4 biggest takeaways for the Buccaneers after statement win
By Rob Leeds
Ronald Jones needs to keep getting the ball
Ronald Jones is the best Buccaneer running back in years. Tampa Bay’s run game has struggled ever since Doug Martin‘s last successful season, but Jones is putting forth an effort that reminds of those years.
Jones didn’t start the 2020 NFL season on fire, but he is coming off a string of three straight games with over 100 yards rushing. On top of those great three games, RoJo currently sits at third in the NFL in total rushing yards.
Jones is the best of both worlds in that he is playing at an extremely high level while still playing on his rookie contract. Having almost no money tied up in a running back is the perfect place for a team that is trying to compete for a Super Bowl to sit, and Jones gives Tampa Bay precisely what they need.
Jones has been dominant despite the play-calling from the top. Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich continue to run the ball on first down, and every team in the NFL knows exactly what is coming. The Bucs continue to run straight down the middle with Jones on first, which only sets the back up for failure.
Despite the poor decision-making, Jones is still turning the negative plays into more. Instead of going down in the backfield, Jones sheds tackles and breaks off plays far more often than at any other point of his career.
The Buccaneers are much better off when Jones gets the ball, and he should be the only featured back going forward.