Buccaneers face another top-5 running back in Aaron Jones
By Rob Leeds
In a week six matchup that was already going to be difficult with Aaron Rogers at quarterback, the Buccaneers also need to watch out for Aaron Jones.
After already having played two of the most talked-about running backs in the league, the Buccaneers are now facing one of the most underrated. Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara often receive a ton of buzz at the running back position, but Aaron Jones should also be in that conversation.
Even though Tampa Bay has one of the best run defenses in the NFL, Aaron Jones is still the type of player to make something out of nothing. Jones is the epitome of big-play potential on the ground and through the air, as evidenced by his 19 total touchdowns last season.
Despite his extremely impressive season last year, Jones has never received the credit that he deserves, but that does not mean he isn’t a threat that the Buccaneers need to plan for.
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With Vita Vea out and Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, the Buccaneers defense is facing an interesting problem.
If the Bucs want to stop the run, their best bet is to stack the box and throw as many bodies at Jones as possible. With several new faces getting their first real playing time of the season in this game, the run could be far more potent than in earlier weeks.
On the other hand, if Tampa Bay does go with this strategy, Aaron Rodgers will pick the coverage apart through the air.
The injuries and the talent on the other side of the ball will make this one of the most challenging games of the season for the Buccaneer defense, and Tampa Bay will need to play at an improved level if they want to slow the Packers down.
Regardless of Jones’ talent, the Buccaneers will need to address the pass first. The modern NFL isn’t built around the run, but slowing Jones down will help pull out a win in this statement matchup.