Now Would Be A Good Time For Rachaad White To Play Slot Receiver
October 24th, 2024
It’s time.
Sorry, the Joe typing this here post is not won over by the (very marginally) improved running of Bucs’ third-year running back.
A good run here or there just doesn’t cut it for this Joe. Rachaad White has had 44 games to show he’s a dynamic starting running back. He just is not.
HOWEVER, and Joe has typed this repeatedly over the years, White is a fantastic receiving back. His receiving numbers are down this year but he still has juice and the moves when he gets in the open.
In the past, Joe has even hinted that the Bucs ought to use White as a slot receiver. Clearly his catching of the football is way, way, way better than his running.
So now in the Bucs’ time of need, with Mike Evans out a month or maybe longer, and Chris Godwin very likely done for the season, why not give White some spins at slot?
Before, it was a bit crazy to suggest White was a slot receiver. Godwin is one of the league’s best. So no way would anyone in their right mind try White at slot with Godwin there.
Now, Godwin is gone. Since White is such a good receiving back, it just makes all the sense in the world to have White at slot and allow Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker to split carries in the backfield.
That running back duo sure worked well in New Orleans.
The time has come. White is a proven good receiver. Jalen McMillan and, to a lesser degree Trey Palmer, not so much, though Palmer has had his moments.
October 24th, 2024 at 3:51 am
I don’t like Jalen at all. He looks pouty, he’s dropped touchdowns, he drops easy passes. I’d much rather have White than Jalen butterfingers Pouty boy. Hope I’m wrong about Jalen. I really do.
October 24th, 2024 at 4:07 am
Nah, I wouldn’t put White in the slot. Jalen is a natural slot guy. I’d move him there. SS17 and TP10 are your outside guys. Otton obviously stays put and I’d just run 2 RB sets in the back field with Buck and Tuck splitting, White can stay in the whole time or just actually do a real rotation.
October 24th, 2024 at 4:16 am
Whites always been a WR playing RB….all good, but now its time. Teaching him the routes, jukes on and off, and blocking will be the biggest hurdles. Remember, he was usually uncovered when hit with the ball from the QB.
Next man uP! Your time to shine even more Mr. White!
October 24th, 2024 at 4:51 am
Fully agree. Plus, Evans and Godwin have been true leaders guiding and mentoring White, Irving, McMillan, Tucker, … They have been involved every step of the way. Need to keep the Falcons guessing this week going in. They have been programmed to cover Mike and Chris. This puts a curve ball on the Falcons to what the Bucs coaches decide. Baker must be protected and our defense needs to step up the pressure too.
October 24th, 2024 at 4:59 am
I would put White at slot. McMillan at x and Palmer at z. I also would consider putting a TE at fullback and play smash mouth out of the iform.
October 24th, 2024 at 5:19 am
Id have to see him make contested catches. I feel he usually is catching put in the flat and not much traffic nearby. He does have great hands. I don’t think he is a slot receiver.
October 24th, 2024 at 5:22 am
IMO, White the Bucs might fill a hole at WR, but we will lose a willing blocker in pass protection. I saw White pick up a blitz in the last game where three rushers were coming unblocked for Baker. He hit one so hard that it knocked him toward the other two rushers delaying their progress. Tucker may be able to fill that role but,
I haven’t seen a lot of effort in the some of the attempts Bucky has made
in blocking assignments.
October 24th, 2024 at 5:45 am
all 3 backs on the field at once…
try it some…
white as wr…and buck and tuck in the backfield…it could wreak havoc
October 24th, 2024 at 6:03 am
Cohen needs to utilize all our assets , White can be like Deboo….
October 24th, 2024 at 6:09 am
JBF you have to be better than this…smh
This is the type of article a fan would post…similar to comments like we should’ve lined up Devin White at DE because one season he had 9 sacks. Dumb.
White’s success is predicated on him being a RB. When he becomes a receiver it’s in the form of a screen or a check down where he’s lined up against LBs not Corners, or Slot Corners. It’s scheming. Jesus, I just can’t believe I’m having to write this.
All (3) RBs bring a little something different to game plan. This could be brilliant, or I’m guessing JBFs concerns is it’s taking the ball out of the hands of the talented Bucky Irving. If Coen is worth his salt, he’ll figure out the best way to utilize these guys.
October 24th, 2024 at 6:10 am
I’m hesitant about white in the slot, because he won’t be used to getting jammed at the LoS. Plus there’s new routes to learn, and playing in traffic or outside the numbers. He’s used to getting the ball in the back field. A whole different position to learn in season is significantly harder than off season. I think he’s a terrible running running back, but that is what he is, that’s what he knows. JMac knows the slot.
