Buccaneers: 3 predictions for Super Bowl versus the Chiefs
By Rob Leeds
Buccaneers prediction #2
Ronald Jones leads all running backs in rushing yards.
The Buccaneers have been saving Ronald Jones for this moment. The whole NFL world has followed “playoff Lenny” the past few weeks as Tampa Bay’s workhorse, but Jones’ efficiency and fresh legs will revitalize the run game.
Leonard Fournette may still come out as the starter, and should, but Jones has the best potential to break a big play. We saw Fournette do it against the Packers, and Jones is itching for his own chance to shine. As the lead back for the Buccaneers during the regular season and just missing out on 1,000 rushing yards, Jones should have plenty of fiery runs left in him for this game.
As Tampa Bay comes out and chips away at the Chiefs’ run defense with Fournette between the tackles, they will set themselves up perfectly to let the shifty Jones gash the defense further. The Bucs will need to rely on the run heavily if they want to keep the ball away from Mahomes, and if Jones and Fournette get a comparable number of touches, Jones should win out.
As for the Chiefs’ running backs, the Buccaneer defense is too good against the run to give up any significant yards in this area. The Chiefs would be far better off throwing the ball the whole game, so if Jones leads the Bucs in rushing yards, he will lead the field.