Bucky Irving = Alvin Kamara
January 1st, 2025
Bye-bye defense.
Joe still gets the shivers when thinking about the 2017 draft.
Joe went round and round almost daily with a reader about who the Bucs should draft. This guy Joe crossed swords with was absolutely, totally in love with O.J. Howard. Joe thought drafting him was irresponsible.
The Bucs already had a quality Pro Bowl-level tight end in Cam Brate, who the previous season led the NFL in touchdown catches for tight ends. In other words, Howard would be a luxury pick and the Bucs had way, way too many holes on the roster to address.
The Bucs had a nauseating hole at running back, Joe beleived, and Joe was screaming for Dalvin Cook.
Joe sweated and barfed his way through round after round, incredulous how the Bucs could fully ignore running back. Finally, too late, Joe fretted, the Bucs got a running back. SnoopDog McPlaybook, who wanted nothing to do with the Bucs and bolted after training camp (recorded on “Hard Knocks” no less) when the Bucs didn’t protect him.
Well, one of many running backs that spring who wasn’t good enough for the Bucs was Tennessee running back Alvin Kamara. He led the NFL in yards per carry as a rookie in 2017. In short, he was good.
Seven years later, it appears the Bucs did get Kamara. Or at least his clone.
Per The 33rd Team, two running backs this century have racked up 1,400 yards from scrimmage in less than 250 touches. Here are the two:
1. Alvin Kamara.
2. Bucky Irving.
While Joe is long over the Bucs not drafting Cook (or T.J. Watt) and instead using their first-round pick on a luxury player (the Bucs have won the Super Bowl since and Cook never did — scoreboard, Bucs!) the Bucs finally got their Kamara.
Bucky!
Is Bucky Irving Alvin Kamara 2.0?
Every rookie RB that has gotten 1,400+ yards from scrimmage on less than 250 touches since 2000 ⤵️
🏴☠️ Bucky Irving
⚜️ Alvin KamaraEnd of list. https://t.co/rRGbrKyWrU pic.twitter.com/TZuux16nWf
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) December 30, 2024
January 1st, 2025 at 1:03 am
Sounds Like Kamara and Olave are in this week and Carr is out. Man I hope Bucs come ready to play. Can’t have another stinker after a great showing. That trend must end. You know Saints would love nothing more than to ruin our season. I’m truly nervous for this Sunday. Im begging Bucs please do not take this opportunity on Sunday for granted!
January 1st, 2025 at 1:12 am
Meant to say Carr is a possibility to play as well. Not out. They could have 3 big weapons Sunday. Hoping not but please Bucs be ready foe their best! I hate the saints and last thing I want to see is them ending our season.
January 1st, 2025 at 1:20 am
Respect to Bucky with that monster stat. Put the ball in your best players hands and glorious moments are created.
January 1st, 2025 at 1:32 am
@Mac
Just imagine if The Guru lived up to his nickname and the defense could actually hold opponents to 17 points or under.
January 1st, 2025 at 1:40 am
*Kamara is a dirtbag. Damn autocorrect.
January 1st, 2025 at 3:27 am
Need to get him some help back there….no dis to White or Tucker, but we’ll always have four since pounding the run game is our thing now…and injuries happen. I wanna see Bucky last as long as possible.
Watch Skattebo at 1pm today and give me your thoughts, AZ ST…. mini A-train i like to call him….not quite as big as Mike, but still a force. Im thinking a mid 3rd rounder….
We could be the first team to have a four headed monster!
January 1st, 2025 at 3:56 am
Skattebo is definitely a keeper and pairing him with Irving would be a whole lot of fun to watch, but wouldn’t that be another luxury pick? The defense has been suspect all season and should be the primary focus during the upcoming draft.
January 1st, 2025 at 4:24 am
I have not watched Kamara other than his games played against the Bucs and I know stats are…stats. However what I have seen of Kamara is not anything special.
Just never that impressive to me. 4.4 yards per carry (Barry had 5.0) average for his career? He can catch and has put together a good career to include Pro Bowls. which mean very little to this fan anymore BTW.
We have been known to shut down Kamara for pedestrian numbers more than once. I’m not sure comparison to our rookie is valid. Kamara caught as many as he ran in his first to years. 6.1 per carry his first year though which is indeed a huge number.
Bucky has really, really impressed me.
BTW Tucker is at 6.1 with only 48 carries and he has good hands as well. Not so good picking up the blitz though…
Go Bucs!
January 1st, 2025 at 5:18 am
@Cal, yeah I know….but if we work on getting Kennard or someone else at DE/OLB, then Emmanwori at Safety, we can grab him 3rd and then get a CB 4th…i dont know, still playing around with stuff.
