Gerald McCoy: Don’t Increase Bucky Irving Workload
November 8th, 2024
Six-time Bucs Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy looks at electric rookie running back Bucky Irving and thinks of another famous fourth-round draft pick.
No, it’s not Anthony Nelson. McCoy’s brain goes to Titans running back Tony Pollard, the former Cowboys standout.
McCoy told KNBR radio this week that he sees Irving as a speed guy in the mold of Pollard, only smaller. And McCoy thinks if Irving gets more work than he has now, something many Bucs fans want, then a Pollard-like dropoff would be forthcoming.
Dallas made Pollard its bellcow back last year after a 2022 Pro Bowl as as more of a role player. His production nosedived.
McCoy doesn’t want Irving to have the same fate.
“When you put all of the carries on his back, then you’ll get to see who he really is,” McCoy said of Irving. “Right now, I like him in the role he’s in. … Leave him in the role’s he’s in. Don’t put too much on him too early because what he’s doing right now is working.”
Well, Joe is glad the Bucs have a diverse corps of running backs, but Joe would still give Irving more opportunities. Some backs thrive with more touches.
Irving has averaged 13 touches per game over the last five weeks. It should hurt Irving or the Bucs to have that kick up a few notches.
November 8th, 2024 at 9:33 am
Makes me wonder why we don’t see more of the “Buck and Tuck” rotation. It worked amazingly well against New Orleans.
November 8th, 2024 at 9:33 am
R White is better in pass protection – until Irving and S Tucker get more experience and skillful at protecting the QB, their touches will be limited.
November 8th, 2024 at 9:38 am
Agree with Gerald on this one. He’s already battling a toe injury, which probably stems from his insane stop-start cuts. He’s a small rookie back who takes a lot of hits. I’d like to see him add a little pro-weight & strength before putting to much on his plate. Keep him fresh now and he’ll be more effective in Dec & Jan when every snap matters.
November 8th, 2024 at 9:50 am
Lt. Dan — totally agree. Why are we not using Sean Tucker more?
Why is it not Tucker is the starter under center, Irving as a spell and second back in all situations, and Rachaad White the 3rd down back?
November 8th, 2024 at 9:53 am
With Lovie2 calling the shots, a shift to the 2022 offense with one yard runs up,the middle to consume hardly any clock and punt will become the norm again. So the defense “isn’t tired.” LOL.
No way Glazers and Jason want to be embarrassed by the circus clown anymore.
November 8th, 2024 at 10:03 am
Bowles would rather we average 5 yds/carry thsn 8 yds/carry.
That’s why he doesn’t start Tucker.
He doesn’t want too high of a rushing average per carry. It’s too flashy for his tastes.
November 8th, 2024 at 10:05 am
Can Tucker get some more touches please
November 8th, 2024 at 10:23 am
Idk, Pollard seems to be thriving as the bell cow in TN with 20++ touches per game and in on well over 80% of their offensive snaps.
Ya know, things change from year to year… remember when Baltimore was a top 5 ff defense and the bucs could stop the run? Not so much this yr.
November 8th, 2024 at 11:38 am
McCoy’s opinion is so credible and I agree with him. I think the Bucs have one of the most unique 3 pronged rushing attacks in the NFL, and as the old saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it “
Go Bucs !! L G !!
November 8th, 2024 at 12:39 pm
Some keep asking why not stout out Tucker more and even buckey more. For 1 white is dangerous in the passing game and becuade he can pass block he beats out Buckey and deff Tucker. 2 there’s only 1 ball not everyone is going to eat. Trying ti find the hot hand between 3 backs can hurt the team. I like all 3 backs. JOE has mentioned it and it’s a great idea move white to the slot. With Godwin out white could slide in and do damage bring in a 2 back or 3 back set with all of them with misdirection and the defense won’t know what to do.
November 8th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Fortunately for us, nobody cares what most of you amateur coaches and GMs think.
RW is, and will continue to be, back #1 with Bucky as #2. Tucker will get whats left.
When the REAL coachs decide a change needs to be made, then they’ll make it.
Until then we’ll be fine.
November 8th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
And we’re supposed to listen to McCoy?
November 8th, 2024 at 2:26 pm
Tucker is our best back period…. After a monster game they only give him the ball 3 times a game ……. Makes 0 sense
November 8th, 2024 at 3:04 pm
The run game is working first year in for Cohen. That alone deserves a promotion.
November 8th, 2024 at 4:32 pm
I agree 1000%. Why on earth would anyone want to utilize their exceptional running back on a full time basis?
That makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
You guys are killing me here.
November 8th, 2024 at 5:13 pm
I remember when Chucky ran the wheels off a Cadillac.
November 8th, 2024 at 7:21 pm
Turf toe has taken out many good RBs throughout the years. Best to manage it in my opinion. Not saying that’s what it is, I have no idea. I have seen the toe injuries take out many RBs through the years.
November 8th, 2024 at 8:17 pm
Tucker kinda reminds me of Dorset coming through the hole. Sorry if I spelled the name wrong. But he’s also pretty raw. I think he should be in a bigger role cause he’s been great so far. Let’s Go Bucs!!!!
November 8th, 2024 at 8:38 pm
I agree with Gerald McCoy.
As much as I’d like to see Bucky get more snaps.
He’s playing well, but there is the toe injury to think about.
Keep him on a slow simmer. Just enough snaps to keep him on his upward trend, but not so many that he risks serious injury to the toe.
We have at best, an outside shot at a playoff berth. We’ll need him later in the season.
Go Bucky GO! RUN Bucky RUN! SCORE BUCKY SCORE!!
November 8th, 2024 at 8:39 pm
You wanna increase the workload for the guy who has to only do walk throughs for the rest of the season due to his current injuries?
That’s about as brilliant as rushing Mike Evans back from a hamstring injury…
November 8th, 2024 at 8:50 pm
ummm……
a little more tucker please
November 8th, 2024 at 8:53 pm
@ Vanessa: OIC 🙂
go bucky go…
run bucky run…
score bucky score…!
November 9th, 2024 at 8:03 am
Bucky’s toe issue is all the more reason to give tucker more touches. Oh has anyone noticed that Tucker has caught everything thrown his way ? And watch all 22 because he is a good blocker. IMO that kid is special he is more than a north south runner his stop and cut is dynamic along with his outstanding vision. We will see more of him as the season progresses