The Bucs performance last Sunday against the Saints was abysmal. Yet still, there was a bright spot among the chaos. RB Peyton Barber, when given his chance, ran the ball hard and with authority.
So what do we know about Peyton Barber? The Bucs signed him as a free agent out of Auburn. In college, he only really started his sophomore year, running for 1,017 yards on 238 carries. After that he declared for the NFL draft, as his Mother was homeless and staying with family and friends. At 5’10 and 228 pounds, he is a load to bring down. Last season, as a rookie, in a very limited role, he gained 223 yards rushing on just 55 carries, averaging a respectful 4.1 yards per carry. He also has excellent lower body strength, dropping his pads and running downhill.
With Doug Martin or Jacquizz Rogers not performing up to expectations, why not give Barber more carries? At 2-6, what’s the worst that can happen? He could turn out to be the RB we so desperately need. Not necessarily as a replacement for Martin, but definitely a player Bucs coaches should take a long look at.
