The run game left a lot to be desired for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2022. The run was never the main focal point for the Bucs during the Bruce Arians era, but a heavy reliance on the pass was able to make up for what was usually one of the worst run games in the league.

Todd Bowles and company changed this.

While Arians was content to abandon the run to take advantage of the pass, Bowles and Byron Leftwich continued to lean on a run game that was still just as bad as it was during the prior administration.

Part of this lack of success was due to a drop-off in quality from starting running back Leonard Fournette, but the Bucs have addressed this with their recent announcement:

The #Bucs plan to release RB Leonard Fournette when the new league year begins March 15, per sources.

GM Jason Licht mentioned recently that he felt Fournette was still a three-down back in this league. “Lombardi Lenny” is still only 28 and has plenty in the tank. pic.twitter.com/KMHiGSfG9L

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 28, 2023

This leaves an opening for a new official RB1 in Tampa. That player needs to be Rachaad White.

White did already function as a sort of starter for part of the season due to some injuries in the room as well as some weaker performances from Fournette, but the title as the RB1 was never official.

Now, White will get his chance to solidify his spot as the top guy for Todd Bowles and Dave Canales in 2023.

The Bucs may look in some other areas to bring in competition from White, but everything that we saw from the rookie points to a back Tampa Bay can lean on if he has a scheme that isn't one of the worst in the NFL.

White's stats may not jump off the page with 3.7 yards per carry and just three touchdowns, but you have to take into account just how bad the offense looked across the board. 

The rookie back was able to post 771 total yards and three touchdowns despite one of the worst offensive coordinators, lines, and schemes in the NFL, all while playing behind a guy that was past his prime and soaking up touches based off a name more than quality of play.

Just imagine what's going to happen with Rachaad White when the offense actually works to make each aspect of the attack better and he gets the majority of the reps from day one.

As it stands, the RB1 job looks like Rachaad White's to lose. The Buccaneers shouldn't be upset about that one bit.

Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports