Melvin Gordon And The Bucs
January 12th, 2020
Nice addition.
Yes, Joe wrote yesterday that there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel for Ronald Jones as a Bucs’ feature back.
That should not mean the Bucs should rest comfortably on their barstools while enjoying a pint of Bromosa tangerine IPA from Big Storm Brewing because the running back problem is solved.
Chris Roling of Bleacher Report has even identified a guy the Bucs should have under the microscope. Roling would not be shocked if the Bucs lured Melvin Gordon to Tampa Bay.
Like [Andy] Reid, Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians’ offensive design has emphasized the passing game more than the ground attack. Tampa Bay also has Ronald Jones II developing in the backfield. Nevertheless, Gordon would serve as a safety valve for Winston, if he’s re-signed, in the short passing attack.
Let’s think about this for a brief moment. Who would you rather give the rock to, Gordon or Gale Sayers Peyton Barber?
It shouldn’t take you three seconds to reach the correct conclusion.
And just how much would Gordon, an expected unrestricted free agent, help out Jones? When Barber was on the field, the only worry defenses had with the Bucs running game was that Barber might be taken off the field.
The Bucs need to be proactive here. There is no weaker position group on the roster.
January 12th, 2020 at 12:10 pm
Would like Gordon but concerned the dollars needed for him would prevent the Bucs from bringing back JPP, Shaq and even Suh. Draft an RB. Cheap way to get a productive player to complement Jones. Bucs should cut Barber and move on. No juice
January 12th, 2020 at 12:19 pm
We need a run game but to be honest I think it would be better to go with drafting a RB like Swift or Dobbins and use all that money to keep our defense together and add a vet or 2 to finish it out like Bradley Roby or Justin Simmons on the backend and the same goes for our QB situation why dump 27 million dollars on Winston like he’s Pat Mahomes let’s use that 91 mil in cap space wisely instead of blowing a third of it on a guy who just threw more picks than any other player the last 35 years
January 12th, 2020 at 12:23 pm
Big ol NOPE. Draft a Taylor or an Etienne.
January 12th, 2020 at 12:27 pm
draft one
January 12th, 2020 at 12:27 pm
Draft Harris out of Alabama in the third……we simply don’t have the money to bring in all these FAs that will be trotted out on a daily basis…..
Unless….you want to give up on Suh or JPP or Perriman or perhaps save some money on Jameis…..
Just ain’t happening……
No money and no very high draft picks…..the 3rd is high enough for a RB.
January 12th, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Just imagine if we had Robinson instead of Jason Licht as our GM or John Lynch?? They have built their teams around the draft and important FA signings.. Just one example of many would of had us grab Henry instead of the guy from Ohio St in the second round, but what do I know I’m just another idiot that thinks this team will turn it around ..
January 12th, 2020 at 12:38 pm
Draft someone. Gordon had two bad years to start his career. There is nothing to say that those suckie performances don’t come back with a new scheme.
January 12th, 2020 at 12:50 pm
Draft one no need to break bank on a position with 4 yr life span in NFL , when we have something building in defense that deserves the payday
January 12th, 2020 at 12:52 pm
Sorry Joe , Special Teams is a much weaker position group.
January 12th, 2020 at 12:52 pm
As mentioned we prib never will pound th rock consistently with Arians but with this defense it would be nice. Just look at what Titans have been doing. In a league where everyone is setup to pass and defend the pass they’ve simply rammed the ball down teams throats and dared them t stop it this playoffs so far
January 12th, 2020 at 12:53 pm
Keep the money. Plenty of good backs in the draft.
January 12th, 2020 at 12:54 pm
No thank you. Injury prone.
January 12th, 2020 at 1:04 pm
So, Joe, you’re going to extend Godwin, re-sign Perriman, re-sign Jameis and sign Gordon. And you’re going to replace Suh, Nassib and JPP with the 14th pick in the draft…
Great plan…
January 12th, 2020 at 1:11 pm
Melvin Gordon averaged 3.8 yards per rush and had one game over 100 yards (also had one 99 yard game). Sorry Joe this isn’t the home run hitter we need. He is just another average back like Jones and Barber. We don’t need three lackluster running backs.
January 12th, 2020 at 1:14 pm
ROJO averaged 4.2 and had 2 runs of over 50-we have the guy. Barber 3.1 average.
January 12th, 2020 at 1:19 pm
No.
You can easily find Barber’s and Dare’s replacement for a lot less $$$. You also have Logan who looks like a player. At least a pass catcher.