October 24th, 2024 at 6:40 am
Curveball lol …..ya ok. The only Curveball is how bad this team is right now. Evans hasn’t done or been involved in anything what fantasy are you living in? Mike’s been involved in what mike does. Period. White isn’t the answer
October 24th, 2024 at 6:50 am
All I know is that JTS should play Left Out.
October 24th, 2024 at 6:52 am
Win in the trenches, I was thinking the same thing. Move him around as a utility type just like Debo. Look for Bowles to go straight conservative in this game. Between the fumble in the Falcons game and the two interceptions last game I’m guessing he’s had enough. Provided he can get the D to show up though!
October 24th, 2024 at 6:52 am
Joe, didn’t you have stats that showed that Palmer was the best (or one of the best) at creating space off the LOS? Why not put him in the slot, or perhaps alternate White and Palmer?
October 24th, 2024 at 6:57 am
Hey, why not try? It’s about getting the 11 best players out on the field that has highest likelihood of moving the ball and scoring touchdowns, right? Right!?
October 24th, 2024 at 7:02 am
Lol!!!! This is hilarious… cause RBs can just go play WR… this might be a sign as to why it’s called JoeBucs”FAN”
October 24th, 2024 at 7:08 am
We should honestly go full Army Navy. Triple option until the other team passes out. Baker, White, Buck, Tuck and Trey Palmer with his 4.3 speed. Keep JMAC and Otton as potential pass checks when you can.
October 24th, 2024 at 7:23 am
Catching a pass at or behind the line of scrimmage after the defense has turned a ran away for 2 1/2 seconds VS Lining up against against a Kenny Moore or Brian Branch.
Those Joe are like night and day and the results would be far from what you imagine could be.
Why not put him at Safety? He can already catch better than just about every DB and with Winfield closer to the line it might not be as obvious that he is coming on the rush. In the open field Winfield is not all that great one on one tacking. He left his cleats in Detroit after Gibbs faked him out of them, Granted he will catch guys at the pylon but by then it’s 1st and goal anyway.
Can he catch a kick off? With WR thin it might be better served than having one of those special teamers that are receivers go down. Best case he catches it in the end zone and Bucs start at the 30. Worse case ball hits before the goal line, goes in, and they start at the 20. If he returns it at least he will be running North instead of standing there waiting for the defense to part like the Red Sea.
October 24th, 2024 at 8:01 am
They could expand on the 2-back sets, (which would still keep open the possibility of sending him up the middle for two yards) put him in motion, etc, have him ending up where Chris would normally be
October 24th, 2024 at 8:07 am
More play action and deep throws. Hopefully, Rakim Jarrett will be back. The OL should be improving as the season progresses.
October 24th, 2024 at 8:52 am
Culprit could play slot and maybe even block a little.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:03 am
Nonsense. Much easier for some receivers to have some rushing attempts. Wide receiver has it’s own skill set. You don’t just throw a guy over there and tell him he’s a receiver now. I remember Nat Moore doing it years ago but that’s about the only guy I recall having great success. I think it makes more sense to have our wrs play wr. But good luck with your plan.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:03 am
There’s a lot more to being a slot than being able to catch the ball. I do see a very likely scenario of White and another RB being on the field at the same time a whole lot more moving forward. Get White in motion and the ball on WR screens and split wide… I just don’t know if he is nearly sudden enough to actually create separation from a DB in coverage. I kinda doubt it.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:14 am
Well Joe, it wouldn’t be the craziest thing we ever tried. I think we once traded our 1st round pick for the throwin’ Samoan.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:23 am
I like White in the slot but it would take him weeks to learn the position unless he’s been practicing it for a while. And Joe would’ve told us that if it was the case.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:36 am
I agree with Joe, White at slot reciever is a viable option
October 24th, 2024 at 9:40 am
@joe
I’ve been intrigued with the notion you propose about White playing slot. Any way to submit the question to Liam during a presser? I mean, why NOT?! The table could not be better set to justify the move … and to leverage ALL the running back studs at the same time.
Awesome idea. Your spidey senses have been spot on with this tactic.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:44 am
I agree , White would make a dangerous slot receiver. I could even see going with two tight ends and lining one up in the slot. McMillian would get killed in the slot and Palmer doesn’t seem to run good routes. No worries , I doubt stubborn Todd would even consider it. It sucks to have a head coach that just lets things happen……
October 24th, 2024 at 9:46 am
He will likely get asked about it today.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:48 am
Liam should be scheming up packages where all 3 RBs are on the field at the same time, with Otten and one WR.
Also – now is the time for Bake to tell his workout buddy Gronk, time to suit up. We need your big playful arse for a half season. Make it happen.
Oh I forgot – with Toad as team masturmind there’s no chance of that.
October 24th, 2024 at 10:02 am
Put White at slot, run what Bucky and Tucker. Even let White return punts and kickoffs, he’s better start out in the open field.
