and Goodwin are going to have to change that. I wouldn’t hold my breath. This is a pass first team that relies on the run only to set up the pass. That’s why you don’t see a creative run scheme. Bucs really don’t care if they get 1 yard up the middle, because they just want to set up play action. It’s funny how BL scripts his first 15 plays, but every week the first play is a hand off up the middle that goes nowhere, from then on it’s bombs away. Teams have caught on to our defensive, and offensive scheme. It’s up to the coaching staff to shake things up. Everything we did last year needs to be tweaked.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:34 am
“Joe will give them slack for being asked to run up the middle on first down so often. If a drunk in a bar knows the Bucs will run up the middle on first down, imagine how Rams linebackers reacted?”
The run plays are predictable and unimaginative! Why EVER go with an empty backfield when TB12 is so deft at play-action? Play-action on EVERY play that is a down-the-field throw!
September 27th, 2021 at 7:54 am
Troy Aikman said it best during the broadcast yesterday. With the NFL’s all-time leading rusher at their disposal, the 3xtime champion Cowboys were designed to use the pass to set up the run, and pound the rock to close out games with a lead.
The Bucs should be set up that way too. Yet instead (as Joe has noted in other posts) this OC comes out and runs the ball into 8 in the box on 1st down expecting different results every time. We tried to run at Aaron Donald! What did we think was going to happen?!
The O-line is paid millions more than the RBs to maul, and they ain’t. The OC is paid to be unpredictable to even a drunk in a bar and he ain’t either.
RB yardage is a lagging indicator – an effect, not the cause. You can be upset about it, I am too clearly, but direct your ire at the root causes.
September 27th, 2021 at 7:58 am
Nothing creative in the run game all same oh, same oh. Has Arians or BL ever heard of a Fullback? This 1st up the middle is so obvious how can it succeed? I still go back to coaching and not addressing secondary in off season.
September 27th, 2021 at 8:00 am
Who’s mad about what you wrote, Joe? It’s plainly obvious. And frankly I hope the entire offense (including BA and BL) see your words.
September 27th, 2021 at 8:01 am
Maybe the guy that lost 38k yesterday can win it back. Just wager the first play of the game will be run for 1 yard up the middle just like yesterday. Masterful job BL……..
September 27th, 2021 at 8:27 am
Just like Bucs win, any team that scores over 30 points will usually win, Bowles is not without blame.
September 27th, 2021 at 8:42 am
Gio Bernard had the best game of any Bucs RB. Maybe Vaughn can step in and do better than Fournette, who looks awfully slow and indecisive. Bucs need to play the hungriest guys, Vaughn can run as well as Fournette and Bernard can catch and run. If it isn’t working with Lenny and Rojo, try someone else.
Bernard made some big time plays yesterday, Rojo and Fournette? MEH.
September 27th, 2021 at 8:44 am
I said it last week, leave Jones and Fournette on the bench until it’s an obvious running situation.
I don’t think they’re bad running backs, I think Leftwich has no feel for calling plays in the running game and the offense has no rhythm because of that. Sure, Brady is completing passes and scoring points, but look at who he has to pass to. They get open because they’re that much better than the defensive backs they’re going against. It has nothing to do with a brilliant scheme.
Fournette and Jones didn’t forget how to run with a football, but no running back gets in a rhythm with four or five carries.
Just leave the running backs on the sideline and let Brady do what he wants with Bernard, Godwin, and AB handling the running back duties. Leftwich has no idea how to get the running game going and Arians is too much of an ego maniac to do anything about it.
September 27th, 2021 at 8:53 am
Humiliating.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:06 am
Time to start using Gio on 1st & 2nd downs……add the threat of a pass out of the backfield to our attack…..he can pass block & from the looks of it, he can run also.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:08 am
Part of the problem is the abandonment of the running game so quickly. Yes, the RB’s need to be held accountable. But throwing the ball 95% of the time isn’t a winning strategy. Unless you’re opponent is the Buccaneers defense of course. Time of possession is crucial to give your defense time to rest and regroup. The game plan was severely flawed from an offensive standpoint. Especially when the defense is so depleted. Outside of TB12, no one came to play, and the coaches were drunk at the wheel. Fix it it now.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:14 am
Oh, it’s early in the morning still. smh 🙁
The texts will come.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:23 am
Our run blocking AND our D line play—is it the individual PLAYERS not performing up to snuff, or have opposing coaches figured out how to defeat our schemes?
September 27th, 2021 at 9:27 am
Speaking of Barber, it was nauseating after our game seeing him pound that rock running tough yards in overtime to carry the Raiders to the game winning field goal. I know big picture it means nothing but the timing of seeing that was a kick in the sack.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:32 am
No reason to call out Lenny or Rojo in this game. No line, no runs period. LA DLine just stuffed us. Our guys aren’t going anywhere like that.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:42 am
I know the RB’s were bad except for Gio & other players didn’t look good but I blame this loss on the coaching.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:42 am
The Bucs have below average NFL RB’s. They are not dependable.
