Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Top storylines to watch during training camp
Ronald Jones II impact on the run game
Last season the Buccaneers had one of the worst run games in the NFL. Averaging just 90.6 yards per game with a 3.7 yards per carry average and just eight touchdowns. Because of those numbers, they gave ineffective Doug Martin his walking papers two years into to a five-year $37.5 million deal. Leaving former undrafted free agent Peyton Barber as the starting back with Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims also on the roster.
Knowing that upgrading the run game was a top priority they used the first of their three second round picks on running back Ronald Jones II out of USC, and signed undrafted free agent Shawn Wilson.
Related Story: Buccaneers Position Preview: Running backs
Jones brings some home run ability to the run game for the first time in recent years while Barber is more of the big bruiser style of back weighing in at 225 pounds.
Currently, Barber is slated as the starter but Jones is expected to be in the mix with sizable touches as he brings a spark to the run game.
Where does that leave Jacquizz Rodgers who has filled in for oft-injured Doug Martin over the last few season and pass catching back Charles Sims? The coaching staff has also been intrigued by UDFA Shawn Wilson out of Duke who had 1081 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns last season.
The running back situation is something every Bucs fan should keep an eye on. In particular, Jones’ development. If he can get a grasp of the NFL game early, it could be the boost the team needed to survive without Winston to start the year.
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Other storylines to watch, will be how the coaches plan to fits wide receiver Chris Godwin more into the fold as OC Todd Morken called him a starter during OTAs. Which receiver out of Jesus “Bobo” Wilson, Freddie Martino, Justin Watson, and Bernard Reedy will earn the fifth receiver spot?
How much will Winston get to practice with the ones since he will miss the first three games of the season (but he can practice and play in preseason game)? Just to name a few but the ones that I have gone through are the top story lines to watch during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp.
Now it is your turn to give me your comments or tweet me directly at @ND1Bucsfan and tell me what you think the top story lines will be for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during training camp? Thank you for reading and hope you enjoy, and as always … GO Bucs!