A Glimmer Of Hope

May 12th, 2018

Bucs RB Ronald Jones. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com)

If Joe can take Bucs coach Dirk Koetter’s words literally, then Ronald Jones won’t be held back if he is running effectively.

Joe has a seed planted in the back of his head that if somehow Jones, an explosive runner who the running-back-needy Bucs drafted in the second round, doesn’t pass protect to Koetter’s demanding standards, he’ll see limited action despite his running skills being needed on the field.

Koetter’s history with rookie running backs is, well, uneven. And Joe vividly remembers a past “Hard Knocks” when Koetter was offensive coordinator at Atlanta being all over tailback Devonta Freeman for struggling at pass protection.

Freeman, now a top running back in the game, easily had his worst season in the NFL his rookie year, which happened to be his only year with Koetter.

And Joe knows, in part, Peyton Barber got limited carries in favor of well-past-his-prime Doug Martin last year because Barber was considered shaky in pass protection.

This subject of pass protection and Jones came up after the first underwear football practice rookie minicamp practice Friday.

“All running backs coming into the NFL have work to do mostly in protection.” Koetter said. “Most colleges don’t have a whole lot that they ask these guys to do protection-wise, but [Jones] is going to do fine. He will get it.”

These are encouraging words.

Look, Joe is not trying to trivialize pass protection. Of course it is important. Perhaps vital. But Joe is also of the mind that you draft and play a running back, a tailback, to — you know — run the ball. If he can block, that’s icing on the cake.

It reminds Joe of how former Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik used to crow about blocking icon Michael Clayton. Sure, he could block. Problem was, he couldn’t catch!

What’s the point of having a wide receiver on the roster when he cannot catch? That’s like having a guard on the roster who is a total turnstile but he can catch the ball. That’s not his main responsibility! What’s the point?

You feeling Joe?

35 Responses to “A Glimmer Of Hope”

  1. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    #22?

    What he didn’t want to show up former Safety Tony Covington, and sport #25

  2. old time buc Says:

    We do need his speed and shiftiness immediately, pass blocking is important too but he will get better at it.

  3. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Him & Peyton should play for it, best man wins the starting gig. And the number

  4. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Well….you don’t need to pass block when it’s a running play.,….so, run.

  5. The Buc Realist Says:

    After seeing JW3 slammed to the ground in the first few games, you would think that joe would appreciate good pass protection and not trivialize it and wonder why some rb got more playing time!!!!!!!

    GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  6. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    “All running backs coming into the NFL have work to do mostly in protection.” Koetter said. “Most colleges don’t have a whole lot that they ask these guys to do protection-wise, but [Jones] is going to do fine. He will get it.”

    Yup Cichy would agree..lol
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTirt1ZQFI4

  7. Defense Rules Says:

    @Joe … “You feeling Joe?” Not really Joe. You’d be the FIRST one to yell & scream at Koetter if Jameis was lost for the season because RoJo missed a block and Jameis got blown up as a result. There are some awesome hunters on on the opposing DLines who’d love to take Jameis home as their trophy. Your better RBs learn how to block as well as run. I’m with Dirk on this one.

  8. LostinPA Says:

    No one is saying keep him on the field during obvious passing downs.

  9. Rich Says:

    What’s the point of having a wide receiver on the roster when he cannot catch? That’s like having a guard on the roster who is a total turnstile but he can catch the ball. That’s not his main responsibility! What’s the point?
    ___________________________

    I don’t get the analogy. RBs and WRs are expected to block as part of their responsibilties. Guards aren’t even eligible receivers and can’t be unless they line up outside of a tackle – in which case they wouldn’t be guards.

  10. Batman Wood Says:

    You mean the Devonta Freeman that gave up the strip sack that cost the Falcons the Super Bowl? That’s your example of a RB not needing to pass protect?

  11. Dooshlarue Says:

    @Rich

    Joe often struggles with his analogies.

  12. Blake_Bucsfan Says:

    @Luv

    Lol keep in mind that the clip you’re referencing is from 2015, RoJo’s rookie year. He was much better in pass pro in 2017.

  13. teacherman777 Says:

    @LuvmyBucs

    Rojo needs to man up in pass pro.

    Cichy destroyed him!

  14. ComeOnJoe Says:

    The video Luv posted doesn’t shine a very good light on USC running back pass protection. Those college backs barely stuck out a hand to slow Cichy down. Jones has a lot to learn.

  15. JabooBuc Says:

    Liking the Cichy pick. If this kid heals up properly he’s going to be a player.

  16. Owlykat Says:

    Jones will get it! Don’t worry! Got plenty of time until preseason.

