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Buccaneers vs. Lions: 4 matchups to keep an eye on

By Jamil King

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Running back Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is stopped by cornerback Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during a carry in the second quarter of an NFL football game on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: Running back Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is stopped by cornerback Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during a carry in the second quarter of an NFL football game on December 10, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 24: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a reception during the second half of an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 24: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a reception during the second half of an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

The Bucs’ running backs vs. Lions’ subpar run defense… and themselves

The Buccaneers and running the football has been a mystery at times this season as they have not gotten the ball rolling on the ground. Between who was the starter who is the hot hand, no one knows who is going to be on the field at any given time between Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones, and Dare Ogunbowale. This week against the Lions will probably be another mystery.

Ronald Jones has been listed as the starter but hasn’t been treated like one. The Lions have the 23rd ranked rush defense, meaning they can be beaten on the ground. With a possible, less than 100 percent Jameis Winston or even Ryan Griffin playing, the run should be a priority.

The Bucs should be trying to see if Jones has what it takes to be a three-down guy, but it appears that won’t happen with Barber spelling him deep into opponents’ territory and Ogunbowale coming in on third downs and in the red zone at times.

Regardless of who is in, the Bucs should be able to run effectively come Sunday. If they cannot find a way to run the ball here, then maybe a bigger answer to what they might do at this position come the off-season could be addressed.

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