4 big changes the Buccaneers need to make to right the ship
By Rob Leeds
Improve Ronald Jones’ pass-catching, or find a replacement
If an NFL running back can’t catch the football, their viability in a Tom Brady offense drops off very quickly. Ronald Jones was a great receiving target last season, but he has shown a regression during this year.
Jones doesn’t need to make a dramatic change, but his pass-catching needs to improve if he can be the safety blanket that Brady needs.
In the current Buccaneer offense, check downs constitute a significant part of the game-plan, and Jones is playing the majority of these reps.
On an average day, the Bucs have enough other options to replace the running back if they are slacking as a receiver, but injuries did poke some holes in the Buccaneer offense, especially in the backfield.
The Bucs likely don’t have to find an additional option now, but they could be in the market for a better dual-threat option during the 2021 NFL Draft if improvements aren’t seen soon. NFL teams don’t need to use high-quality draft picks on this position, but the outlook on the 2021 NFL season could improve with a running back possessing this perfect skillset.
If injuries aren’t a problem down the stretch, expect for LeSean McCoy to get more reps on later downs, considering he is one of the best pass-catching backs on the roster. Even if this means taking reps away from the starters, the Bucs need better hands from their backfield.