The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't played a football game in Los Angeles since since 1993. That was back when Sam Wyche was the teams head coach and Craig Erickson was their starting quarterback. Now led by Bruce Arians and Jameis Winston, they aren't exactly getting a warm welcome back as they are set to face off against the reigning kings of the NFC, the Los Angeles Rams.
One player that might fall under the radar in terms of planning and scheming is 2018 second-round pick and USC running back product Ronald Jones II. In his return to his college town, Jones will try to make the same kind of impact he did when he used to call the Coliseum home. Although sharing a backfield with Peyton Barber, Jones has shown why he was worthy of being a second-round pick in a league that can seemingly find running backs everywhere.
In Weeks 1 and 3, where he was able to get more than 10 carries, Jones produced, running for 75 and 80 yards respectively. Specifically in last weeks contest against Daniel Jones and the New York Giants, Ronald Jones' number was called six straight times. When the seventh running play of the series was called, Jones was not in the game, instead electing to hand it off to Barber who failed to convert in the red-zone.
Jones has the ability to be a workhorse back for the Buccaneers, but must improve in the pass catching game. However, his one target out of the backfield last week was caught as it resulted in a 41-yard gain. But make no mistake about it, Jones makes his money on the ground, averaging an impressive 5.3 yards per carry so far this season.
In the times Arians called for runs, it worked well, but with the success that wide receiver Mike Evans was having against Giants cornerback Janoris Jenkins, one couldn't argue the need to get him the ball. Jones is still a young player that has showed much promise through his young career and is without a doubt improving from his rookie campaign.
Jones totaled 44 rushing yards and 33 receiving yards for his entire 2018 rookie season. With Jones eclipsing that total in just one game, that should call for more carries and opportunities for the young back.
It would not be a surprise if we see Jones get 15-20 touches in their matchup against the Rams as he will try to escape the grasps of Aaron Donald, who lives in the opponents backfield. Jones will begin his campaign to earn the solo starting role for the Buccaneers.
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