Time For Ronald Jones Over Shaun Wilson
September 26th, 2018
It’s time.
Joe can’t find the justification any longer.
Rookie Ronald Jones, the No. 38 overall pick, should be active Sunday against the Bears for the first time this season.
First, undrafted rookie Shaun Wilson’s kick returning was abysmal on Monday night. Go back and watch all of them. And also note that the Buccaneers are the worst kick return team in the league averaging 14.3 yards through three games.
Dirk Koetter has said publicly that it was a tough decision to choose Wilson over Jones. It shouldn’t be any longer. Joe is confident that Jacquizz Rodgers or Adam Humphries are better kick returners than Wilson. Their instincts are better.
As for Jones, he won’t develop on the bench and entering a bye week after the Bears game, it would be a great confidence boost for the rookie to have gotten his first action. Even if Jones just gets a couple of carries in Chicago to get his feet wet, that would be a good thing. And it’s not like the Bucs running game has been lighting things.
Maybe, just maybe, Jones flashes the skills that made him that top pick. Nobody’s going to know anything until he gets a handoff.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:03 am
I’m all in for that move!
September 26th, 2018 at 10:05 am
Agree Joe
This should happen.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:07 am
I don’t know why teams don’t do what the Steelers do; pop your kickoffs up to someone like Wilson. When we got the 15 yard penalty and kicked off from midfield why not hit it high and short?
September 26th, 2018 at 10:07 am
I’d say RoJo over Barber instead since most everyone bends over backwards to defend Rodgers value to the team as a pass blocker. Wilson has looked pretty solid as a returner and he’s looked like he has decent burst the few opportunities he’s had with the 1s, so there isn’t any chance he gets benched. Rodgers is everyone’s fav extra blocker so he’s safe, and if we’re only using 3 backs then that makes Barber the odd man out. Outside of an okay-ish Week 1 he’s been awful, he’s averaging 2.9 yards per carry. If there is anyone who deserves to be benched for RoJo, it’s him.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:08 am
100 % certain that wilson is a better returner than rodgers . have you seen rodgers run… not sure that man runs any faster than a 5 flat 40 …. i’m cool with humphries doing it but gotta realize it’s not all on returner the steelers where doing those high up kicks trying to pin us back and when that happens theblocking really needs to do a good job. i know on one specifically i saw I johnson just get pushed back into wilson , it was a couple plays after he had ran into that wall… i think wilson can be a fine returner he has a good return against the saints i believe and was best in the preseason . idk for some reason i think i’m going to trust the coaches eval on this not some guy who probably never played ball and is sitting on his couch reading a computer screen …
September 26th, 2018 at 10:09 am
100% agree Joe!
Give Rojo some carries this week!
All it takes is for Rojo to flash those open field cuts and that game breaking speed one time on a dazzling 60 yard TD run – and all thoughts of “bust” and “can’t get on the field” will be instantly forgotten…
September 26th, 2018 at 10:10 am
He’s got fresh legs… and incentive (will be behind first team blockers). RoJo returned kicks in college, too. He must learn how to pass catch and pass block…..the RB Role in the nfl has morphed into a hybrid receiver.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:12 am
johnnybuc Says:
September 26th, 2018 at 10:08 am
100 % certain that wilson is a better returner than rodgers . have you seen rodgers run… not sure that man runs any faster than a 5 flat 40 …. i’m cool with humphries doing it but gotta realize it’s not all on returner the steelers where doing those high up kicks trying to pin us back and when that happens theblocking really needs to do a good job. i know on one specifically i saw I johnson just get pushed back into wilson , it was a couple plays after he had ran into that wall… i think wilson can be a fine returner he has a good return against the saints i believe and was best in the preseason . idk for some reason i think i’m going to trust the coaches eval on this not some guy who probably never played ball and is sitting on his couch reading a computer screen …
———————
The Steelers were smart with the mortar kicks. I wished the Buccs would do the same on kickoffs. When teams start below their 20-yard line the defensive success rates go wayyyyy up. Automatically putting the ball at the 25…..
Gives offenses the advantage.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:12 am
SC: Rewatch the games week 16 + 17 of last season and you’ll know why we’re taking the touchback.
