Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fielded one of the worst rushing attacks in recent history. Their leading rusher, Peyton Barber, averaged a measly 3.7 yards per carry. One would think that coach Bruce Arians would make a change at the position, but apparently not.
I think Barber will start. Depends on how effective Jones is to determine how they split carries. Arians will go with the hot hand but Jones still isn’t as good in pass protection. https://t.co/oxv0hiqFhZ
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) August 28, 2019
Barber, an undrafted free agent in 2016, will again get the chance to lead the backfield. This is surprising to say the least, as former second-round running back Ronald Jones is sitting on the depth chart behind him. Jones was terrible in limited action last year, but it's surprising to see him not even get a chance to start.
Arians is known for his passing game prowess, and he'll likely lean on that again. Quarterback Jameis Winston is in a do-or-die year, and is surrounded by playmakers. Wide receiver Mike Evans is one of the best in the league, and secondary option Chris Godwin is a legitimate breakout candidate.
While most of the offense looks good, the offensive line has a lot to prove. In the third preseason game against the Cleveland Browns, the Buccaneers allowed eight sacks and were inefficient on the ground. Tampa Bay's defense also doesn't look like a solid unit. Former starting linebacker Kwon Alexander left for the San Francisco 49ers and Gerald McCoy was let go. There aren't many impact players for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.
The bar for the Buccaneers this year should be set low. If Winston takes a step forward, Tampa Bay should be happy with the advancement. While this may seem minor, it would be a huge step in the right direction for the Buccaneers.
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