It seems like Ronald Jones has been in the Bruce Arians’ dog house. It was only three weeks ago that Jones rushed for over 100 yards in three straight games. Some fans love Jones’ running style and physicality. While others point to his inability to catch the football as a detrimental traits.
Keeping The Faith
Whichever side you support, Arians confirmed in a press conference that the team has not given up on the third year back.
“No – I think RoJo (Ronald Jones) has played really, really well,” Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said Friday. “He hasn’t done anything to lose the job – he dropped one screen pass. I like the way the tandem’s working. When Leonard’s in there, we don’t take him out – he stays in on third down – he is the third-down back. I think he has part of that role already and it’s just [about] who has the hot hand.”
I’m on recording saying that I like Jones’ ability to run downfield, but his pass catching ability is not where it needs to be. He simply can’t make anyone miss in space, which doesn’t compliment the offense well.
Bruce Arians basically confirmed that if Leonard Fournette gets in the game, he won’t come out until the next drive. That’s the way I took it. While he is a step up in the passing game, the ability to make a man miss in space is still lacking.
Whether you love Ronald Jones, or think he has his deficits, I don’t think you can argue the Tom Brady does not have a true receiving threat out of the backfield. Ke’Shawn Vaughn and LeSean McCoy have been phased out of the offense, which is unfortunate given their skillset.
The Buccaneers are slated to take on the Panthers at 1:00 pm on Sunday, and I think we could get a heavy dose of Jones after only five total rushing attempts last week.