Btw: Aren’t there any servicable Special team coaches out there in the college ranks? Maybe a little support for out ST coordinator might help. Just asking.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:13 am
I hope I never see that Isaiah Johnson kid on the field again.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:16 am
Rogers returning kicks would look like a snail moving in molasses.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:16 am
i was in the “more touches for wilson” camp. he has looked like the most dangerous ball carrier (in a very small sample). but i’d also like to see more rojo. i’d sit quizzy, and it pains me to say it. put cross back there on third down 🙂
September 26th, 2018 at 10:16 am
As long as he can passblock too then yes.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:17 am
German – I agree that is all prefaced on the ability of your ST to tackle which we haven’t shown.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:20 am
We need our 2nd round change of pace RB out there. Barber and Rodgers running styles are too similar.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:22 am
i dunno… Rojo must have been abysmally bad for him to be inactive. I’m guessing the only reason he’s still on the team is because he’s a second round pick.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:23 am
right on observation…Wilson’s returns suck…offers nothing
September 26th, 2018 at 10:23 am
Rojo needs to be held out until after the break and let him prove himself with the ones against our Defense in scrimmages before he gets time in a game. Also then only insert him in the fourth quarter with a big lead and the defense is worn out and putting their hands on their hips. Too risky to insert him in a tough away game against a top defense like Chicago’s. It could cost us the game.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:23 am
Unless dirk feels good with him in pass pro then I don’t think he should play. Talk about telegraphing to the defense that we are running the ball… if he’s in the game it’s a guarantee it’s a run play at this point
September 26th, 2018 at 10:27 am
bust
September 26th, 2018 at 10:28 am
Brilliant Joe!! You have a compelling story! I am in…..
September 26th, 2018 at 10:30 am
put the man in. some guys show up on gameday. he might be one of those!
September 26th, 2018 at 10:30 am
Yep. I was OK with Rojo being out until I saw Wilson return kicks. He looked timid / terrible.
Even if you only use Rojo on a few plays – his explosive factor is worth it over whatever Wilson brought imo – although we aren’t seeing the practices
September 26th, 2018 at 10:31 am
With his speed, Jones would have scored on Barber’s run inside the 5 on the 1st TD drive (assuming he followed the blocking like Barber did)
September 26th, 2018 at 10:36 am
Licht has had 3 years to get an NFL caliber RB and has done nada, I am not sure what metric licht is using on thinking that the RBs the bucs have are good, put on the bama-usc tape, that is enough proof that the bucs should not have drafted rojo, he ran scared. Guice was the pick for the crafty licht, he could have talked to beckwith and kwon to tell him about them…and the dozen or so NFL FAs, that are doing well this year for other teams, like CJ Anderson, crowell, powell, AP, etc
September 26th, 2018 at 10:39 am
Honestly if Vita Vea and Ronald Jones are both busts, that is unforgivable given all the other GM mistakes and the talent available
Why on earth did it take the Vance McDonald play to know that Conte is not a an NFL player (and hasn’t been for years)
I hope that play does not mark a turning point for the season
September 26th, 2018 at 10:40 am
johnnybuc Says:
September 26th, 2018 at 10:08 am
100 % certain that wilson is a better returner than rodgers . have you seen rodgers run… not sure that man runs any faster than a 5 flat 40 ….
I am not in any way saying Ronald Jones has looked good this year, however Ronald Jones ran a 10.37 in the 100 meters in high school.
He is very fast and my guess is if he wasn’t nursing an injury before the draft he would have run a sub 4.4
September 26th, 2018 at 10:40 am
Our pass game is so good, that I think we have to pass first to set up the run. But we have to be able to do it, when its called.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:41 am
Would love to see RoJo get some experience. I would also love to see him gain some muscle. Also, I would love to win the lottery every week. I think there is a reason the team that couldn’t seem to quit D. Martin also cannot seem to find a place for their 2nd round pick chosen specifically to replace D. Martin.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:42 am
I think it’s over Jacquizz… he has lost a step and looks slow. I don’t want JR in on 3rd down anymore. Would rather keep PB in.
September 26th, 2018 at 10:52 am
Agree 100%. Also Rodgers totally just about caused the magic man to get his head tore slap off the other night. Wilson just sucks. Bears defense will bring the heat and if we can’t run the ball we may all get our wish at seeing our favorite QB. There’s tape out there now how to slow down this high powered passing attack. If we can’t figure out how to run it we’ll be 2-2
September 26th, 2018 at 10:54 am
Now they are saying Conte had a torn PCL during that play.
To which I ask why was he on the field?
September 26th, 2018 at 10:57 am
@Reality_43 – if that is true he possibly tore it trying to trip Vance after he was stiff armed and mushed into the grass. Watch the video.