January 1st, 2025 at 5:21 am
Kamara is an efficient runner and has managed to hang around but he’s never been a 1,000 yard rusher. Bucky’s already there. Looking forward to Bucky entering into the Bucs top ten rushers of all time next year. Just stay healthy young man and be the greatest. Good luck!
January 1st, 2025 at 5:51 am
To this day, whenever I hear about the ’17 draft, I get angry. Pro bowl caliber, udfa Brate, just gets signed to a deal… Yeah let’s draft a tight end. Great idea! WE COULD HAVE HAD TJ FREAKING WATT! At least half our pass rush problems wouldn’t be here! Thanks Dirk
January 1st, 2025 at 5:57 am
I also was one disappointed we didn’t get Dalvin. But good things come to those who wait. And that would be Bucky. He is the real deal on and off the field. Thankful Bucky is on our team.
January 1st, 2025 at 6:14 am
The Bucs need to walk a fine line with Bucky. If they try to make a bell cow back out of him there is high probability of him missing major time. The
aforementioned Dalvin Cook missed 13 games out of 28 his first two seasons.
Its a trend that is hard to ignore, since most of the bell cow backs have been unable to avoid missing major time due to injuries dating all the way Adrian Peterson who I believe is one of the most durable backs to ever play the game.
January 1st, 2025 at 7:14 am
Bucky looks better to me.
January 1st, 2025 at 7:44 am
Bucky is the most exciting player this team has had in a long time.
January 1st, 2025 at 8:18 am
Similar but Bucky doesn’t not run with the violence that AK has.
That said it’s a bit unfair for both players.
Bucky is creating his own NFL identity…
January 1st, 2025 at 8:23 am
Still think ‘Buc & Tuc’ will be the tandem next season. Hope they split enough to keep Bucky healthy.
January 1st, 2025 at 8:29 am
After all these years Snoop Dog McPlaybook is still the best nickname Joe has given someone.
January 1st, 2025 at 8:35 am
MadMax
It’s great to see you recognizing Cameron Skattebo’s potential. His physical running style and versatility have indeed drawn comparisons to Mack trucks like Mike Alstott. Standing at 5’11” and 215 pounds, Skattebo has been a major part of Arizona State’s offense, showcasing impressive vision and patience on the field.
But let me drop yet another can’t-miss all-world prospect: Sebastian Castro, Hybrid Slot/Safety from Iowa. Castro has exceptional instincts and anticipation on the field. His ability to diagnose plays swiftly allows him to position himself advantageously, often leading to impactful tackles and pass breakups. His football IQ and versatility in the secondary make him a can’t-miss prospect in the upcoming draft.
January 1st, 2025 at 9:00 am
Yo Luv, HNY….yeah ive seen Castro, hes a nice one, more of a free range safety, which we could also use. Since we’re thin at LB and safety, thats why i like Emmanwori, he’s that hybrid. But we also need to nail a cb…i haven’t done much research yet though
January 1st, 2025 at 9:04 am
MadMax
* Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
* Sebastian Castro, CB, Iowa
* Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
* Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
* Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State
* Nick Nash, WR, San Jose State
* Benjamin Yurosek, TE, Georgia
Honorable Mention(s):
* Kyle Monangai, RB, Rutgers
* Jonah Coleman, RB, Arizona
* DJ Giddens, RB, Kansas State
* Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
* CJ Dippre, TE, Alabama
* Dariel Djabome, LB, Rutgers
January 1st, 2025 at 9:04 am
Didnt I hear McNichols (snoop dog mcplaybook) name in the Commandos vs Falcons game? He had a couple decent plays I think. I don’t follow Washington but I recognized the name since I was curious how the Falcons would do.
January 1st, 2025 at 9:08 am
MadMax
HNY Bredren! Please check back shortly; I have a comment awaiting moderation that I’d like you to review when you have a moment.
January 1st, 2025 at 9:14 am
Now if we can just hit on edge rusher that would be great!
January 1st, 2025 at 9:22 am
MadMax
HNY Bredren
January 1st, 2025 at 9:23 am
test
January 1st, 2025 at 9:28 am
Hey BucBeast, “Just imagine if The Guru lived up to his nickname and the defense could actually hold opponents to 17 points or under.”
Here is how many points we put up against the top 20 teams best in points allowed.