January 12th, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Rushing production is not just about the RB, which Joe always fails to comprehend. Melvin Gordon, who in his first season looked like a bust and then started to look like a premier back, finished this season averaging 3.8 yards per carry. He averaged 5.1 in 2018. Did he forget how to run?? No! You see, there are 10 other players on offense that affect run production. There are coaches calling plays that affect it. And there are 11 defenders on the other side that affect it. Yet Joe keeps pointing at the RB as if he is on an island and controls his own destiny in the rushing game. Guess what? Bucs running backs got stuffed behind the line of scrimmage on 23% of running plays, 2nd worst in the league. Does not inspire much confidence does it? Go look at the film and see how often Byron Leftwich predictably called HB dive in first down and you will start to uncover a major reason our running game sucked. Our offensive linemen did not get enough push on these plays for them to be successful, yet they kept getting called. We need more creative playcalling and a run scheme change. Not an expensive RB. Any RB would have failed in our scheme this year. RoJo, a cheap FA, and a mid-round draft pick is all we need at RB. We do need a RT, OL depth, and a change at OC to succeed at running.
January 12th, 2020 at 1:35 pm
Of course it isn’t. It is also not a crutch either.
Can you name the Hall of Fame offensive linemen who blocked for Walter Peyton, Barry Sanders or Eric Dickerson?
Did Fred Taylor gain all his yards solely because he ran behind Tony Boselli (who was often hurt)?
Did Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott blow up because they ran behind Tony Mayberry and Jorge Diaz?
Is is too much to ask a running back to break a tackle now and then?
Guess it is. 🙁
January 12th, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Joe is failing to realize the guys he is mentioning above are the exception and not the norm.
January 12th, 2020 at 1:50 pm
Draft one.
Save your money for the D.
January 12th, 2020 at 2:02 pm
I would personally love to VV get some carries in short yardage 3rd down and goal line.
January 12th, 2020 at 2:22 pm
What name running back would want to come and run behind this offensive line??? Laughable suggestion.
January 12th, 2020 at 2:34 pm
Agree with Tom….who is doing the run blocking? Because this OL run blocking is laughable.
January 12th, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Watch the Play Offs…the winning teams will all have good OL & DL…ACCURATE QB’s and a running game that ,if needed, control the clock and protect the lead. All else in Pin Ball Fantasy league BS
January 12th, 2020 at 2:45 pm
Low priority for spending, draft one, you can get good backs with 3rd and 4th round picks. Use that money for offensive linemen.
January 12th, 2020 at 2:49 pm
Its extremely unlikely to happen since we have quite a bit of money already invested in the oline, but what I’d do, would be to cut Dotson and Brate, use that money to sign Jack Conklin from the titans. Instantly improving our pass protection and run blocking.
And then I’d spend a premium pick on a RB. I’d go as far as to spend a 1st rounder on a player like Jonathan Tayler if hes determined to be the best player there. Although admittedly I’m hoping for either Javon Kinlaw or AJ Epenesa in the 1st and then maybe take Najer Harris or Travis Etienne in the 2nd.
January 12th, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Najee*
January 12th, 2020 at 2:55 pm
I agree with Joe that Gordon would fit nicely into the offense with Jamies, but based on him sitting out with the Chargers and his pedestrian running production my guess is his contract demands will not equal the value.
My guess is the Falcons May cut Devante Freeman since they are in salary cap he’ll.
Freeman may make more sense.
January 12th, 2020 at 2:57 pm
The Bucs need a running back…..badly.
But free agency is not the answer.
The Bucs need a DB in free agency because I’m not about to trust Jamal Deam or Carlton Davis yet or any of our safeties for that matter.
January 12th, 2020 at 3:01 pm
J.K Dobbins
Najee Harris
January 12th, 2020 at 3:05 pm
simple Rule which Joes neither the Suckaneers seam to understand:
you need an good blocker (O-line)
for an goid rushing attack..
the Suckaneers change RB’s but nether improve the O-line..
and some wonder why the offense just isn’t getting it done the right way
gahahahahaha
laughable clownshow
boycott the Suckaneers
joun the Fire Licht Tonight movement!
January 12th, 2020 at 3:07 pm
a strapped for cash (cap) team like the bucs needs to correctly pull one from the draft…
more of a power back needed…
we need thunder, and hopefully jones can supply the lightning
January 12th, 2020 at 4:18 pm
Najee Harris played for Alabama. THATS IT!!!! Don’t start think he is Derrick Henry somehow because Henry is having success now. Najee didn’t do what Henry did at Alabama and DEFINITELY won’t do what he is doing now in the NFL so stop with the Najee Harris references. He’s a better receiving back than a running one though. Watch the tape!
January 12th, 2020 at 4:20 pm
Why would you pay that kind of money for a position you can draft effectively? Especially with the cap squeeze we have?
January 12th, 2020 at 5:06 pm
Nc…
I think you need to rewatch the tape on Harris. Dude shows a lot of power and balance through contact, in addition to better than average agility and speed for a player of his size. Throw in good vision and patience on top of the receiving ability you mentioned and hes a dang good prospect at running back.
No he isnt Derrick Henry, but at 6’2 229 with 1500+ yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns last season on just over 200 touches, you can argue he’s easily worth a 2nd round pick, especially if he has a good showing at the combine.