September 26th, 2018 at 11:11 am
yeah it was tough to watch Wilson returning kicks….he seemed scared….but yeah, its time for rojo and vita to show us something…..
#TUNNELVISION!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!!
September 26th, 2018 at 11:14 am
43
I read that too…..in conte’s defense, he did slip before making a break to cover McDonald….
but I think the result would’ve been the same even if he was 100% healthy…..that was horrible technique injured or healthy…..
#TUNNELVISION!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!!
September 26th, 2018 at 11:14 am
Take Rodger out he sucks put Jones in
September 26th, 2018 at 11:16 am
So sit Rogers
September 26th, 2018 at 11:19 am
Glad that people think they know more than Koetter and his staff about evaluating the rookie RBs side by side. Ronald Jones was awful in the preseason. Shaun Wilson is a lot more versatile right now. This has been, and is, obvious. Koetter will activate Jones when he feels that Jones gives the Bucs more versatility and hence a better chance to win, than Wilson. That’s it.
September 26th, 2018 at 11:20 am
BucFanFromOH I hope I never see that Isaiah Johnson kid on the field again.
He made a bone headed play but he was responsible for a touchdown last year against the Saints
September 26th, 2018 at 11:31 am
Lets open up this present !
September 26th, 2018 at 11:36 am
agree 100%. otherwise we will be waiting until next year. if not now could be an absolutely bad pick like the previous 2nd round kicker
September 26th, 2018 at 11:45 am
horse liver
I agree with you but Koetter is the same coach that thinks Mike Smith is a good defensive coordinator.
September 26th, 2018 at 11:58 am
It’s clear as day Barber isn’t anything beyond a 3rd down back.
September 26th, 2018 at 11:58 am
If he’s ready, play him. He’s been inactive for a reason is all I’m saying.
September 26th, 2018 at 12:09 pm
I would hate to put him in against the Bear’s Dline. Perhaps it would be better to wait till after the bye. Confidence is everything for the young kid.
September 26th, 2018 at 12:20 pm
Alex Cappa as well
September 26th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
I still like Shaun Wilson but yeah his kickoffs looked much worse the the first 2 games.
I would keep Wilson if he is ready to carry the ball. I can only recall two runs but each was over 5 yards, I’m not sure if he has more then two carries.
If they can’t trust Wilson to run the ball then bring up RoJo is you trust him.
September 26th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
I think anybody who says Quizz sucks is a idiot.
September 26th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Bring back BOBO tonreturm kicks !! Yes get ROJO touches
September 26th, 2018 at 1:07 pm
Please do not let Adam Bumphries return kicks… he’s a fumble waiting to happen. Sure handed Bobo Wilson should be returning kicks and have Bumphries roster spot. Another poor decision by Jason Licht. Right there with passing over Derwin James Jr.
September 26th, 2018 at 1:14 pm
Rogers suck !!!!!
September 26th, 2018 at 1:16 pm
I hope he do his thing
September 26th, 2018 at 1:25 pm
Anyone who thinks a rb with under 2000 yards rushing and has been in the league for 7 years is an idiot
September 26th, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Can’t wait to see Ronald running up the gut on first down against 11 in the box and getting 1.8 yards per carry and people calling him a bust because he can’t make Dirks run offense of the last two years, which consist of running it up the gut vs 11 in the box, suddenly work.
Anyways give he kid a chance to play or put him in a trade package with Brate to get Bell. Again, don’t want to lose Brate, but that helps balance out the money.
September 26th, 2018 at 2:37 pm
Time for Ronald Jones to start earning that paycheck. He’s got enough talent to do something even if it’s on special teams, kickoffs, running the ball, whatever. Gotta get him battle tested and let him learn from his mistakes. He can’t be worse than what’s been on display so far. And Quiz is only good for pass blocking, don’t we have Alan Cross who has experience with that? Quiz as a RB is a huge waste.
September 26th, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Koetters stubborn nature will get him fired. He didnt play devonta Freeman his rookie year and his been a pro bowler ever since Koetter left.
September 26th, 2018 at 2:59 pm
The last line of this article says, Maybe Jones flashes Skills? Where? When?..I’m waitin!! I’m starting to think this kid might not have what it takes at the NFl level.
Hell, during preseason, I did not even see him go thru a hole. Might as well find out now what we got before its to late. I;m just not feelin anything with this guy.
Its time to poop or get off the pot Mr. Jones. Lately the Bucs have been pretty smart about getting rid of dead weight. Produce or..hit the road sir.