October 24th, 2024 at 10:20 am
I’ve been on board for this since the end of last year.
October 24th, 2024 at 10:43 am
Joe says: Now Would Be A Good Time For Rachaad White To Play Slot Receiver
Yes it would.
October 24th, 2024 at 11:09 am
I would just have to add, OK maybe in the Bucs offense there are complex roles for the slot receiver. Points that you can’t just put him in that position, I get that. What is obvious is that you can have White in motion and running routes as a target whether it’s from the backfield or in motion.
I recall multiple receptions he has made in his career where he was catching the ball on the move. You can lead him to spots and he is athletic enough to catch the ball like other West Coast offenses ran.
White is athletic, he played basketball in high school as well as football. He also played some free safety. He can be a versatile weapon other than just as a runner.
October 24th, 2024 at 11:23 am
It’s almost like Joe has his preconceived narrative that he’s stick to, despite facts and data dating otherwise. White has been equal to or more productive than Irving in his last 3 games played:
Week 7 vs BAL:
White – 10 rushes, 40 yards, 4.0 ypc
Irving – 9 rushes, 23 yards, 2.6 ypc
Week 5 vs ATL:
White – 10 rushes, 72 yards, 7.2 ypc
Irving – 9 rushes, 44 yards, 4.4 ypc
Week 4 vs PHI:
White – 10 rushes, 49 yards, 4.9 ypc
Irving – 10 rushes, 49 yards, 4.9 ypc
Nevermind the fact that RB and slot receiver are completely different positions. Different routes, blocking, alignments, choices based on defense alignments, etc. White is also our best RB in pass protection.
October 24th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Sterling Shepard on the other hand, is an actual slot receiver.
October 24th, 2024 at 11:29 am
Totally agree with this Joe. I thought even with Godwin it made sense. Give him a breather plus maybe show some 10 personal with 2 slots. kam j might be a good fit in slot too once he gets healthy.
October 24th, 2024 at 11:49 am
It’s not like he hasn’t played receiver before.
Yes, Rashad White played receiver at Arizona State University before switching to running back:
College career
White was the first Arizona State player to lead the team in both rushing and receiving yards since 1949.
Senior year
In his senior year, White rushed for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, and caught 43 passes for 456 yards and one touchdown.
October 24th, 2024 at 12:25 pm
LOVE THIS!!!
Brilliant idea.
October 24th, 2024 at 12:33 pm
Did you all forget?
Rashad White played receiver at Arizona State University before switching to running back:
College career
White was the first Arizona State player to lead the team in both rushing and receiving yards since 1949.
Senior year
In his senior year, White rushed for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, and caught 43 passes for 456 yards and one touchdown.
October 24th, 2024 at 12:43 pm
yeah playing slot makes sense when he doesnt even have the speed to make it back to the line of scrimmage
October 24th, 2024 at 12:58 pm
It’s his vision as a running back that hampers him. Buck and Tuck have much better vision to hit the opening. Move White around like Deebo. He will excel!
October 24th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
I’m curious about White’s 3-cone drill. We know he’s a good runner in space catching swings and flats, but CAN HE SEPARATE at top of routes?
None of us know that yet…except for the coaches.
October 24th, 2024 at 1:37 pm
Good idea. We know he’s a great runner past the live of scrimmage after he catches a pass.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:29 pm
RW may get some plays at slot but he won’t be switching to a new position. He’s our best all around running back… period.
Joe will continue to make his case that Bucky, or Sean, or anybody really would be a better running back than R.White but he’ll continue to be wrong. Given equal carries and equal blocking Rachaad will excel as a runner and pass catcher.
Joe, I thought you had moved on from RW bashing…. sigh
When’s the next article on how we should have been all in to pursue Reddick cause all superbowl winners have double digit (“stud”) edge rusher due?
October 24th, 2024 at 3:14 pm
I like White a lot more than most people on this site – and I really hope they give him a shot here, however I’m not really sold on him suddenly being a traditional WR. Just need to move him around and not let him get in man coverage vs corners, since I’m not sure he’d beat them on a consistent basis.
With that said I’m sure the team under Bowles will just say NEXT MAN UP and White will just be part of the 3-headed backfield and on the bench 60% of the game while we watch Palmer dropping passes, and Cody Thompson proving why he’s played for 6 years in the NFL and had 1 catch. (Is Cody even still with the team, I don’t even know, because I don’t care).
October 24th, 2024 at 3:18 pm
this is laughable. I don’t know what else to say about this post
October 24th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
I’m dubious that White can be converted to slot on short notice. The route tree is more complicated and there’s a greater need for lateral quickness.
Licht should make a phone call and see if he can pry Cooper Kupp loose.