Let me tell you something that’s been gnawing at me for years: the NFL’s obsession with the run game is a farce. Yes, the league’s most successful teams often have strong rushing attacks, but what many people don’t realize is that this isn’t about brute strength—it’s about control. When you can dictate the pace of a game by running the ball, you’re not just winning yards; you’re winning mental battles. Baker Mayfield’s recent comments about the Buccaneers’ run game have me thinking about how deeply this issue runs, and why it’s so easy for fans to blame the wrong people.
Back in 2023, the Bucs were a laughingstock when it came to rushing. They ranked dead last in the league, and yet the blame fell squarely on the offensive line. But here’s the thing: if you’ve ever watched a game where a team can’t run the ball, it’s rarely the linemen’s fault alone. It’s a symphony of coordination—coaches, play callers, even the quarterback’s ability to read defenses. Dave Canales, the then-offensive coordinator, became a scapegoat, but what makes this particularly fascinating is how quickly the narrative shifted when Liam Coen took over in 2024. Suddenly, the Bucs were top-5 in rushing. And then, just as suddenly, they collapsed again when Coen left. It’s a tragicomedy of management decisions.
Mayfield’s praise for Zac Robinson, the new playcaller, feels like a lifeline. He says Robinson ‘gets it’—the need to run the ball. But here’s what’s missing in that analysis: the NFL is changing. Teams are getting faster, defenses are more aggressive, and the run game is becoming a relic of a bygone era. Yet, Mayfield still clings to the idea that running the ball is essential. Why? Because it’s the only way to keep defenses honest. If you don’t have a credible run threat, your passing game becomes a target. But this raises a deeper question: Is the run game still relevant in a league where 15-yard passes are routine?
What I find especially interesting is how injuries on the offensive line were an ‘uphill battle’ last year, according to Mayfield. This isn’t just about physical health—it’s about mental fatigue. Players can’t perform at peak levels if they’re constantly battling through pain. And yet, the Bucs’ leadership seems to think that hiring a new coordinator and sprinkling in some zone runs will solve everything. It’s like treating a broken leg with a band-aid. Sure, the new plays might help, but without addressing the root issues—player health, coaching continuity, and a culture that prioritizes long-term strategy over short-term fixes—the run game will always be a rollercoaster.
Let’s also not ignore the irony here. The Bucs have spent years firing coordinators and blaming them for their failures, yet they keep falling into the same trap. Josh Grizzard’s firing was framed as a necessary move, but what this really suggests is that the team lacks a clear vision. Are they trying to build a balanced offense, or are they just chasing trends? If you take a step back and think about it, the run game isn’t just about yards—it’s about identity. And right now, the Bucs have no identity. They’re a collection of good players with no cohesive plan, and that’s why their run game keeps tanking.
So what’s next? I suspect we’ll see more of the same: a new coordinator, a few flashy plays, and a season that’s half-good and half-terrible. But here’s the kicker: if the Bucs want to be contenders, they need to stop treating the run game like a magical cure-all. It’s not a silver bullet—it’s a tool. And like any tool, it needs to be used correctly, consistently, and with purpose. Otherwise, they’ll keep running in circles, just like they did in 2023.