The #1 Chargers (17.6) 40-17, #2 Cheifs (18.0) 24-30, #3 Eagles (18.1) 33-16, #4 Vikings (18.8) haven’t yet played, #5 Broncos (19.4) 7-26, #6 Packers (19.6) Haven’t yet played, #7 Steelers (20.5) Haven’t yet played, #8 Dolphins (20.8) Haven’t yet played, #9 Lions (20.8) 20-16, #10 Seahawks (21.4) Haven’t played, #11 Bills (21.6) Haven’t played, #12 Bears (21.8) haven’t played, #13 Ravens (21.9) 31-41, #14 Cards (22.2) Haven’t played, #15 Rams (22.3) Haven’t yet played, #16 Texans (22.4) Haven’t played, #17 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (22.9) #18 Saints (23.2) 51-27 & ?-?,
#19 Commanders (23.3) 37-20, #20 Falcons (23.7) 30-36 & 26-31
I will take my chances to play any of them in the future. Only the Lions a WIN and the Broncos a loss have held us under their point per game average.
Right??? SMH!!
GO!!!!! BUCS!!!!!
January 1st, 2025 at 10:40 am
The thing I am worried about is that the Saints will try to deliberately injure Mike to keep him from the record. They are just that kind of a team.
January 1st, 2025 at 10:51 am
I was just talking about the similarities between the two to a buddy yesterday. Similar starts to their careers anyway. Glad we have Bucky!
January 1st, 2025 at 10:56 am
Mcplaybook helped the Skins beat the falcons. Props bro.
January 1st, 2025 at 11:06 am
The Saints want redemption after that beating we gave them in the first game. Bucs need to be clicking on all cylinders this week. Division games are always tougher. Let go!
January 1st, 2025 at 11:20 am
Kamala is a mirror shell of what he used to be. An aging running back who’s been hit too many times.
January 1st, 2025 at 11:50 am
We’ll definitely need to trade-up now, especially if we win Sunday, & make the Playoffs… But, I’m ‘all-in’ on Jalon Walker (still only 20-years old). Every UGA game I’ve seen this year, HE has been all over the field (the way DWhite used to be) making ‘BIG-TIME’ plays, in leading THAT Defense. He is a son of a coach. He was ‘runner-up’ for the HS Butkus Award, & then ‘WON-IT’ this season in college. He was/is an ‘all-around’ ATHLETE (helluva B-Ball Player in HS), & ‘unlike’ DWhite, he can TALK. I caught two of his interviews on PAWL Finebaum’s Show, & he just came away sooooo impressive on both. Very SMART. Son of a COACH. He can play ANYWHERE on the field, EVERY LB spot. Can drop back AND rush the passer. He can do it ALL. I am SOLD. We need that guy… Would be great to get Lavonte back for one more year, for him to play and learn alongside of.
January 1st, 2025 at 11:57 am
I am usually bored to DEATH watching/listening to ‘player interviews’ (and will usually pass), but not on this kid. He’s a LEADER. Very grounded, well-spoken, and self-aware. Also, unlike DWhite.
January 1st, 2025 at 12:57 pm
If BUCKY#7 was faster he’d have more tds. That is the main “weakness” in his game. Without a doubt the most exciting runner since Dougie Martin.
Imagine where we’d be if Jon Gruden was as smart as he thought he was in 2006 when Drew Brees became available instead of continuing on with the son of Simms.
January 1st, 2025 at 1:07 pm
16.33 ppg since the bye (last 6 games)
3.8 points in 2nd halves since bye.
And what does this have to do with the article?
January 1st, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Buckys balling…..Let Bucky be Bucky…
January 1st, 2025 at 2:08 pm
Protect that ball Bucky!!!
January 1st, 2025 at 2:42 pm
There’s no guarantee the Bucs wouldn’t have ruined TJ Watt’s career by drafting him. LOL.
January 1st, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Skattebo got Buccaneer written all over him….im telling you! Hope yall watching that game.
January 1st, 2025 at 4:33 pm
#Repost
LUVMYBUCS Says:
December 8th, 2024 at 6:44 am
Bucky Irvin & Cam Skattebo 2025!!
January 1st, 2025 at 4:35 pm
MadMax
#Repost
LUVMYBUCS Says:
December 13th, 2024 at 4:52 am
Note: I’m intrigued by moving S Nick Emmanwori back to his natural spot at inside linebacker.
Lol
January 1st, 2025 at 4:55 pm
I told you man….we are the scouting dept. lol
why do we do it for free? i dont know….love for my team and a hobby….i mean i gotta do something from this trailer park
January 1st, 2025 at 5:01 pm
Bucky reminds me the most of Marshall Faulk, in his size and shiftiness and the way he gets yards between the tackles
January 1st, 2025 at 5:01 pm
Lol
January 1st, 2025 at 5:09 pm
Im gonna upgrade soon though…..to a van down by the river….Chris Farley inspired
January 1st, 2025 at 6:19 pm
Hey Max, Watch out for those Aligators and Boas near the river. They are some kind of a mess on a dark step outside..
January 1st, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Na thats my pets, theyre good.