Trusting Jacquizz Rodgers
October 12th, 2016
Bucs RB Jacquizz Rodgers dodges Carolina DB Robert McClain. (Photo courtesy Buccaneers.com)
How rare was it for still somewhat new Bucs running back Jacquizz Rodgers to carry the rock like he did? Well, it hasn’t been exceeded in some time.
Rodgers tied an NFL mark for most carries on an opening drive (10), a record that dates back to at least 2001. So it has been at least 15 years since an NFL running back has had double-digit carries in a team’s first drive.
That is showing a tremendous amount of trust for a guy who was looking for work a few weeks ago. Yesterday, Bucs coach Dirk Koetter discussed Rodgers carrying the mail, and carrying the Bucs to a win, especially in the final game-winning drive.
“Well, I’m watching the game, I’m there,” Koetter said. “You can tell when a guy’s gassed or not. Tim Spencer, our running back coach, took him out a couple times in the first half and I kept looking at ‘Quizz’ going, ‘I’m going to need you on third down.’ I trust the guy a lot, I know I’ve seen him do it before – like I told you guys last week, he was a workhorse in college, I know this isn’t college football.
“It would’ve shown up [if he was tired]. I think he had 18 carries in the first half, I think it would’ve shown up if he was wearing down and it didn’t show up. The guy’s standing right next to me on the sideline when he’s out there and you’re looking at him in the game and shoot, he’s playing at a high level.
“A wise coach told me a long time ago, ‘Feed the stud. When the guy’s hot, give him the ball.’”
Joe doesn’t know if Koetter is referring to Chucky, but that is something Chucky would say. And Koetter is right. If a guy is hot, feed him. He’s hongry.
After re-watching the game this afternoon, Joe can say one thing with certainty: Rodgers is a helluva lot better runner than Charles Sims.
October 12th, 2016 at 3:56 pm
There were a few runs where there were nice size holes, but the majority of those good runs were created by Rodgers. He has such quick cuts, and he was constantly making people miss. Sims tries to make multiple cuts (making it look like he’s dancing), while Rodgers makes one cut and is gone. Huge difference and it showed on Monday. Too bad he didn’t play more the previous two games.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:08 pm
Better enjoy it Quizz, because if you ever mess up these fair weathered Buc fans will be ready to RUN you out of town. Go Quizz another piece to the New winning culture!
October 12th, 2016 at 4:08 pm
The scary thing is our great player evaluator would still have had sims running into the panthers middle at MNF if he was not injured
Koetter the clown cost tampa a win because Quizz should have been the feature back 3 weeks ago
Now that Mr Runoff “Tanya Harding” Chuck Sims knees running into walls, Jameis doesnt have Sims explosive plays catching the ball from the backfield
Its a damn shame because with Sims we could have done some damage in the playoffs
angry Kobe
October 12th, 2016 at 4:11 pm
LOL Somehow Joe pictures a linebacker running around with a crowbar.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:19 pm
Roger just ran the ball, and yeah he was a hell of a stud are Oregon State!
Simms is a dancing machine. He really should be our slot receiver, cuz his nitch is catching.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:20 pm
^Rodgers
October 12th, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Well hopefully someone else can contribute… Peyton Barber?
I like Rodgers it’s not sustainable to have 20-30 carries every game.
Good news is even when they bring Martin back, he won’t (hopefully) get run into the ground.
Go Sucs!
October 12th, 2016 at 4:47 pm
I knew all along that rodgers would make a difference. He’s just what you need when given a gap. someone who slashes and make people miss n not a big dancing bear waiting on the defender to make contact with him. Sims has cost us turnovers n headaches. Will someone plaese explain to me how in the heck did we allow Olsen to be so wide open and free as a bird so many times. Who’s responsible…DCoordinator, linebacker, safety. Couldnt we just put someone on him man to man knowing that hes going to be thrown to every other down? I wanna know
October 12th, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Just curious and not trying to diminish Jaquizz’s accomplishment but didn’t we average an “unacceptable” 3.4 yards per carry before Monday night and 30 carries for 100 is 3.3….
I think the important thing is that we committed to the run throughout the entire game….mainly because the score was close.
