The Pewter Plank
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7 overreactions to Tampa Bay Buccaneers start of season

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 22: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes during a game against the New York Giants at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Ronald Jones is going to be a star if he gets the touches

Sure, stating that Ronald Jones has been the better running back for the Buccaneers is one thing, but saying last year’s second rounder is going to be a star is taking it to a whole new level. Jones has less than 250 career rushing yards and just one score on his career to this point, while he does deserve more carries, putting him in the same category as Ezekiel Elliott, Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, or Alvin Kamara is a gigantic leap.

The interior of this offensive line in Tampa has stepped up to the task this year, clearing running lanes up the middle. This is something they were not able to accomplish a year ago as the Buccaneers failed to even average four yards per carry in 2018. Ali Marpet, a much improved Ryan Jensen, and first year starter Alex Cappa have carried the Bucs’ line to a 19th overall ranking according to Pro Football Focus while Donovan Smith and Demar Dotson continue to struggle to hold the edges.

If Jones can convince offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich to give him more carries, and if the interior of the offensive line can continue to plow some running lanes for him, then the second year back may be able to make the claim that he is blossoming into one of the better backs in the league. However Jones is nowhere close to the high standard that some are touting him as at this point; also, you should add him in fantasy football.

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