Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians told reporters that running back Ronald Jones II will remain the team’s starter even amidst his struggles, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Jones was benched during Week 13 for missing a blitz pickup and was replaced by Peyton Barber.
A second round pick by Tampa Bay in the 2018 NFL Draft, Jones spent all of his rookie season buried on the Bucs depth chart behind Barber-who started all 16 games last season. However, in a more prominent backup role this season, Jones clearly outperformed Barber and has been the team’s starter since Week 9. Jones has yet to translate his early season success, when he averaged 4.24 yards per carry, to the starting lineup, averaging just 3.29 yards per carry since. His struggles in pass protection though, seemed to be the final straw.
Barber and Jones have received a nearly identical number of carries this season (125 for Jones and 122 for Barber), but Tampa has remained committed to playing the hot hand regardless of who was in the team’s starting lineup. Still, at least for now, Jones remains the top running back on the Buccaneers depth chart.
Could it be possible that it’s the O-line’s fault and not the RBs If both are struggling?
everything but pass blocking assignments yes. but do not forget that teams do not fear Winston so they are more willing to play run.
They’d like Jameis to throw it to them! Several future opponents have decided to field their second string wide receivers as defensive backs when Winston is on the field as they have better hands to catch all the wild balls, for even more interceptions.
not for fantasy football purposes…
Unless the Bucs bring back Dougie Martin or mini mite Jacquiz Rodgers my interest in their run game will remain at a minimum.
Yeah. This is a smart take. Not dumb at all. Oof