January 12th, 2020 at 5:06 pm
adam from ny Says:
“a strapped for cash (cap) team like the bucs…”
Bucs have around $90 million in cap space according to Spotrac. It’s because of all the free agents, so it will go fast, but they have the cash.
January 12th, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Man, Patrick Maholmes looks really great.
January 12th, 2020 at 5:12 pm
Bonzai, so does Travis Kelce.
January 12th, 2020 at 5:12 pm
I don’t personally think we need another RB, unless we lose Barber. He’s a solid backup and Rojo will only improve next year.
Focus on the offensive lines and defensive lines for a change.
January 12th, 2020 at 5:20 pm
Barber had a terrible year. Had a sub 3.1 ypc average. Worst average for any Back with as many carries on the season.
Barber, Dotson, and Dare are 3 players that shouldn’t be on the team next season if the organization is serious about winning.
January 12th, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Melvin Gordon is a mediocre back who ran through huge holes in San Diego. He is a pretty good pass catcher, so that would be nice to have, but he’s nothing special.
January 12th, 2020 at 8:01 pm
Joes are 1 season too late with this… I was all for trading for Gordon or Duke Johnson last offseason but RoJo’s done enough that we now need to focus on a power back in the draft not a versatile back in free agency.
January 12th, 2020 at 8:23 pm
We cannot afford him because we are keeping Winston
January 12th, 2020 at 9:23 pm
Kareem Hunt will also be in play.
January 12th, 2020 at 9:34 pm
No way bucs pay top dollar for a running back and quarterback. Pipe dream because godwin has to get his and so does the d line. We need a better 3rd down back is all
January 12th, 2020 at 9:57 pm
This dude turned down 10 million per year from the Chargers and averages 4 yards a carry. He’s not even worth half of that. Pass. I say we just draft someone this year.
January 12th, 2020 at 10:20 pm
@bonzai
are you crazy bro?…
do the math on the players we NEED to bring back…
we most likely can’t even sign perriman…
yes there is enough loot for the glazers and i to go grab a meal at cici’s pizza,haha, but beyond that all cap money is basically spent already…
#PleaseGetHeadOutOfTookas
January 12th, 2020 at 10:23 pm
rough estimates:
jameis: 25-30k
shaq: 15-16
jpp: 10
suh:8-10
carl:5
gholston:5
perriman: 8
that’s like 75- 80k right there on just a handful of players
January 12th, 2020 at 10:57 pm
Just don’t let Licht make any decisions.
January 12th, 2020 at 11:07 pm
While getting Gordon would be a great addition we might lose out on JPP and suh and I’m OKAY with that having a great RB will eliminate Jameis turnover problem!!! Jameis has the weapons to beat any team in a shootout I believe we need to start drafting dline and developing them
January 12th, 2020 at 11:35 pm
Forget Gordon, go get Bell and restructure his contract to fit the Bucs. It forces us to use him and keep the ball out of Jameis’ hands.
January 13th, 2020 at 1:05 am
would love Melvin Gordon…if we cant get him draft NAJEE HARRIS
January 13th, 2020 at 3:04 am
Najee Harris = Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry
HT/WT
6′ 3″, 247 lbs ..He’s a big bruising back that can shake off tackles.
Najee Harris
HT/WT
6′ 2″, 230 lbs ..Najee is a little smaller. Right now, but compares well to Henry style
January 13th, 2020 at 7:26 am
Can you name the Hall of Fame offensive linemen who blocked for Walter Peyton, Barry Sanders or Eric Dickerson?
________
Are you being facetious? The answer is two.
But would you settle for All-Pro or Pro Bowl?
Hilgenberger and Covert made five Pro Bowls blocking for Payton.
Jackie Slater is in the Hall of Fame for the Rams and Kent Hill made five Pro Bowls blocking for Dickerson.
Barry Sanders had Hall of Famer, Lomas Brown, and multiple Pro Bowlers in Kevin Glover and Ray Roberts as well. Did Backus ever make a Pro Bowl?
I’m going by memory here but all three RBs had some good OLinemen.
January 13th, 2020 at 10:41 am
The Draft has some pretty good running backs this year and the Bucs could easily get a plug and play starter in in the first round at a lower cost than Gordon. Both Barber and Jones are serviceable.
January 13th, 2020 at 11:25 am
id rather ekeler than this dude.
January 13th, 2020 at 12:57 pm
Like many of the posts – even the abstract ones, but this has to be absolutely the worst idea I’ve ever seen proposed. The best RB in college is today’s NFL is barely a 2nd round pick and seldom reaches a 2nd contract? Might as well bring back Baker is you are just looking for an uninspired, streaky player, who decides when and if he wants to even show up.
January 13th, 2020 at 4:33 pm
They can keep Gordon- I want Ekeler!! Gordon had too many drops and too many fumbles this “half year”
January 13th, 2020 at 4:35 pm
Damn cbell, beat me to it, lol
January 14th, 2020 at 8:08 am
Subtract Brate. Add Perriman. He’s a BA believer now, so he’s well worth it.