September 27th, 2021 at 9:44 am
i can’t believe it but i actually agree with BA. We were getting our ass kicked. So Bruce abandoned the run and then we were getting our ass kicked
September 27th, 2021 at 9:47 am
Why doesn’t our secondary just stand on the goal line and wait for the receivers hahahaha they’re already 7-10 yds from the line. This week the coaches need to make everyone run correct routes
September 27th, 2021 at 10:05 am
Can we cut the hypocrisy with a knife?…….Joe, or one of the Joes, is constantly complaining that we don’t need Gio to check down to when we have a basket of elite receivers…..then complains about the running game…..why run at all with all those receivers?
September 27th, 2021 at 10:09 am
Everyone needs to relax. It’s early in the season. Anyone has been paying attention the first 2 games knew they might lose this game.
There are 3 things, however, that are slightly concerning-
1. They found an offensive identity last year by running and being a play action team. Just like early last year, they are abandoning the run early and often.
2. The O line needs to step it up.
3. The pass rush needs to step it up.
September 27th, 2021 at 10:30 am
No rushing game, not even a threat of one, puts Brady’s health in jeopardy.
September 27th, 2021 at 10:35 am
Can’t blame it all on the RB’s . Their D line played better against the run than
O line did against them. Gotta give them credit they even sniffed out one the few
first down passes BL has ever called here.
September 27th, 2021 at 10:59 am
The Bucs Gameplan has just been send it up the middle and hope it works. Can Leftwich find any other creative plays or something?
I swear, the ask Madden function would find more creative run plays than Leftwich’s run it on 1st up the middle.
September 27th, 2021 at 10:59 am
Is there something wrong with Vaughn? Or maybe our coaches? If Rojo and Lenny are playing like garbage, give the kid a handful of carries. F’ing sad.
September 27th, 2021 at 11:13 am
I thought a running game didn’t mean nothing yall told me all we need is Brady . I told yall that a running game is very important but I was told that’s just a excuse for Jamies remember?? Every quarterback needs a running game regardless who the quarterback on the team.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:05 pm
Joe……..I’m not sure what you are watching. This OL may be good at protecting Brady but they SUCK at run blocking.
Though I do agree that I am about over RoJo. Sneak needs to get his chance.
Watch how Chuba Hubbard does with McCaffery out.
September 27th, 2021 at 12:44 pm
It’s 2021 and running QBs are all the rage, having your QB lead your team is rushing isn’t a big deal. Come-on, get with the times fellas.
September 27th, 2021 at 1:15 pm
clearly, trade rojo.
September 27th, 2021 at 3:43 pm
lmao
Oneil has to come here and somehow nut hug his guy Jameis winston.
Also it doesn’t we didn’t lose because the offense couldn’t do anything we lost because the defense got worked and then some.
September 27th, 2021 at 4:33 pm
Tampabus. That’s what you do with Brady and offense looked bad as well. Again when we beat the Patriots I don’t want to hear it was all Brady . Your hate for one player who once played for us has blinded you . We have the same record for the Saints and the quarterback you hate so much is playing without his starting receivers .
September 27th, 2021 at 4:55 pm
Sorry Joe I gotta call BS here a bit. A few things:
1. The Bucs offensive line is not great when when it’s early in the game and everyone with working eyeballs knows they are lining up to run. And running on first down to start the single every opening drive, AKA the Leftwich Special, is as predictable as it gets!
2. Only 4 or 5 runs over an entire game is NOTHING for an RB.
3. Don’t think playcalling + blocking is a part of the problem? Let’s break down all the run plays:
Fournette:
1st drive, 1st down- run up the gut for 1 yard. (Same play every week)
2nd drive, 1st down- run up the gut for 3 yards.
3rd drive, a run in 2nd down instead, but only for a yard (RB hit in backfield).
6th drive, 1st down run for 3 yards.
And Jones, when Leftwich finally started to mix it up:
4th drive, they throw passes the first 3 plays, and then decide to hand off to RoJo: Voila! A gain of 5 yards up the middle.
4th drive, Another run from obvious run formation- 1 yard gain (RB hit in backfield).
4th drive, 2 more runs for RoJo- 3 yards and 4 yards.
4th drive, they get into the red zone, defense subs all their run blocking guys, so we line up on first down to run up the middle for no gain (RB hit in backfield again).
And that’s it!
71 offensive plays, only 9 runs. That’s not setting up anyone for success.
September 28th, 2021 at 1:20 pm
Trying to bite my tongue regarding BL’s predictable play calling at times….ESPECIALLY with runs up the middle on first down. Here (unbelievably) is an ex-quarterback that hasn’t mastered the basic concept of calling plays that put your offense in position to be where the defense ain’t, NOT where they is!!
It isn’t like this is a new issue with him. He’s been that way since the day he arrived. AND….where pray tell is BA on this issue? Is it premature to suggest that unless this asinine predictive play calling stops, that BL be shown the door? Or, if BA is still so enamored with his protege, at least unleash Brady to change the plays at line of scrimmage, when he sees the defensive set?
Overall, I think BA is a good to potentially great HC, but his apparent stubbornness on this issue is puzzling, and I predict that BA’s continued inaction on this issue is going to shade poorly on his legacy.
September 28th, 2021 at 9:10 pm
Rod,,it is when it’s BRADY,,