Battle For Backup RB Muddy
August 31st, 2016
Has Peyton Barber performed enough for a roster spot?
Whether the Bucs keep three or four running backs is unclear.
One would think if the Bucs keep three running backs, Mike James would be that man. He sat out tonight’s game not because he is a lock for the roster, but because he was dinged up, Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said after the game.
If the Bucs keep four, it seems as if rookie Peyton Barber would be that man. Bucs brass likes him and he really hasn’t done much to embarrass himself or play his way off the roster.
Whoever is the No. 4 running back, if such a position will be reserved for the roster, one would expect him to be a key cog on special teams.
During the broadcast of the game seen on WFLA-TV Channel 8 Wednesday night, Ronde Barber, the color analyst, suggested the fourth running back (or third?) may just be Russell Hansbrough.
Why? Special teams.
Barber said he extensively studied tape of the past Bucs preseason games and noted that “in every facet” of special teams, Hansbrough has made tackles.
Neither Barber nor Hansbrough had standout runs tonight. So there’s no telling which way Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht will lean. But Joe thinks Barber may be onto something.
Anyone playing behind Doug Martin and Charles Sims better be able to play special teams.
September 1st, 2016 at 12:11 am
Really haapy with Doug Martin and Charles Sims. Not thrilled beyond that. Hope there’s room for Vitale at FB/TE. Hasn’t shown out like I hoped.
September 1st, 2016 at 12:11 am
Well injuries happen all the time. If you want to be deep at any position, it’s a skill position.
September 1st, 2016 at 12:31 am
We should take one of the running backs the Washington Redskins cut
September 1st, 2016 at 1:25 am
Why not have Charles Sims at kick return?
September 1st, 2016 at 2:04 am
After the 1 2 punch of Martin and sims last year? Why risk getting sims hurt, or even getting him tired on kick returns? I say humphries. He took one to the house and he’s proving to be a versatile player on the roster.
September 1st, 2016 at 2:30 am
Bernard Reedy and Peyton Barber should make the team or at least practice squad..They both played tonight with such desire to get a spot..might not have been perfect plays but they were their mentally..
September 1st, 2016 at 3:38 am
We dumped Storm but kept these two bums who stunk up the entire game?????
September 1st, 2016 at 6:46 am
If Mike James is healthy, he will be the 3rd RB and the Bucs are probably only keeping 3 on the active Roster this year. Barber to the practice squad.
September 1st, 2016 at 7:18 am
Thought Barber played better than Hansborough last night.
September 1st, 2016 at 11:48 am
The entire Bucs team looked disinterested last night. The few diehard fans were there for their bath.
September 1st, 2016 at 9:15 pm
Keep Mike James. He’s still a better runner than Sims. Strong & gets stronger the more he plays, ala ‘ole Ernest Graham.