How much was Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson struggling early this season?
The sad results spoke for themselves.
Joe also heard various ex-coaches and ex-players point fingers at Robinson. Jay Gruden (Chucky’s brother) even noted that Robinson didn’t appear to know what he was doing.
In came undrafted rookie free agent quarterback Jalon Daniels. He looked prepared and ready for the challenge. That was a point for Robinson. And then Daniels won a Thursday night road game at Dallas and made a couple of big-time throws in the process.
And now the Bucs lead the NFL in rushing by hundreds of yards and are sporting a two-game winning streak.
Though it’s unclear if the Bucs have a necessary passing attack, it is clear that Robinson is making a comeback.
On Sunday, Joe was intrigued to hear Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht praise Robinson on the team’s radio pregame show (98 Rock), but he put a timeline on the kudos.
It was October-only love for Robinson.
> “I think Zac’s done a great job putting our guys in position here to succeed starting, you know, the last few weeks,” Licht said.
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> “And ultimately it comes down to execution and physicality up front. And I think our guys are up for the challenge.”
Again those comments were on Sunday’s pregame show. Licht’s take proved prophetic.
Joe is enjoying the mauling running game. Again, the Bucs lead the NFL in rushing yards and average more than five yards a carry.
However, in the next two games — at Chicago and at Detroit with a bye week in between — Robinson will have to prove he can craft a consistent passing attack, one that exists beyond the line of scrimmage.