I think Jaquizz will be a good compliment to Martin when he returns….it will lessen the loss of Sims.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
Dmatt…. A lot of Greg Olsen’s damage came from him beating coverage. A game that so many yards because our linebackers and safeties are not good enough in coverage.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:53 pm
FYI
3.4 x 3 = 10.2 yards…..”First Down”……so, in theory over time, sticking to the run can move the chains.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:54 pm
@dmatt, Easy our LBs can’t cover. They love to run downhill and make tackles. Then they blame the defensive schemes for holding them back. David has regressed IMO. Also, they keep their eyes in the backfield, and they fall for every play-action pass that’s called. They played worse than the safeties Monday night, and that’s a scary thought.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:56 pm
@ TBucsFan,
The attempts kept the LB’s honest and set up the play-action calls. Jameis needs to hit his open targets next game.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:56 pm
Rodgers was a pleasant surprise and certainly did his part on offense. That being said, I just have to say that everyone is entitled to their opinions and all of us at times can get frustrated and negative. I know I can get negative when frustrated but you would think we lost MNF by the majority of the comments. It was an ugly game but I will not be negative after a Bucs win. As a life long Bucs fan, I realize how infrequent wins have been the last 40 years. Sometimes I think based on the constant negativity and total impatience, that this is a Philadelphia Eagles fan site. Enjoy the win folks and save the negativity for after losses or else all of you being negative will be miserable all season. Again, after an 11 year playoff drought and several coaching changes, I understand and share in the frustration, but ugly or not, we did win. Now we get a much needed bye week and hopefully will get some key players back. We have the 49ers next and I think that game will be key in getting on a winning streak and gaining confidence but they better show up ready to play because no game in the NFL is a gimme.
October 12th, 2016 at 4:59 pm
The negativity I am referring to above is not based on this thread so far but the past several days threads.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Greg Olsen did do some damage that’s for sure. Butt we didn’t let him make the big play on us at the end of the first half. Kwon Alexander had great coverage on him in the end zone on that play. We might have not had the best defensive game plan to stop Greg Olsen but when it mattered our defense stepped up and I’ll give them credit for that
October 12th, 2016 at 5:11 pm
It feels great to see the Bucs sign a guy off the streets and look like a Pro Bowler. Heaven knows that we’ve seen our fair share of rookie/backup players from opposing teams shine against the Bucs. Meanwhile, kudos to the bend-don’t-break Bucs defense, which kept Derek Anderson contained. There were some key third downs where they were able to stuff the Panthers offense. The Panthers had their own miscues, penalties, and bad play calls. Couldn’t happen to a nicer, stinkier team! And, did the Bucs get away with a call where VJax didn’t make it out of bounds to stop the clock on that last drive? I think that’s the point when GMC and Company started praying.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:12 pm
the real question is can Rodgers hold up for the rest of the season. no way Martin comes back productive. It’s not his pattern.
Joe how about a poll on either how many games martin plays before team gets frustrated and just puts him on IR or a poll how many games he plays between now and end of season. no way he is a factor remainder of the year.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:13 pm
@rayjay
I think most fans are happy we got the win, but I’ve learned throughout my 28 years as a Bucs’ fan, never to get too excited over a win, especially possibly maybe one of the ugliest wins I’ve ever seen.
It was such and ugly game that it could have devastated the team if they’d lost. On the flip side, the fact that they hung in there and won was very special.
Still can’t ever be satisfied, especially with this team as they could easily go out to San Fran and get stomped by a bad 9’ers team. We’ve all seen this before.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:20 pm
Elliot is right. We have a nice young core of players on this team that has talent. Our fan base is ready for this franchise to show that they are progressing and building something. Well there were some good aspects to be taken away from the Monday night game overall it was a dreadful performance littered with self-defecating mistakes. The negativity comes from this team showing no progression and a lock of being able to build a winner.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:29 pm
@Elio and Buccaneers, I agree with both of you. I get pretty bent with this team most weeks which is why I am taking a two week break from complaining. I just was pointing out that if we can’t collectively somewhat enjoy a win, even one of the ugliest ever, then we will never get to enjoy this team.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:29 pm
I dont understand when everyone says it was an ugly win. a win is a win in the nfl. im glad the makeshift dline held up, seeing how we had so many hurt. it could have been a beatdown but the defense stood up. not sure when, but when JW cleans up his accuracy this team will be hell.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:30 pm
I agree whole-heartedly with rayjay1122! On top of being a young team we the fans need to help them by changing OUR negative culture. A few more atta boys will make this young team aspire to impress instead of REGRESS. If you’re not a part of the solution, you are a part of the problem! Quizz is an example of trying hard to impress, the young crew that stepped up was trying to impress, yes JW3 was trying to impress, he had ‘acceptable misses’, and yes even Aguayo was trying to impress, if kicking was so easy everyone could do it. If we invest the time now while we are rebuilding…we WILL have an unstoppable team. Let’s not pull the plug on our future stars. Trust me if another team gets JW3 or Aguayo in the future we will pay for it. Like 1987 says ‘wait 4 it’.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:31 pm
@c-spann
You are correct. The win was not ugly, it was beautiful. The game however was a terrible display of prime time NFL football. It was like watching preseason game #4.
