Run game for Buccaneers set to see a return to glory in 2020

The most likely starter for 2020 in Tampa Bay is Ronald Jones. The second-round pick from USC has experienced a rollercoaster during his time in the NFL, but this upcoming season could be where RoJo makes a name for himself.

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Jones came into the NFL as a backup for Peyton Barber but was anticipated to take over the starting job early on into his career. Instead, 2018 was marred by injuries, limited carries, and inadequate production. Peyton Barber kept the starting job, and Jones had many fans scratching their heads.

Despite the shaky start to his career, the Buccaneer coaching staff came into the offseason leading into the 2019 season in full support of Jones. RoJo had bulked up, improved his catching, and started to look like the player he was drafted to be.

Jones started the 2019 season as the backup to Peyton Barber again, but he quickly was able to earn the “starting” role based on vastly improved numbers over his first season.

The only problem with RoJo as a starter is that he never got the shot to be an actual RB1. Jones and Barber split carries, and every small mistake resulted in Jones getting switched out immediately for his counterpart.

Jones averaged 4.2 yards per carry in year two and an even more impressive 10 yards per reception on 31 catches in 2019. This pace was good enough to give the Buccaneers a 1,000-yard rusher, which made it all the more frustrating when Jones was taken out of games for the far-more pedestrian Peyton Barber, and thus missing out on that result.

Jones showed massive improvements in 2019 but will have to work on his pass blocking if he wants to be an every-down back.

With Peyton Barber off the team, it seems very likely that Jones will get a chance as “the guy” for the Buccaneers to start the 2020 season. Many analysts are hot on Ke’Shawn Vaughn, and rightfully so, but for now, this is likely RoJo’s job to lose.

Fans may have expected the Bucs to use a premium draft pick to find a replacement for Jones in the 2020 NFL Draft, but RoJo is not yet worth replacing.

Everyone should expect big things from the lead back in Tampa during this upcoming season. It may be one year too late, but if Tampa Bay gives RoJo actual RB1 carries in 2020, he will easily get over that 1,000 rushing yard hill and could go beyond that.