“He Reminds Me A Little Bit Of Jahmyr Gibbs”
September 13th, 2024
Bucky Irving fever has made its way into the studios of Gruden Loves Football, the new YouTube channel run by the Bucs’ original Super Bowl head coach.
Joe loves how Jon Gruden is no longer burdened by a TV-network time limit for his football takes. He dove extraordinarily deep into Sunday’s Bucs-Lions matchup.
Joe will hit on a few Gruden nuggets before kickoff, but today it’ll be Chucky’s love for rookie running back Irving, who led all NFL rookie running backs in rushing Sunday in his debut.
“He reminds me a little bit of Jahmyr Gibbs,” Gruden said of Irving, referring to the Lions’ star second-year running back. ” … You got this change of pace quick demon that comes in there and catches passes, runs jet sweeps. This guy’s a talented football player on the rise.”
Gibbs, of course, was a first-round pick last season and overwhelmed the Bucs in the playoffs with 9 carries for 74 yards and a touchdown.
Dangerous Gibbs could doom the Bucs this weekend.
“Last year against Tampa, [the Bucs] missed a run fit, and if you miss a run fit, Gibbs is gone, 30-yard touchdown,” Gruden said. “If you have the wrong guy in coverage against Gibbs, he’ll tear you up. He got [K.J.] Britt last year on a choice route for a huge gain.”
Gruden also noted the savvy of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, in addition to his skill and precision in the pocket. Goff twice quick-counted against the Bucs successfully last season, per Gruden, and he expects that to happen Sunday — deep shots on quick counts — to put the Bucs’ cornerback situation to the maximum test.
September 13th, 2024 at 11:06 am
We’ll see if the Bucs can extend drives and get their D off the field on 3rd and 4th downs. If the Bucs can produce a decent running game, control the clock, and keep Detroit’s D guessing then things will be interesting!😎
September 13th, 2024 at 11:07 am
Let’s go unknown CBs make a play push dean out of here !
September 13th, 2024 at 11:34 am
Sounds scary. However, Bowles is pretty damn good at scheming defenses so backups have help and aren’t left on an island. But Bowles is not a magician and Winfield’s absence in center field could limit our ability to bracket the Detroit speedsters. Buffalo did a masterful job of doing that against Miami’s speedy WRs last night.
September 13th, 2024 at 12:01 pm
He made the game sound very scary. I want us to win but Gruden makes it seem impossible with all our injuries. Sigh
September 13th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
I will say that the Bucs backup secondary players aren’t stiffs. Izien is a solid player. Not having Winfield will create some confusion, the new guys just need to be coached to be in the right position.
Not much is said about Vita Vea this week but with the injury to Kancey his game has to get to the level he showed earlier in his career. Right now he is the rock of that defensive line and at least until Kancey comes back he must produce more of a rush up the middle and force the Lion’s runners to veer away from any North/South runs. I am rooting for him to have a great game. With this secondary in transition until Winfield returns, the big guy needs to make some momentum killing plays.
September 13th, 2024 at 12:14 pm
Our defense is a little shaky. Next guy up.
September 13th, 2024 at 4:24 pm
Offense must rule in this one, especially. It sucks that we don’t have our best feet to put forward personnel wise. Damn.
September 13th, 2024 at 7:19 pm
I agree. Damn! That said “All hands on deck.” means that everyone must play their best game possible. We cannot afford many penalties. No turnovers. … Just stating the obvious.
September 13th, 2024 at 8:10 pm
Ironically, this injury situation puts the pressure on Detroit. Both Bowles and Coen can scheme up game plans knowing they’ve got nothing to lose. Bucs players will be on a mission, and it would not surprise me if they are more focused than the Lions. Go Bucs!!
September 14th, 2024 at 7:14 am
Missing Winfield is big this week. While whatever rotation of guys that come in to cover receivers might do well there, Winfield will be missed in stopping the run and blitz packages. He’s just so good in those areas. Not having Kancey is bad, but I think losing Winfield this week is just as big if not bigger.
September 14th, 2024 at 4:24 pm
We’re weak up the middle at all three levels. Kancey out, Britt the turtle waching guys blow by him and Winfield not there to cover up mistakes. Bowles better scheme up some blitzes to get us off the field. Otherwise, they’ll pound us all day. Hopefully Coen has some answers too. We have a chance if the coaches don’t play scared. You have to believe in your guys Todd.