Buccaneers: Ronald Jones makes statements in massive win
By Rob Leeds
Ronald Jones statement #1: One of the best backs in the NFL on the ground
With the longest touchdown from scrimmage on the season and falling in at third in the league with rushing yards, Jones has been evident in defining himself as a runner. Jones finds space between the tackles as well as anyone else in the league, and all of this has been accomplished despite the play-calling.
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Jones’ number is called continuously during the worst instances. Byron Leftwich calls runs down the middle on first down at a maddening rate, rarely runs to the outside, and Jones is forced to work with what he’s got.
When the play-calling gets so predictable, even the best running backs struggle to make anything happen. Jones has taken massive strides forward at succeeding in these situations, and there is a valid case that leaves RoJo in the top-10 for active backs.
Jones’ combination of elusiveness and speed has worked very well with an improved Buccaneer offensive line. If Jones can just make one person miss, he is able to break off long gains with ease, as seen in his monster touchdown run yesterday.
While Jones is not as proficient through the air, he is continuing to prove why he keeps receiving opportunities in Tampa Bay, and the young back from USC still has room to grow before he reaches his peak.