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.