Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers Game Day Spotlight: Jacquizz Rodgers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

As the Buccaneers take on the 49ers today, everyone fully expects running back Jacquizz Rodgers to get another heavy workload.

There are still plenty of people disappointed that Doug Martin hasn’t returned, some even blame him for his injury. However the Buccaneers managed to find a running back to come in and fill the void left by both Martin and Charles Sims. Against the worst rush defense in the NFL, there is plenty to look forward to out of Jacquizz Rodgers today at Levi’s Stadium.

In what can only be described as an ugly Monday Night Football game against the Carolina Panthers, Rodgers carried the ball 30 times for 101 yards, helping the Buccaneers control the clock as well as the game.

There will be plenty of opportunities for Jameis Winston and Mike Evans to put up big plays in the passing game, but most teams haven’t needed to expose San Francisco’s weak pass defense given that they can run the ball down their throats, control the clock, and protect the ball.

No, Jacquizz Rodgers is not Doug Martin. He is, however, a serviceable back for a match-up like this one and can provide a level of reliability to the run game – something they didn’t have with Sims taking the bulk of the carries. Don’t expect him to get 30 carries again, but he will certainly get his touches. If he is as productive per carry as he was against the Panthers, it will allow for Jameis to use the play action pass that makes this Buccaneers passing game so dangerous.

Jacquizz Rodgers has another opportunity today to audition for a spot on this team next year as a potential third down back. If he continues to run the way we’ve seen this season, he could be the guy called upon should Martin or Sims go down with an injury next year. He knows the offense, he’s comfortable with the coaching staff, and has engulfed himself as part of this team. It all continues today as he will be one of the focal points of the offensive game plan.