No. 2 Rookie Rusher, Bucky Irving Has “A Gift”
November 4th, 2024
With apologies to Giants rookie fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy, Bucky Irving has been the best rookie running back in the NFL season.
Tracy has more rushing yards but he’s played an extra week. Through eight games for Irving, the Bucs’ fourth-round pick has 76 carries for 395 yards and 3 rushing TDs.
Every stinkin’ offseason Joe writes and talks about how teams strike running back gold in the late rounds of the NFL Draft, and this was finally the Bucs’ time. Thank you, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht.
Todd Bowles gushed on his recent official team radio show about Irving.
“His vision and his stop-and-start. He can stop and start and get back to full speed quicker than most people. He can see the field. You know, it’s a gift,” Bowles said.
“It’s a gift. Everybody can’t do that. He can see the field. He understands what’s getting ready to happen to him. He can set his blocks up well, and he has a good feel for it.”
Irving sure is gifted, and he’s caught a stunning 20 of 22 balls sent his way. But will that mean more touches? Joe thinks it could and should.
But might more work hurt Irving’s effectiveness? He’s got a bad toe that the Bucs are managing. The team says that doesn’t affect Irving on gamedays, though Joe would not bet on that.
Regardless, the Bucs found a special running back in Round 4. And it’s on coaches to get the most out of him, even if that hurts other players’ feelings.
November 4th, 2024 at 5:22 pm
Only in Tampa would the best player be a back up. Tucker after only one game is less than 100 yards behind Rashad white. There’s less than 100 yards receiving difference between Bucky and white so dude isn’t some huge receiving threat Bucky is not. I cannot wait for the coaching staff purge so the best players can get on the field and actually stay on the field. No more starters sitting on the bench on critical third downs because of a rotation.
November 4th, 2024 at 5:23 pm
“It’s a gift. Everybody can’t do that.” Looking at you Rachaad
November 4th, 2024 at 5:35 pm
This translates to Rachaad White having poor field vision.
November 4th, 2024 at 5:41 pm
I think you are translating with a dictionary in the wrong language. It says nothing about RW.
November 4th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Brother Tuck needs to help Buck with more carries. Keep Buck healthy with a pitch count, and let White catch the ball.
November 4th, 2024 at 5:49 pm
LovieII will ask Bucky to play defense and drop him into coverage from the NG position.
November 4th, 2024 at 5:56 pm
I’ll bet Irving gets +32.5 rushing yards tonight. He has done it the last 4 out of 5 games.
November 4th, 2024 at 6:35 pm
@Crickett Baker,
When has anyone complemented RW’s vision as a runner? He’s a pass catcher, nothing else. Stats speak for themselves.
November 4th, 2024 at 6:55 pm
@Pewter Power
So you’re saying Tucker should be our starting back? That he’s our best player? Just trying to figure out if you’re a total dummy or I’m reading your comment wrong 🤔🤣
Let’s go Bucky…. And Rachaad…..and Sean 🤘🏼
November 4th, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Too bad Bowles lacks that gift of sight of putting the proper players on the field, giving a player who lacks vision on the field more playing time that should be given to two others and he should be just a receiver
November 4th, 2024 at 7:06 pm
Again, I’ve conceded the White/Bucky debate… I saw Bucky in that last game make cuts I have seen since Dunn handled the rock in Tampa. He’s a special player.
Bucs fans, we’re in a window, and I think that window is season 2025. For our offense I don’t think it won’t be any better, I think it will be the last season where Evans and Godwin will be playing together at an elite level, our offensive line should be the strength of this team, throw in the 3 headed monster at RB, and Coen in year 2 of calling plays…We need a big draft for the defense and we need at least 2 key free agent signings, and/or trades.
November 4th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
this dude is a vital piece to our future. in offseason get that toe fixed. this dude runs like a kid thats being chased by his momma. u cant catch that lil fer… super strong for his size too. like really strong. his start and stop to full speed is ridiculous. we may have hit the jackpot with this guy. keep giving bucky the rock!
November 4th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
Hopefully the Bucs coaches realize what they have in Irving and play him accordingly tonight.
November 4th, 2024 at 7:37 pm
why is it that me, an arm-chair coach was saying the exact same thing Bowles says here after the 2nd preseason game but it took him until now to realize Bucky is RB #1 took 3 years to realize White is a 3rd down back at best in this league.
November 4th, 2024 at 8:06 pm
@GoneGator
Sorry if I confused you I was comparing both backs to Rashad white stats, try not to think too hard I don’t want you to hurt yourself. If you had even a little common sense you’d know everybody thinks Bucky is the best back on the team
November 4th, 2024 at 8:15 pm
Not all coaches can recognize their top talent. This happen a lot more than people realize. I mean how would a fan know?
Case in point. Tom Brady was a back up at Michigan most of the time he played there. Just ask Drew Hinson.