Buccaneers: Can the run game succeed without Leonard Fournette?
By Rob Leeds
Do the Buccaneers need Leonard Fournette to maintain their run game?
Leonard Fournette was one of the biggest storylines for the Buccaneers down the stretch of the playoffs. The Bucs had been decent on the ground during the regular season, but Fournette in the playoffs was the best a Buccaneer running back looked all season.
Ronald Jones, who struggled with injuries and COVID at the end of the season and eventually lost his job to Fournette, did a solid job as the lead back during the regular season, and the Bucs need to figure out if he will be their guy moving forward.
While Jones was the obvious lead back during the season, Fournette made a compelling case during his time as a starter to remain in Tampa. Now, the Bucs have to decide if they can make this work long-term.
Fournette could be done with the Buccaneers
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Based on need and several other factors, one has to assume that Fournette has played his final snaps in Tampa. The Bucs can’t afford to spend money on a player like Fournette, their other options are much cheaper, and Fournette doesn’t bring enough in the passing game to earn a massive extension.
Tom Brady may try to push to keep the whole band together to run it back, but Fournette does not have the skill set to earn a significant contract from the Bucs.
If Fournette is out, the Buccaneers have some major decisions to make to keep their run game intact.
Ronald Jones still deserves the lead role. Tampa has been hot and cold on him at various times, but no one can argue that he isn’t a great runner. The drop-off in the passing game is difficult to work around, but Jones is young, and the Buccaneers need to use this last year to figure out what they have.
Outside of Jones, Ke’Shawn Vaughn is the only other back that is guaranteed to return in 2021, but that’s ok. Vaughn looked great as a runner during his minimal chances, and a higher volume of touches will show what he can do in the passing game.
Assuming the Buccaneers play their cards right and can find at least one pass-catching back in free agency or the draft, the running back room actually has the opportunity to improve with RoJo and Vaughn in featured roles.
Fournette will always be an unforgettable Buccaneer, but he is not necessary to keep the run game intact.
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