7 years agoWhile Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Ronald Jones II didn't stand out at all in the preseason, head coach Dirk Koetter isn't putting all the blame on him for his poor performances in games. Jones finished the preseason finale against the Jaguars on Thursday with only four yards on 10 carries. In four preseason games, Jones rushed for 22 yards on 28 attempts (0.8 yards per carry) with one touchdown. "It's a combination of things. I know from Ronald's standpoint, it's not at all from lack of effort, or from him not knowing what he's doing. Okay? So I know there's been a little undercurrent out there about him not knowing the playbook and I want to make sure I'm real clear on that. That is not an issue," Koetter said. Peyton Barber clearly outplayed Jones in camp and the preseason and will open as the unquestioned lead back. However, Jones has plenty of long-term upside and should slowly increase his touches as the season wears on. Jones remains a fine dynasty target, but he's just a bench stash in deeper redraft leagues for now.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud