Career Year For Jacquizz
December 26th, 2016
Achiever
A lot of Bucs had strong seasons, but perhaps the No. 1 surprise performer on the roster is Jacquizz Rodgers.
What inspiration from the guy standing just a few hairs under 5-foot-6.
First, Rodgers pumped out career numbers for himself and still has one game to play, 112 rushes and 485 yards bested his previous career highs through five seasons with the Falcons and Bears. Rodgers’ 4.3 yards per carry also is the best mark of his career.
Rodgers also proved he could shoulder a starter’s load, going for 30 carries against the Panthers (which earned him a game ball from Dirk Koetter) and coming back in the next game for 26 carries in a win at San Francisco. Rodgers had never taken more than 20 carries in an NFL game before this season.
Lastly, Rodgers, who was signed off the street after training camp, proved he could bounce back from a midseason injury.
Rodgers was saddled with a walking boot after getting injured against Oakland. Five weeks later, he was sharp in his return against San Diego. And Saturday against New Orleans he looked like a true No. 1 running back like he did early this season.
It’s really not common for players to survive and thrive in a season after getting the dreaded boot.
At 26 years old, Rodgers is one valuable dude, especially considering he is a strong pass blocker and brings an A-list attitude. The Bucs really should make him a priority in free agency. What’s not to like?
Joe particularly loved how Rodgers sent a tough-guy message in practice when he arrived. The Bucs need more of that mentality.
December 26th, 2016 at 11:48 am
Joe are you sure those rushing numbers are right. No way any back could have gained 4.3 yps behind that offensive line. Especially if the dancing gerbil was unable to accomplish that.
December 26th, 2016 at 11:52 am
Can’t wait to see what he does in 2017..a full season with us?..he’ll be a star!
December 26th, 2016 at 12:09 pm
Tmax, I hate to say it but I agree. Jaquizz looks far quicker and is hitting holes Martin is not. I believe he is part of the losing culture
December 26th, 2016 at 12:13 pm
Christian McCaffrey with our first round pick?….hes also a good returner.
December 26th, 2016 at 12:14 pm
Chris,
something has to give. there is no doubt the new bucs as I like to refer to them play with much more heart and intensity than the hold overs. Is GMC talented yes there is no quetion about it. Is he a winner again there is no question about it HE IS NOT! Same with Martin and LVD has been caught up in it.
on topic Rogers just looks quicker and more hungry. I won’t label Martin a loafer like LVD or no stamina like GMC but he just looks lackadaisical but with effort. I know that makes no sense
December 26th, 2016 at 12:19 pm
Supersam
I don’t like the message McCaffrey is sending by not playing in a bowl game. Can’t live your life scared… What makes you think he won’t throw in the towel in a game here if he’s willing leave his teammates hanging. yes i understand it’s a meaningless bowl but it’s the principle.
December 26th, 2016 at 12:26 pm
Would be a great compliment to Cook who is suiting up to play the wolverines by the way.
December 26th, 2016 at 12:32 pm
Nole on Sat.-Bucc on Sun.
You my brother are to Cook like Buc1987 is to Winston…. Luv it!
I’d be happy as hell with cook.
December 26th, 2016 at 12:50 pm
If the Bucs are fortunate enough to get Cook it would make a massive improvement to our offense.
If we are picking around 19th overall and he makes it to 15 we need to try to go up and get him.
December 26th, 2016 at 2:10 pm
the problem with Quizz, is he havent been used enough
He has better vision and great cutback ability. He doesnt need big holes because of his cutbacks
he might be almost as good as receiver as sims, but koetter is allergic to rb screens
dont worry about height, dareen spoles will outlast any 6 foot 220 lb runningback 10 years younger
alot of tread left in Quizz
the big problem is koetter doesnt know how to use his players correctly
December 26th, 2016 at 2:27 pm
Better than Sims, for sure. Twinkle-toes dancing behind the line.
December 26th, 2016 at 3:43 pm
Sure – lets trade up in the 1st and spend 1st and 3rd round picks on a RB (eye roll). And I’m an FSU fan…
Bad idea with the needs we have at WR, TE, OL, DL and Safety….
December 26th, 2016 at 10:43 pm
@kobe faker
Agree but I have faith Koetter will figure it out!