Shady Comparison Examined
August 28th, 2020
Ronald Jones
Twelve-year veteran running back LeSean McCoy dropped some love on Ronald Jones yesterday, which had Joe running for the history books to see what/who “Shady” might be talking about.
“RoJo, I mean he’s one of the most talented running backs I’ve seen in a long time. It makes me remember to like when I was in my third or second year, just how naturally quick [he is], acceleration, agility. He has a lot of them tools, man. He’s really, really good,.” McCoy said yesterday while answering a question from Joe.
So what running backs has McCoy played with to compare to RoJo? Joe had to look deeper.
Here are the solid younger backs McCoy worked alongside:
Dion Lewis
Mike Gillislee
Damien Williams
And here are big-name guys McCoy played with when they were past their primes:
Ronnie Brown
Mike Tolbert
Chris Ivory
Reggie Bush
Brian Westbrook
Darren Sproles (who still had juice left)
Looking at those lists and where the players were in their careers, Joe certainly understands why RoJo has opened McCoy’s eyes. And that’s not a knock on RoJo, just reality. The raw talent of the Bucs’ 23-year-old running back is unquestionable.
One reason Joe has growing optimism about RoJo is the presence of McCoy himself. He’s the first accomplished running back RoJo has been around in his career (sorry Jacquizz) and McCoy is eager to mentor — like Brian Westbrook did for him back in 2009.
B west I was like 20 looking 15 hahahahah … I learned a lot from you and I’m thankful
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) October 9, 2018
August 28th, 2020 at 5:52 am
Best case scenario, Rojo lights it up. It’d be hard to stomach another 2nd round failure.
August 28th, 2020 at 6:16 am
This is Rojo third year. Usually a good RB will shine within their first two years. Koetter held Rojo’s rookie year in the dog house and BA was late starting him last season. Now he has a shot of being the cowbell at the beginning of the season, hopefully this is the year Rojo proves to be an above average RB.
August 28th, 2020 at 7:28 am
We had our fantasy draft last week, and Rojo was my second pick. I believe he’s in for a big year. Having finally grown into his body, and going on his third season he’s poised to break out. The biggest reason I’m counting on him tho is having Tom Brady as QB. Tom’s a master at changing plays at the line of scrimmage. If it’s a pass play called, and he sees an opportunity for a big run, he won’t hesitate to check to the run, and vice versa. Tom will also check the ball down if a back is open on a pass play. Pius I think Wirfs is really going to help our run game in a big way. If you’re wondering CEH was my first pick. He has offensive rookie of the year written all over him.All in all, I drafted nine rookies! All first round picks, all expected to start. We have an auction draft. If your draft is auction, you can get some of these rooks dirt cheap. I got Ruggs for only 14 dollars! He’s going to be one of the fastest receivers in the league on a team I know Gruden will put to good use. That’s my draft strategy.
August 28th, 2020 at 7:29 am
This is cool research. Thanks, Joe!
August 28th, 2020 at 7:43 am
Go Get Yo Money RoJo!
Rumble Young Man Rumble.
August 28th, 2020 at 7:44 am
Hodad when I first read that Rojo was your 2nd pick, I was reach. I am glad you clarified that it was auction style draft.
Our 2nd round picks are hitting on average, I think.
How about this team failure on 2nd round picks:
Joejuan Williams
Duke Dawson
Cyrus Jones
Jordan Richards
Aaron Dobson
Tavon Wilson
Ros-I Dowling
Shane Vereen
The only one that has semi-hit for their team is:
Jimmy Garoppolo
So 1 of their last 9 2nd round picks not counting this year. Ouch!
August 28th, 2020 at 7:51 am
LUV- Where you been hiding?!
August 28th, 2020 at 8:00 am
The best thing that happened to Rojo is Tom Brady……defenses will fear Brady’s pass so much that it will open up our run game….
Adding Wirfs & Gronk to the line will also help. Brady will also pass to Rojo and he can get YAC……
August 28th, 2020 at 8:16 am
Bucsfanman
With everything going on; just had a lot on the plate bredren.
How you been man?
August 28th, 2020 at 10:17 am
LOL, the only Juice that Darren Sproles has left, is in his refrigerator.
August 28th, 2020 at 12:07 pm
What an amazing mentors for Rojo? With a steady dose of carries and Tom Brady and Shady coaching him up, Rojo will flourish.
August 28th, 2020 at 12:23 pm
LUV- Keeping on, keepin’ on brother! What else is there, right?!
Just trying to keep myself sane these days. It’s a tall order to be sure.
Cheers!
August 28th, 2020 at 9:28 pm
Bucsfanman
I hear you. Amen Bredren.
Cheers!
August 29th, 2020 at 7:50 am
LUV with the solid reference to Mix’s best (and quite unheralded) track. Well-done!