Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest reason to be excited in 2018

By Brad Berreman

BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images)
BEREA, OH - JULY 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass during a training camp practice on July 30, 2018 at the Cleveland Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Cliff Welch-Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Cliff Welch-Icon Sportswire/ Getty Images /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ronald Jones

Last year’s preseason “Hard Knocks” hype dissolved into a 5-11 record for the Buccaneers last year, and things aren’t off to a great start this year with Jameis Winston starting the season on a three-game suspension.

In some ways, Tampa Bay seems to be on a fast track to a worse record than last year. That would almost surely be followed by a new head coach, a new general manager and a new starting quarterback going forward starting in 2019. But we’re talking about this year here, and there are some glimmers of hope and excitement.

After a nice run late in his rookie season, the Buccaneers envision a bigger role for wide receiver Chris Godwin this year. But after having the league’s sixth-worst rushing attack last season (90.6 yards per game), and no longer having to  deal with Doug Martin’s injuries and ineptitude (2.9 yards per carry in each of the last two seasons), Tampa Bay could use a spark from a running back.

Ronald Jones averaged 6.1 yards per carry over his three seasons at USC, which helped make him a second-round pick in April’s draft. He also held up well and produced when his workload increased last year, with 1,550 rushing yards (second in the Pac-12) on 261 carries (third in the Pac-12) with 19 touchdowns (second in the Pac-12). He wasn’t asked to do much as a pass catcher (32 career receptions), and he’s got work to do in pass protection, but Peyton Barber and Charles Sim are all that stands between Jones and a sizable role as a rookie.

With an easy path to a difference-making role right out of the gate, and Ryan Fitzpatrick starting under center for at least three games, Jones’ potential is something the Buccaneers can latch onto and be excited about for the coming season.

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