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Bucs will need to incorporate running backs in passing game for Super Bowl success

The Chiefs defense has struggled at times tracking, covering and defending running backs catching the football out of the backfield.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers passing attack will need to include running backs Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones to help outscore the Kansas City Chiefs on Super Bowl Sunday.

The Chiefs defense has struggled at times at tracking, covering and defending running backs catching the football out of the backfield. Tampa Bay’s tandem of Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones has been inconsistent throughout the 2020 campaign.

“What you can guarantee is that Byron Leftwich is going to put these running backs in positions to make plays and that Tom Brady is going to give them opportunities to make those plays as well. It’s on Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones to make those plays,” said David Harrison of Locked On Bucs. “We have seen some really bad runs between these two as far as catching the ball. We have also seen some really good ones.”

Over this season, the common belief was that the backs would get things right over the course of the year. With this weekend being the end of the season, they are running out of time. The Chiefs defense will open up an opportunity for Brady and the offense to be able to provide some open space and matchup problems on Super Bowl Sunday.

“This is it. This is for the trophy. There is no week after this,” said Harrison. “There’s no more getting better as far as this season is concerned. You are either going to put it all together or you are not.”

Fournette caught 36 passes for 233 yards in 2020, while Jones registered 28 completions for 165 yards and a touchdown.

Credit: AP
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (28) carries the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Sabitus)

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