October 12th, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Jameis needs to hit his open targets next game.
You mean like the TD pass to ME?
Or perhaps the pass that hit ME in the hands that he dropped?
Sims was never signed to be an inside runner. It’s clearly not his strength .
Sims is great in open space not inside…but then how soon we forget the spectacular TD against Atlanta.
He went inside because the Bucs were desperate!!! Rodgers is clearly a better INSIDE runner than Sims but that doesn’t make Sims chopped liver or lacking in value when he gets healthy.
October 12th, 2016 at 6:03 pm
Stpetebucsfan
no his ever growing injury history makes him chop liver.
October 12th, 2016 at 6:05 pm
@stpetebucsfan
Spot on!
Wow, facts!
So my eyes weren’t lying.
Go bucs!
October 12th, 2016 at 6:07 pm
You just can’t please some fans:
It was an ugly win.
We caused 4 turnovers and still barely won.
Olsen ran all over us.
Aguayo missed kicks
Cam Newton would have killed us
Jameis missed open targets
Stupid penalties
Looked like preseason game 4
I choose to look at the brighter side…..do you realize how many games Bucs have lost that were just like that.
We beat a division foe in their house and broke a 7 game losing streak…..we are 2-0 on the road in the division…we have a bye week so some of our players can heal….we didn’t turn it over for the first time this year,
We won for Heaven’s sake…..can’t we just enjoy that?
October 12th, 2016 at 6:19 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo loved seeing Haboo hand off to Haquizz…..Haquizz is so short that if he had an elongated arc like Hamus & Pablo….it would drag the ground and probably get grass stains and turf burn…….then we could say he had “turf arc”
October 12th, 2016 at 6:32 pm
We beat a division foe in their house and broke a 7 game losing streak…..we are 2-0 on the road in the division…we have a bye week so some of our players can heal….we didn’t turn it over for the first time this year,
We won for Heaven’s sake…..can’t we just enjoy that?
……………………
Lol TBBF………. I just had the same conversation with my best friend who is also a ’76 er and I quoted most of the things you said and more. His argument is that we are not a complete team yet and I asked him what ever made him think we were yet? Take the Good and improve upon it. If you focus on the bad you will never be happy. I love this site but it has BY FAR the most negative comments of ANY football site that I frequent. ( And that is alot )
October 12th, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Also LOL at Pablo’s post
October 12th, 2016 at 6:36 pm
@TBBF
I get what you are relaying and I certainly have agreed that the game was ugly and it did in fact look more like a preseason game and that is not being negative on the Bucs in my opinion. Those are comments about the game as a whole which includes the play of the Stinking Panthers. The win was beautiful as any win is but the game was really executed poorly by both teams with so many back ups playing due to injury it had a preseason look to it. I am not being negative at all. I am encouraged and am calling for fans to enjoy the win as my first post stated. I however having two eyes and a clue about football could assess that the game was ugly. The outcome was great though and I surely did not mean anything negative post victory. You are exactly right in your post except for the not pleasing fans portion except for the ugly win (no such thing as an ugly win) and Cam Newton would have killed us (he did not play so those making that comment are being stupid). You are one of the folks I like on here, so this is not an attack but all of the other things you mentioned actually are facts that occurred in the game. Yes, we need to enjoy the win especially a division road victory. 2-0 NFC South record is something to build on and to be happy about.
October 12th, 2016 at 6:38 pm
So are we adding Charles Sims to the list of busts on Jason Licht’s resume?
