Fresh Start For Ke’Shawn Vaughn
July 19th, 2023
Bucs RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
“We really like Ke’Shawn [Vaughn]. We’ve always liked Ke’Shawn. I know he’s been with us for three years, but he really hasn’t gotten opportunities. When he has, he’s done some good things.”
— Bucs GM Jason Licht.
When Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht spoke the highlighted words above at the combine before the TV klieglights of NFL Network, BSPN, FOX Sports, CBS, NFL Network, Peacock and SiriusXM NFL Radio, NFL broadcast partners all, it really got the attention of Bucs fourth-year running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn back in Florida.
“It means he believes in me,” Vaughn told Joe during underwear football season about Licht’s remarks from the combine. “He still believes that I still should have opportunities, should get the opportunities.
“That’s him believing in me. Made me feel good. Made me fell like I am welcome here.”
All Vaughn wanted was more chances to prove himself, a few more touches. Joe spoke with Vaughn off the record a few times last year and Joe knew Vaughn was growing frustrated. But you know what, he didn’t bellyache. He was a pro.
Vaughn just put his head down and worked, hoping it would pay off. It seems like that time is around the corner.
With SpongeBob gone, new Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales takes over. And Vaughn has a clean slate in a new offense with a young energic coach.
And it seemed Canales’ enthusiasm is rubbing off on Vaughn.
“That’s what I am hoping for,” Vaughn said. “New offensive coordinator. New running backs coach. Fresh legs to run with. I want to take advantage of this offense.”
Vaughn hasn’t had that many chances as Licht referenced in front of thousands of #NFLMedia in Indianapolis. Drafted in 2020, Vaughn has played in two playoff games and had success in the postseason.
He had four carries against Washington in the wild-card game in 2020 and averaged 4.2 yards a carry.
A year later against one of the NFL’s best defenses playing Philadelphia, Vaughn had 17 carries — his career-high and even scored a touchdown, finishing with 53 yards.
Vaughn hopes that’s the sort of production he can provide in this new Bucs offense.
“I think it kind of fits where I am at,” Vaughn said. “Playing-style wise and the run game, the pass game. I kind of like the tempo. Lot of less thinking, more doing.”
And while he admits what Licht said at the combine really gave him a boost of confidence, he’s not fooled into thinking he’s a lock to start much less make the roster.
“I know things aren’t going to be handed to me,” Vaughn said. “I still have to work for it.”
July 19th, 2023 at 5:21 am
It would be awesome to see him get more touches and become successful. It certainly would show Lefty had no idea what he was doing. But why didn’t BA use him more?
July 19th, 2023 at 6:02 am
Vaughn has had a couple of good games, but is the definition of a JAG, IMO.
July 19th, 2023 at 6:17 am
We are going to run the ball. Brady, Arians, and mostly Leftwich are gone. We’re not throwing it 40 per a game anymore. This is going to be old Buc ball. Play great D, and set the tempo of the game on offense by running the ball effectively. Our O line was put together this year to run block. That’s why Mauch, Goedeke will be fine, they’ll be coming at you. Mauch pulling to the left with 345 lb Wirfs leading the way? Get ready.
July 19th, 2023 at 6:25 am
Jason has an issue eating crow. It’s okay to F-up JL….just learn and move on. Vaughn is too small, prone to fumbling in practice, along with too ignorant to learn the playbook. Not to mention, he can’t pick up a blitz in pass blocking. Brady refused to have him on the field unless the original play was designed for him.
July 19th, 2023 at 6:48 am
If the Bucs can somehow scratch up enough money to sign Kareem Hunt, I would feel alot better about the running back room ( Evans new contract? )I’d immediately drop a pile of cash on the over.
July 19th, 2023 at 7:45 am
Fishhawkbuc.. Let me guess. You are the water boy for the team that has all this inside information? Please tell us all . If he is that bad why are they keeping him if he can’t learn the playbook?
July 19th, 2023 at 8:26 am
He didn’t play much because he wasn’t great at pass blocking, and in Lord Brady’s offense, Brady would rather have a guard in the backfield than a RB if it meant he’d get better protection. That’s why Lenny was back there. He looked and ran like an offensive guard last year.
July 19th, 2023 at 8:40 am
I am very excited to see Vaughn get his opportunity as our #2 back here in Tampa. I hope he gets his 12 touches a game just behind White, with Edmunds getting his share. Keep on keeping on Keshawn Vaughn, when your number gets called. I am confident you will use your chance to show up on the eye in the sky and lights on the scoreboard, making Gene say Vaughn into the End Zone!! FIRE THOSE CANONS!!! Touchdown TAMPA BAY!!!!
