The Buccaneers have great weapons. That’s not a secret heading into the 2020 season. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and the trio of tight ends are as good as it gets. However, if Tom Brady is actually going to succeed, he needs a security blanket coming out of the backfield. For so many years, that man was James White. The player that nobody is talking about but somehow is super important is Dare Ogunbowale. Start getting yourself familiar with the name.
Can Dare Ogunbowale become the James White for the Bucs offense? That’s one of the questions that needs to start being asked. Like White, Ogunbowale also went to Wisconsin. Like White, Ogunbowale was never the primary starter in college. Both were teammates and got playing time behind Melvin Gordon. They’re not much different.
It’s not just Brady, Bruce Arians has always liked pass catching running backs. David Johnson caught the ball well during his prime. Arians even kept Andre Ellington on the roster for so many years despite the fact that Ellington wasn’t a real running back. I’m not sure Ogunbowale is much different.
Ogunbowale, 26, has talent. His rushing numbers aren’t pretty but the former Badgers RB is averaging 8.2 yards per catch. Overall, he boosts a stat line of 35 receptions for 286 yards. With Brady in house, don’t be surprised if Ogunbowale becomes a more focal point of the offense.
I’m going to scream this until the cows come home. Tom Brady did not push the ball downfield last year. Why am I supposed to believe he will do so this year at the rotten age of 43? Players like pass catching running backs and short routes to tight ends – slot receivers is what drove the Brady offense for what seems like forever. Brady averaged 6.6 yards per attempt last year. He’s not the same guy anymore.
Dare Ogunbowale. Just remember the name. If the Bucs are going to make this puppy work in 2020, a no-name running back may play a larger role than you may think.
