During the Buccaneers Super Bowl run in 2020, the run game was dominant in the later half of the year, and it took a lot of pressure off Tom Brady and the defense. During this past offseason, Jason Licht and company signed Leonard Fournette to a three-year extension worth up to $21 million, solidifying the run game for the next three years.
Leonard Fournette
Before the 2020 season, Fournette was cut by the team that drafted him fourth overall in 2017. The Bucs picked him up right before the season started, and he made an instant impact. Although his time in Tampa started with him splitting the carries with Ronald Jones, when playoff time came around he was getting nearly all the carries and went on a historic run. In the four playoff games, he had 448 total yards and earned the moniker Playoff Lenny. In 2021, he took over the full role and in 14 games had over 1200 yards and completely revitalized his career. The 2022 season looks like it’s going to be Fournettes best, and you should be excited for it.
Stat line prediction: 250 carries, 1200 yards, 12 touchdowns
Rachaad White
In the third round of the NFL draft, the Buccaneers selected Rachaad White out of Arizona State. White is a tough, downhill runner who is hard to bring down. He brings a good skill set out of the backfield in the receiving game and will most likely see a good amount of snaps as a backup.
Stat line prediction: 60 rushes, 320 yards, 4 touchdowns
Final Thoughts
Getting the run game going will always open up the passing game and take pressure off of other units. The Bucs have all the pieces to become a dangerous run game. After extending Leonard Fournette there is no reason not to use him, especially after a very good season last year. I would expect the Buccaneers to be a very efficient running team and lead the league in rushing yards.
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