I do hope we get to see Tucker in a throwback uniform. But for me at this point, we have our RBs #1-2-3, hopefully, four with Tucker. Both Brown and Laired to PS. No need for Hunt or Cook, and the pay they want and their lack of being in the New Offense. We see what we have in the backfield in a run-friendly Offense. No current or future cap money was lost.
GO!!!!!VAUGHN!!!!!GO!!!!!BUCS!!!!!
July 19th, 2023 at 8:56 am
From my point of view I can see a dynamic run game.
Zone scheme. Catches out of the backfield….
White will be the 1*. But I see him getting 12-15 carries and 3 or 4 targets per game.
I think that will leave another 10-15 touches again for the other backs.
Tucker and Vaughn will battle for the bulk of those and Edmonds might get a few 2 minute drill or passing down touches.
Vaughn will likely not be resigned next year unless on a minimum deal. Tucker will insert himself as the number 2.
He looks that good. We have so e depth for injury as all 3 can catch out of the backfield as well.
While we won’t have a top 10 RB overall this season I think as a unit we should be able to achieve middle of the back rankings with a better scheme and a healthier more athletic line and QB this year.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:04 am
Hey Joe, check out photo 81, of the Bucs 2023 Asset Shoot. This should be a photo you reuse.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:33 am
My last name is Tucker, so guess who I am rooting for ?
I am not a fan of Keyshawn Vaughn at all.
I hope he proves me wrong of course because it is far more important that the Team does well, then proving me right.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:38 am
@ Joe in Mich
I agree.
Sneak = JAG.
July 19th, 2023 at 9:48 am
Seattle seemed to run well no matter who their backs have been. Hopefule this scheme generates those type of results. If it works out we could see a couple successful backs.
July 19th, 2023 at 10:31 am
The issue with Vaughn was never his running ability. So far he hasn’t shown himself to be a three down running back. He wasn’t great at picking up blitzes. I don’t think the team was high on his passing routes or his ability to catch. So in a Tom Brady backfield he just didn’t fit in a play action offense. If Vaughn was in the backfield you knew it was a run play. That was the only reason to have him on the field. His skillset just didn’t fit with the offense Leftwhich ran. Im sure Vaughn has come along way with his pass catching abilities and picking up blitzes. I’m encouraged by Vaughn’ s comments. This is probably the first time an offensive coordinator has designed plays to his strengths. It’s just stunning how bad the offensive coordinator was last year. Leftwhich was either too stubborn to change his approach to running the ball. Or Leftwhich was mentally at a loss with the running game . Either way it’s the same result. I feel Leftwhich was just stubborn. He just had two years of outstanding offensive play. He was personally very confident in his offensive scheme. So I believe Leftwhich wasn’t going to change anything. These running backs were expected to be productive in the worst situation possible. Defenses knew Tom Brady was throwing short passes to get the ball out quickly. Which allowed defenses keep everything in front of them in pass defense and have an aggressive downhill attack against the run.
July 19th, 2023 at 11:39 am
According to Sean Sullivan we are decent in the backfield with some of these UDFA we picked up. Apparently we have talent, but I am of course skeptical.
No we do not need a Kareem hunt on our team, we need to find the diamond in the rough like Hunt was many years ago
July 19th, 2023 at 11:41 am
You guys are crazy. Vaughn is a better back then he’s given credit for. More than just a guy. I think he’ll surprise some people this year with production.
Honestly though not sure Bucs have any super stars in the RB room. They might have a couple of guys who if used right will get the Bucs bonafide production. That’s my expectation. No reason a tandem attack of White and Vaughn can’t be credible.
July 19th, 2023 at 12:27 pm
I’m hoping White and Vaughn will be as good as Chubb and Hunt
July 19th, 2023 at 2:16 pm
Ke-Shawn Vaughn is the Kyle Trask of the RB room. He’ll get a chance to show what he can do. Question is ‘Can he take advantage of it?’ Gonna be interesting finding out.
July 19th, 2023 at 2:16 pm
As long as he doesn’t come to camp 15 lbs over weight like Lasagna Lenny did last year he should be alright. His college highlights in the SEC were top shelf
July 19th, 2023 at 7:08 pm
My problem with Vaughn is that he looks like Ronald Jones taught him the ropes in the receiving game, not exactly soft hands for the most part.
Best of luck to him, if he can do it, great.
July 19th, 2023 at 8:40 pm
look its hard to be high or low on him as our line is awful.
actually feel bad for him
July 20th, 2023 at 7:36 am
Given opportunity, talent will prevail. Keep Grinding KeShawn.
Go Bucs!
July 21st, 2023 at 1:55 am
@ DBS – I was going to say the same thing about Fishhawk . Definitely one of the dumbest comments of the month ! Go Bucs