4 bold predictions as Buccaneers prepare to take on Falcons

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons with quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons with quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 10: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets shoved out of bounds why Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game on November 10, 2019 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 10: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets shoved out of bounds why Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals during the game on November 10, 2019 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

Ronald Jones will tally over 100 total yards

Last week, the Buccaneers ran the ball just eight times, including two Jameis Winston scrambles and two Dare Ogunbowale hurry-up goal line carries. With that being said, starting running back Ronald Jones was given just six touches on the day last Sunday against the Saints: four carries and two catches for a total of 14 yards.

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If the Buccaneers want to get back into the win column, then they must establish their playmakers; establishing the run is a myth, but establish playmakers is not. On the season, Jones has been one of the biggest playmakers the Bucs have had on the offensive side of the football, so offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, whose play calling has been suspect to say the least, must get Jones involved in the offensive gameplan this week against the Falcons.

The first bold prediction is that Jones goes over 100 yards total on the day, combining both rushing and receiving yards. If the Bucs can get Jones involved, underneath on screens, runs, and routes out of the backfield, then it will open up the gameplan over the top as well; this would allow for Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and company to thrive.

Paging Leftwich: get Ronald Jones the ball.