Biggest questions Buccaneers must answer vs. Saints

When will Ronald Jones become the starter?

The question for Rojo is when he will become the starter and not if. At his current level of play over the first four weeks Jones should probably be the starter by this point. Jones has been explosive on the ground and through the tackles-another perfect compliment to Jameis’ style of play. For a team that defends the pass Rojo can break off a long run, and if a team plans for the run then Jameis can make them pay dearly.

Jones has been the best Buccaneer running back for three of the first four weeks. While he and Barber have been splitting reps, Jones has been able to do far more with his touches averaging 4.7 yards per rush. These numbers are great, but Jones did struggle heavily last season. Jones was stellar at USC and is playing at a very high level now, but one part of the Ronald Jones question lies with if he can maintain this level of play.

The other part of the Ronald Jones question is when he will begin taking starting reps. Peyton Barber still retains the role as the lead back but has been far less dynamic with his touches. Jones is faster than Barber and is just as good between the tackles which makes Barber still starting slightly puzzling to some fans. Barber is older and can perhaps teach Jones which is still a positive. In addition, the Buccaneers now have the running backs to establish a respectable run game to take some pressure off of the pass in late game situations.

The Buccaneers have shown that they can play at a very high level on both sides of the football. The defense has had its own head-scratching moments, but in the end the Buccaneers are often far more successful when they are able to dominate the game offensively. If Jameis Winston and Ronald Jones can continue playing at the level that they are at, especially against tough divisional opponents like the Saints, the NFC South title could be within the reach of the Buccaneers as soon as this season.