  17. TheBucsAnthem Says:

    Schemes

    Schemes

    Schemes

    ……………….Koetter will find a way

  18. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    It’s underwear football!!! No hitting! Yet people are already disparaging our “effort”. SMH

    Let’s at least get to some pre season games to see how these guys perform against NFL opposition…not in drills during underwear football.

    Apparently we’ve already seen enough of ROJO in day one to see his speed…we’re not going to really know who well he masters blocking until the hitting begins for real.

  19. DB55 Says:

    Joe

    So according to this PFF article the premiere RBs in this league suck at pass blocking and vice versa.

    Essentially if you want a blocking RB draft Peyton Hillis if you want to score draft lashawn McCoy

    Apparently Matt Forte is the exception.

    It’s an outdated scheme, the nfl is changing before our very eyes and if old man koetter don’t get it quick he’ll be replaced by a 34 yo in Jan.

    https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/2010-pass-blocking-efficiency-running-backs

  20. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    Blocking RB’s are good for one major thing…they can erase mistakes made by OL and stop a jail breaking DE or DT from crushing their QB. If they are called upon to do that there has already been a mistake!!! Short of an FB blocking for another RB there shouldn’t be that much blocking except to erase mistakes.

    With two EXCELLENT TE’s…one of them known for his blocking prowess…Koetter lines up seven hats to block 4-6 guys. Let’s just get the OL to do their jobs and the RB’s won’t need to be great at picking up the blitz.

    Let’s have Koetter call the right plays and blitzes may end up as a simple outlet pass to ROJO who then swings it up the field for a giant gain.

    If we’re that frightened about lack of protection set one of the TE’s in more of an FB position and let them pick up the blitzes…they have the size to match.

  21. Destinjohnny Says:

    Still don’t under and not taking bo Scarborough in the 6th round

  22. Destinjohnny Says:

    Meant to say still don’t understand not taking bo Scarborough in the 6th round

  23. Pickgrin Says:

    I like that ROJO is wearing #22.

    The time to run the gerbil stench off of that number is NOW – as opposed to just letting it sit there and fester on the practice squad or something…

  24. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    @Blake_Bucsfan – Lol, I know brotha. Still Luv the footage though.

    @teacherman777 – No Doubt

  25. Bobby M. Says:

    When your franchise QB has a bum shoulder, pass protection is the most critical element for your RB….particularly when the QB grossly trumps the RB in value to the offense, team and franchise. Martin knew his assignments and blocked better…Barber was “ify” at times at knowing where to be and executing….One bad hit and you may have the same situation as Luck in Indianapolis. While football involves the randomness of a bad break on any given play, coaching thinks in terms of odds and statistically the odds were greater that Barber was more likely to miss on his assignments then Martin. When it comes to running plays, from a strategic standpoint you cant simply plug Barber in on the plays you are running or you tip your hand to the defense.

    I would guess with Winston healthy, the team is much less concerned with the occasional missed assignments if the trade of is homeruns in the running game. Neither Martin or Barber offered that and both were dealing with a beat up Winston.

  26. Kobe Faker Says:

    Hate to state this to the Buc sheep

    but at 200lbs…its tough to be a good pass blocker

    you need the weight and leverage along with the technique

    “Just sayin”

    Kobe Faker

  27. Bucamania Says:

    Rojo is 6ft and 210 and put together. He’ll be fine in pass pro. More importantly, he’ll be a huge weapon this year. Finally a take-it-to-the-house guy in the backfield with speed and ability that will make defenses respect the run.

  28. Steve in Mad Beach Says:

    Preach Joe, Preach!

  29. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Jones is only 20 and could easily fill his frame with an extra 5-10 pounds by week 1. I wanted an every down back in this draft, witch is why I was so high on Penny. I loved his tape, but it never occurred to me that he could be a first round pick. He was always mocked late 2 or 3 so I never considered it. My mistake. I guess Seattle saw what I saw. Not that I’m a pro scout or anything! Lol

  30. BuccaneEric75 Says:

    Does anyone know what happened to 87? He wasn’t banned and I missed it, was he?

  31. BucEmUp Says:

    If the line creates holes for this kid, and he really is that explosive after a five yard gain I don’t think many teams will be blitzing when he is back there unless it’s an.obvious passing down. It’s all.up to the oline to make.those holes though. Give him five and he will get twenty plus. I.love this pick more than the first rounder, but that’s only because you know who will ruin him.

  32. JimmyJack Says:

    Passblocking is something that can get better with experience. It’s a basic BS reason to keep Jones off the field for just blocking.

  33. BigMacAttack Says:

    I sure hope Derp doesn’t screw this up. I swear he’s his own worst enemy.

  34. BucHead5588 Says:

    25 is Peyton barbers number

  35. Pryda ...sec147 Says:

    Why the f did he choose 22 pick anything else bro.