October 12th, 2016 at 6:39 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
DITTO…on all counts!
They did not collapse they persevered, inspite of the adversities.
If the greatest teams make mistakes, what is expected from a team aspiring to be great.
Greatness isn’t all talent, it’s swagger combined with a whole lot of want to…(heart). That’s how David slayed Goliath! It will over take this team because it is infectious! The QB has all that already the only thing missing is a supporting cast to step up and I believe they are stepping up now…just wait 4 it!
October 12th, 2016 at 6:40 pm
The thing I like of what I observed in Rodgers is…He hits the hole hard and either plows thru or cuts and goes. None of this 3 step, jiggering or prancing. I like the way he runs. If Koetter is smart, he’ll find more playing time for this guy. He most certainly deserves it.
October 12th, 2016 at 6:41 pm
Jacquizzz earned a third Z on his name Monday night
October 12th, 2016 at 6:49 pm
JOE. Just imagine what would have happened if martin was in. Probably a two hundred yard game on MNF.
October 12th, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Just wow…
I mean I understand a lot of us on here are “fans” (fanatics)…But, some of you guys are shooting rainbows and star dust out of your A$$es…and the rest of you guys are running because the sky is falling chicken little…SMDH
C Simms is not a bust lol…he was not in his prime role because Martin is hurt period, again…Quizz is a heck of a little back, he’s tough and he hits the damn hole…But guys sure aren’t bouncing off of him…The only guy I’ve ever seen Quizz truck was mason foster at the 1 yard line in Atlanta smh
we’ve all been through the highs and lows…Lets meet in the middle guys
Winston over throws guys, he’s still a special QB…He’s younger than any other QB in the league including wentz and Prescott.
We need to be trying guys out every week looking for our david Johnson, or karlos wiliams
our 2nd and 3rd Defensive stringers balled out
now our starters have to
you are never as good or as bad as you look
October 12th, 2016 at 7:01 pm
If anyone would have told me that the Bucs would be 2-3 with a 2-0 divisional record at the bye, I would have gladly taken that. We do have a really young team and will experience growing pains but there is things to be encouraged about the way we have begun the season especially with the injury bug biting hard. I am sort of like a pendulum with my feelings about the team on a game by game basis. I can be negative, realistic and optimistic but prefer the realistic to optimistic stance. I predicted between 7-9 to 9-7 this season and us missing the playoffs but showing improvement as the season progresses and I am going to stick with that prediction. Getting that win on MNF was monumental. That really could be a season changing victory. Time will tell. There is still a lot of work to do to be a perennial contender again but the team showed fight and never gave up in spite of some costly mistakes and that tells me that the team is still playing hard for themselves, the coaches and for us fans. I just ask for maximum effort and the results will speak for themselves. GO BUCS!!!!!
October 12th, 2016 at 7:05 pm
These are the kind of “football players” Mike Smith was talking about this preseason.
No Quizz Monday and we were done for another year. Losing to the Panthers again, well…. Now, at least we have hope for a.500 season.
He’ll get his touches.
October 12th, 2016 at 7:37 pm
@ rayjay1122
You are absolutely correct…..all but the Cam would have beat us are certainly facts from the game….I don’t deny that at all.
What I am saying though is that these are also facts that the “negative nannies” won’t bring up.
Jameis didn’t turn it over
Evans caught a TD pass
Grimes got a pick
VH3 caused a pick
A rookie UDFA DE caused a fumble
A makesshift line stopped them on their final possession
Aguayo kicked a game winner
We won against the Panthers on MNF
These are the facts I choose to take from the game….I’m not blind to the mistakes and shortcomings of our team…..I just choose to put the positives at the top.
Your wife may have some negatives….everybody does….but you don’t introduce her by saying….”Here’s my wife….she’s gotten old, fat….has wrinkles and stretch marks.
Simply my style to present the positive side.
October 12th, 2016 at 7:54 pm
All I’m saying is we have to be cautiously optimistic as fans. Even in the glory days, we’ve NEVER been able to go into a game KNOWING we’d kick the crap out of the other team.
We’ve always been able to lose to anyone.
We have never known, even for one season what it’s like to be a Patriots fan.
Do you all remember that Monday night game against Dungy and the Colts???
