Improving the running game is a main goal for the Bucs offense this season. Consider the beginning of training camp and the first preseason game as the arrow pointing in the right direction. Every day we’ve seen the Bucs work on specific nuances to build their running attack from the ground up and get out of the doldrums of being the worst run game in the league over the last two seasons.

Saturday’s preseason game can hopefully help build momentum in that area as Tampa Bay prepares to have two joint practices against the Jaguars in Jacksonville ahead of a preseason game this weekend. It’ll be important for Tampa Bay to prove that one game wasn’t a fluke for what they’re trying to establish between their offensive line and the running backs.

Bucs O-Line Excelled In Run Blocking

Whatever the Bucs wanted to do against the Bengals, they did. Tampa Bay racked up 136 yards on the ground at a pace of 4.3 yards per attempt. So why was it such a success? Center Robert Hainsey helped explain.

Bucs C Robert Hainsey and OC Liam Coen – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“The running off the ball, the movement – there’s so many little things that were great,” Hainsey said. “And so many little things we’ve got to clean up, technique-wise. The overall emphasis of, ‘Hey, we’re moving guys, we’re running off the ball, we’re taking them this way so our back can read it out and if he cuts back, great. Circle the defense, keep it going.’ Those are some of the bigger things that we’ve been focusing on. Like I said, to see it kind of play out was nice.”

This was also the offense’s first time working with offensive coordinator Liam Coen in a game setting. Hainsey pointed out a specific part that really contributed to the Bucs moving the ball so efficiently in the running game.

“Honestly, the way that we’ve been getting coached [and] the way this scheme has, I think, fit our strengths has been a lot of fun to work through and to put on tape what we’ve been doing in practice,” Hainsey said. “To put [it] on tape against another team in the preseason feels good, [because] if you guys are seeing it, you know it’s there. Because sometimes a lot of stuff gets unseen in those scrums, but we’re running off the ball, trusting our technique, [and] trusting each other.

“We’re moving guys horizontally and vertically, putting the [running back] in great positions. I mean, I forget who all was in, but Sean (Tucker) had that big cut behind. That’s what you want. Cave everything down, cut it back, [and] make the defense cover 53 and a half yards so that when you go to get the ball outside, they have to run [and] worry about the cutback. They have so many things to worry about. I really like what we put on tape and the way things are coming along.”

Each Running Back Played Their Part

Bucs RB Sean Tucker – Photo by: USA Today

The biggest beneficiary from the running backs was Sean Tucker, who scampered for a team-best 68 yards in the contest, including a 26-yard run. It’s a really important time for Tucker, who needs to play well to make the roster.

“It felt good, just to be back out there in a game,” Tucker said. “Running the ball, doing what I love to do. I feel like it’s just been a long process, but I’m just sticking to it and always being ready for the opportunity. I’ve got to give thanks to my O-line up front and everybody just blocking and doing their job. That allowed me to do my job at the best that I can and I’m just helping the team win.”

It wasn’t just Tucker that had a great night in Cincinnati, it was all of Tampa Bay’s backs. Bucky Irving had 28 yards on just six rushes and a score. Ramon Jefferson also had the game-winning rushing touchdown and helped out in the passing game with two catches for 25 yards. D.J. Williams chipped in as well with 29 yards rushing as the Bucs came from behind for the win.

“We’ve got a good room,” Tucker said. “Chase [Edmonds] – the older guy, the vet in the room – then we’ve got Rachaad [White], and then of course, Bucky, Ramon and D.J. Everyone has jelled together and we’re all boys. We’ve definitely got a funny room going on so far. I like it.”

Joint Practices Coming Up

The Bucs are preparing themselves well for the regular season with tons of competition in training camp. Joint training camp practices have become the norm throughout the league and the Bucs are making the most of it by practicing with two separate teams – the Jaguars in Jacksonville this week and the Dolphins in Tampa Bay the next week.

These practices have typically been eventful due to the competitive nature and helps raise the effort level of both teams.

“It’s always a good opportunity to go play another team,” Bucs center Robert Hainsey said. “In the practice setting, it’s a little bit different. It’s almost going to be a little more high-energy, [and] high-paced than the games. You guys have seen how the joint practices go, but it’s a great opportunity to put stuff on tape versus really good players and kind of evaluate yourself. [Evaluate] how you feel, how you did, [and] what you can work on versus starters from another team.”