Buccaneers game grades: 2017 Week 2 win over Chicago Bears
RUNNING BACKS
We all know the Buccaneers will be without Doug Martin for the first three games.
Jacquizz Rodgers got the start this week, as he’s expected to in the next two as well.
Overall, he didn’t do too badly. In total, Rodgers compiled 67-yards on 19 carries and one touchdown.
In a critical space within the second quarter, the second-year Buc and former Bear helped Tampa control the clock with two good runs. The carries, one going for eight yards and the other for nine, really tired out Chicago’s defense and solidified the advantage earned by the home squad.
His scoring run came from one-yard out, and after the made extra point, gave the Buccaneers a 17-0 lead.
Must Read: Spotlighting Jacquizz Rodgers
While runs this short don’t tend to break into Top-10 highlight reels, Rodgers made a move he’ll definitely get praised for in the running backs room in meetings next week.
Immediately upon receiving the handoff, he was met in the backfield by Bears players Danny Trevathan and Quintin Demps.
Had he succumbed to the penetration, he would have been stopped for a loss. Instead, Rodgers dodged both men and made his way through a gap in the defensive front for the score.
Of course, he wasn’t the only back in action for the Bucs.
Watch NFL for FREE on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!
Charles Sims chipped in with his usual mix of run and pass participation. In total, the dual-treat back touched the ball four times for nine yards.
The two biggest plays involving Sims weren’t positive ones unfortunately.
In the third quarter, with the Bucs inside the Chicago 20-yard line, Sims fumbled the ball away attempting to gain more yards after bringing in a catch. This represents the only turnover of the game for Tampa.
The third and final running back to see action in Week 2 was second-year player Peyton Barber.
Barber was brought in during the downhill side of the match-up to help the Buccaneers drain the clock and secure their first win.
Must Read: Glazers Donate to Relief
He did so, as he took 10 handoffs and totaled 47-yards in his efforts.
The Bucs’ running game was balanced, effective, and in the matter of Barber it was downright impressive.
Unfortunately, the fumble and lack of a 100-yard rusher caps the grade a bit.