October 12th, 2016 at 7:58 pm
@TBBF
Very nice post and very true as well. LMAO about the wife analogy. You are exactly right, the only difference is that introducing your wife like that will lead to a butt whooping and being negative about the Bucs won’t.
October 12th, 2016 at 8:15 pm
Do you all remember that Monday night game against Dungy and the Colts???
………………….
LOLOLOL……..As if any real fan can Ever forget it. I went to bed with 5 minutes left. Not kidding.
October 12th, 2016 at 8:16 pm
ElioT Says:
October 12th, 2016 at 7:54 pm
Do you all remember that Monday night game against Dungy and the Colts???
———————————————
Yeah, I watched that one at my sister’s casa in LA. Chucky Gruden was the head coach. It was a bummer. I was glad for Tony Dungy though.
October 12th, 2016 at 8:39 pm
SB
Haven’t seen you in a minute wanted to give you props on VHG3 he shut KB down. Thata boy!
October 12th, 2016 at 9:00 pm
I’ve been wanting speed on offense for years!!!! Jaquizz a great aqusition. Now it’s time to get speed at receiver
October 12th, 2016 at 9:09 pm
Do you all remember that Monday night game against Dungy and the Colts???
…………………
Yeah…I was working in NYC and had to be up early so thinking we had the game won with that lead and defense we had, I went to bed. At breakfast, when I read the score I thought it was a misprint. That loss sucked and things started declining after that but I truly do believe the Bucs will be relevant again sooner than later. Patience is rewarding….until then if anyone needs a championship team to root for then be thankful we have the Lightning….at least for those of us who like both Football and Hockey.
October 12th, 2016 at 9:31 pm
WOW! Am I actually hearing some positive feedback.
Go JBF! Am I witnessing a culture change on this site?
As JW3 says “real recognizes real.”
October 12th, 2016 at 9:39 pm
When I heard we had signed Rodgers I got excited because he GOUGED us as a Falcon one game when he stepped in as a spot-starter. Then Sims ended up starting for 2 games.
I was very surprised he didn’t get the ball from the get-go. I am praying that it was more of a playbook familiarity issue rather than just DK’s instinct to go with Sims because Sims has basically cemented his NFL legacy as the “change of pace” back.
October 12th, 2016 at 10:02 pm
Can you say Darren Sproles?
If we can continue to get that type of production from Rogers, he is well worth the investment.
October 12th, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Tmax
And so if you’re consistent you believe the oft injured Rob Gronkowski is chopped liver. Wow man you really have some strange opinions.
Andrew Luck…chopped liver..missed a season due to injury.
I could go on but I’ll let you determine the incredible number of guys in the NFL who are “chopped liver”.
October 12th, 2016 at 11:06 pm
Lol DB……I’ve been in and out but mostly out because I am getting ready for winter. Lots of firewood to cut, sleds to get running, winterproofing the property etc. Once the snow sets in you will see more of me. 🙂 Far as VH goes I am seeing the rookie struggles but who doesn’t have them. He is making plays and most importantly in a young CB’s career he isn’t allowing YAC. I think he is gonna be a Great Buc! Instincts can’t be taught.
October 12th, 2016 at 11:14 pm
ElioT Says:
October 12th, 2016 at 7:54 pm
All I’m saying is we have to be cautiously optimistic as fans. Even in the glory days, we’ve NEVER been able to go into a game KNOWING we’d kick the crap out of the other team.
We’ve always been able to lose to anyone.
We have never known, even for one season what it’s like to be a Patriots fan.
Probably the most accurate statement I’ve ever read on this site.
October 12th, 2016 at 11:41 pm
I would say they aren’t comparable. They are two different types of backs, play two different roles. Sims is better at what he does (which is a third down type back) and Rodgers is better at what he does. Sims can score anytime he catches the ball out of the backfield, he’s done it numerous times for us. Fans take him for granted. Rodgers is like a Martin who hammers teams and Sims comes with the surprise attacks.
October 13th, 2016 at 12:09 am
I thought Rogers looked good since he got here. Really glad to have him with Simms on IR and now we can bring D Martin back at a slower pace then him trying to play full speed because we didn’t have back up running game.
October 13th, 2016 at 12:34 am
Not a sustainable amount of beating for Quizz.
No way he can repeat this.