What Does Todd Bowles Want From Rachaad White In 2023?

Now that he has a firm grasp of the Bucs starting running back job thanks to Leonard Fournette’s release this offseason, Rachaad White needs to have better grasp of the football. Tampa Bay’s third-round pick last year had a promising rookie season with three touchdowns (two receiving, one rushing), but also had three fumbles.

That’s a high number for a running back, especially one with just 190 touches, including 11 kick returns. White’s first fumble in the regular season came on the opening kickoff against Kansas City in Week 4. He later fumbled the ball on offense in back-to-back games versus New Orleans and at San Francisco later in the year.

Tennessee running back Derrick Henry led all running backs in the league with six fumbles in 2022, but had 382 total touches (349 carries, 33 receptions) last year.

Speaking to the media at the NFL Annual Meeting, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles has high hopes for White this year, but says the Arizona State product has to clean up his fumbles.

“Just get better – we talked about him becoming a more complete back,” Bowles said of White. “I know the ball went on the ground a few too many times that we talked about and aware of him holding on to the football, number one. Taking care of the football, and then with the new offense, I look for him to continue to accelerate and get better in all phases to become a complete, three-down back.”