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Week 17 Grades for Buccaneers Win over Panthers

By David Harrison

Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points to the fans after they beat the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) points to the fans after they beat the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs with the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) runs with the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

RUNNING BACKS: C+

The Buccaneers’ running back situation this season has been about as confusing as it has ever been in franchise history.

Who would start and who would contribute was never predictable, and following the news Doug Martin would begin his four-game suspension for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, Jacquizz Rodgers found himself back in the starting lineup in Week 17.

10 first half carries led to 49-yards on the ground for Rodgers and undrafted rookie Peyton Barber also chipped in with four yards on two touches.

Must Read: SPOTLIGHT ON JAMEIS WINSTON

The Bucs’ rushing attack was effective, but couldn’t quite lead them to points on the board in the first two quarters of the game.

As they surged ahead for the win in the second half Rodgers saw his carries drop to seven after the half. When it was all over, he turned in 75-yards rushing and added a four yard catch to his afternoon.

More importantly, Rodgers has a lot of Buccaneers fans calling for the team to bring him back last season after he was picked up as a free-agent after being cut by Chicago earlier this year.

Barber has had a good showing as well and picked up 19-yards on his final five carries of his rookie season.

A lot is to be seen about how the running back group will look next season, but they showed how serviceable they could be in this one, and helped clinch a winning record.

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