Why the Buccaneers Running Game Could Catch Kansas City Off-Guard
It is easy to look at the Buccaneers and forget about their dynamic running game. I mean, with the weapons they have at receiver, it makes forgetting about it okay. The Buccaneers have maybe the best all-around receiving group. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard, Rob Gronkowski, and a healthy Antonio Brown is nothing to […]
It is easy to look at the Buccaneers and forget about their dynamic running game. I mean, with the weapons they have at receiver, it makes forgetting about it okay.
The Buccaneers have maybe the best all-around receiving group. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard, Rob Gronkowski, and a healthy Antonio Brown is nothing to play around with if you're a defense.
However, their running game can be just as lethal. A lot of that can be attributed to the receivers and Tom Brady setting up the play-action. This team was known this season and last for being a pass-first offense under Bruce Arians.
With Tom Brady approaching his mid 40's, that may be something they want to shy away from.
Buccaneers Running Game Last Season, This Season
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the worst running teams in the NFL last season. They ranked 24th in the run and graded by Pro Football Focus at 70.8.
Of course, they added Tom Brady and Leonard Fournette to the team, but that is not what improved the running game. Yes, they get a little bit of credit, but not all of it.
Most of the credit has to go towards Ronald Jones, who was not very good last season. He finished 2019 with a 69.9 run grade, which is very low compared to this season.
His run grade this season falls into the "High-Quality." category at 84.7. Ronald Jones upped his yards from 700 to 1000. and mad big play after big play, including his 98-yard touchdown run.
Tampa Bay increased their rushing offense from 24th last season to eighth this season. That helps them a ton overall. Tampa Bay can now set up the play-action game to their receivers a whole lot better.
Leonard Fournette has been significant for Tampa bay lately as well. With him getting more involved in the offense as of late, they will be tough to stop.
Kansas City is great at defending the pass. The same cannot be said about the run. It is definitely something they will need to watch for come Sunday.
featured image: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