September 26th, 2018 at 3:26 pm
He’s been waiting for the return of Jaboo
September 26th, 2018 at 4:03 pm
If you watched the preseason you saw him follow his blockers when given a chance, but mainly you saw him getting hit 6 yards behind the LOS because he was playing behind a 2nd and 3rd team offensive line that can’t run block. From my memory he had one carry, against the Titans if I remember correctly, where he should have made a cut and instead tried to bounce it outside, that’s the only real blunder I remember, otherwise it was him getting hit behind the LOS and people wondering why he isn’t Barry Sanders and can’t make 7 guys miss.
To be clear I hated the pick, I said draft a corner, then another corner, then another corner and then another corner, although I was also saying a safety at any of those spots would be acceptable as well. Barber isn’t anything special, but who cares, this isn’t a running offense and you have a ton of needs more concerning than RB, and that you can get a RB anywhere, meaning you can get them later in the draft OR you can get a veteran in FA. Carlos Hyde was my personal choice, and he’s been really good in Cleveland, and then with that 2nd rounder perhaps you draft, oh…. I don’t know, another corner?
But with all that said those of you burying Ronald Jones based off preseason, you’re just part of the social media lynch mob, the people that go around fake outraged at everything, saying someone is a bust and has no talent without ever giving the guy a chance. You’re literally the worst people on earth, worse than even al Qaeda.
Chill out on Jones until we see him in a real game, behind a real offensive line, when he’s not getting hit behind the LOS on every carry. Then again that’s exactly what was happening to Martin last year and mostly what has happened this year. Perhaps at some people realize that perhaps it’s not the RB that is the issue, maybe it’s the offensive scheme and play calling where you telegraph exactly what you’re going to run, and from what I saw in that Steelers game was Dirk taking back over control of the reigns because the failed run up the gut on 1st down for no gain wasn’t part of Monken’s gameplan the first two weeks of the season.
September 26th, 2018 at 4:25 pm
Quizz is ridiculously average and slow, let’s see what this kid has.
September 26th, 2018 at 4:32 pm
Time to sign Ryan Nall from the Bears practice squad. He looked great in the preseason! He’s a big bruiser who can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Alstott 2.0.
September 26th, 2018 at 5:02 pm
jimmyjack
lol….
I don’t think quiz “sucks” but he aint the answer….imo, if rojo and spence would’ve given this team something, he would’ve been cut…..I like Wilson over quiz….his best trait is his blitz pick up…..but totting the rock, nawl…..
#TUNNELVISION!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!
September 26th, 2018 at 8:00 pm
play rojo, you have to see what you got. i think he sucks and will never make it as a #1 back. Best find out now before its too late.
September 26th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
You’re going to activate a rookie that hasn’t been activated for a reason against a tough Bears defense, Joe? Don’t think so. Do what you will on kick returns. But Wilson has looked like a good UDFA RB so far with the minimal amount of playing time he’s had. RoJo is a train wreck. Got negative yardage in the preseason going up against camp meat most of the time. Apparently he hasn’t showed up in practice yet or he’d be on the game day roster. Of course they want there second round pick playing and of course Koetter has to say it’s a tough decision between 2nd round and an UDFA but he’s been straight saying you can only put a certain amount of players on the field and they have to be the best one’s that you have a chance to win. RoJo is not that right now. Win against the Bears and put him in against Atlanta after the bye.
September 26th, 2018 at 9:49 pm
Sad that Jones is a bust and Vita is a no show.
September 26th, 2018 at 11:58 pm
Jones couldn’t even average 1 yard in preseason. How do you do that – if you fall forward and don’t run you average a yard and a half. We should of picked up Adrian Peterson who is 5th in the league in rushing. He is still a bad ass running back. We should of also brought in another experienced defensive back free agent
September 27th, 2018 at 9:41 am
Rodgers is the best RB on the team, and should have gotten the rock 20 times a game, ever since his Bucs starting debut on MNF in 2016. He was on his way to a stellar season until he hurt his foot against Raiders. He was on his way to his 3rd straight 100 yard game. (Think he had 130 or 140 agst. 49ers.) And when he came back, Koetter was still trying out Martin. Then last season he starts, and gets game ball against Giants. And then nothing rest of season. GIVE HIM THE BALL. Not 1 rush here, 1 rush there. 2 or 3 passes here and there. Just keep him in and run West Coast offense. Throw on 1st down, and use pass to set up run. Koetter’s run plays are so predictable. And, he was best KR they had last year. Slow? I don’t see it. Maybe more quickness than flat out speed, but he ain’t slow.