Sean Tucker In A Much Better Spot
August 14th, 2024
Reborn?
Last year was pretty much a wash for Sean Tucker. It was almost like the rookie running back’s season was doomed before the draft.
He had a heart ailment of some sort that led to teams being spooked to draft him. Understandable.
The Bucs signed him and Tucker was cleared for football last summer. Problem was, he missed all of underwear football season. Jumping from Syracuse in the ACC to the NFL is big enough. Not being able to participate in underwear football made that learning curve much steeper.
And in his first couple of games, it showed.
Now, with a new offensive coaching staff, an improved line, a year to get himself in NFL shape and experience under his belt, Tucker has a new lease on his football life.
During the Bucs’ broadcast of their first worthless preseason game on WFLA-TV Channel 8, Bucs Hall of Fame cornerback and preseason TV analyst Rondé Barber seemed to think Tucker has been reborn.
“It’s an important preseason for Sean Tucker,” Barber said. “Last year we talked a lot about Sean Tucker in the preseason. He got some run early. I think he was running as their No. 2 running back for about two or three weeks and then you didn’t see him again.
“He was pretty insignificant in terms of touches last year.”
Something has changed in Tucker, Barber suggested. Joe will add that general manager Jason Licht gave Tucker a positive shout out last week on the Ira Kaufman Podcast.
“That won’t be the case this year,” Barber said of Tucker being “insignificant” last season. “I think he is really starting to carve out a role for himself this offseason and so far this preseason.”
Tucker ran hard Saturday and didn’t dance at Cincinnati. He led the Bucs with 68 yards on 10 carries. Now that’s an average of 6.8 yards a run.
If Tucker breaks through and rookie Bucky Irving emerges, how much does that eat into Rachaad White’s carries?
There is something going on of late with the Bucs and White toting the rock. Joe can’t quite put his finger on it.
Enjoy Today’s New Ira Kaufman Podcast! Ira Kaufman Talks Rachaad White Watch, Preseason Game Fallout & Fantasizing, Changing National Landscape, And More
August 14th, 2024 at 7:26 am
Reborn? No, finally caught up physically & mentally.
August 14th, 2024 at 8:09 am
All the hype for Irving and I think Tucker is pissed. I would be.
First the danged heart thing then they played hm in two games after naming him RB2. We got this dude for free! He missed all of camp. He was a super productive RB at freaking Syracuse!
Slow to pick up the offense? Didn’t look slow to me. Runs a rumored 4.34 forty and showed a quick cut/burst ability on his 26 yard run. That corner for the Bengals is still looking for his jock me thinks. He outplayed Irving. Irving got the TD so that is all that some folks wanted to see.
Ramon Jefferson got one too…The old school way…second effort and keeping his pads low and feet churning! Loved it!
Go Bucs!
August 14th, 2024 at 8:15 am
From the training camp notes to our first preseason game Tucker looked pretty good. Cannot count him out.
August 14th, 2024 at 8:20 am
I’m pretty sure that what the Joe’s have reported about White barley getting touches with the one’s and his penchant for dancing behind the line like he’s the second coming of Leveon Bell….White is our new third down back.
“worthless preseason game”. Now. About this nasty habit Joe..would a case of Big Storm (on me) and a sit down with Rachel Watson (again, on me) get you to change your tune? Repeat slowly after me: “Preseason games are valuable.”
August 14th, 2024 at 8:26 am
Oh and he can and has caught the ball from the backfield as well.
Go Bucs!
August 14th, 2024 at 8:26 am
garro Says:
I think Tucker is pissed.
^^^^^^^^
He is but at himself.
Find his offseason workout post. It’s an awesome video, but also read what he wrote. He is extremely disappointed in himself for underperforming. He implies he wasn’t a professional and that he did/didn’t do something that sabotaged himself. You can tell there is more to the story, but he doesn’t elaborate. Then you watch the video and you see a dedicated professional. He’s working on everything. Running, catching, and blocking. He’s the Zyon of the season. A guy that grinded the offseason to become the best version of himself.
August 14th, 2024 at 8:37 am
Thank the revamped Oline, my only fear is if one of the big dogs go down.
August 14th, 2024 at 9:02 am
I think white is more suited to be a deebo Samuel type of player instead of a traditional RB. If Tucker really turns a corner he will be crucial to wearing down defenses in the Florida heat. Excited to see him run on Saturday night.
August 14th, 2024 at 9:39 am
he looked like a smallish LeGarrette Blount to me, fast and bigger than the other RB’s
August 14th, 2024 at 10:02 am
A 3-headed monster at running back coupled with a 4-headed monster at wide receiver sounds just fine to me. Very fine indeed.
August 14th, 2024 at 10:13 am
has anyone noticed he looks bigger and much more powerful this year? he’s wiser for sure, but i also think he grew into his body while adding mass. like “try to move me” mac
August 14th, 2024 at 10:47 am
I don’t think anything real funny is going on. It’s been talked about how White had a ton of touches last season. Why start banging him on runs (I know there isn’t much “banging”) before the season starts when you have a couple ? behind him in Irving and Tucker.
If you want to say he needs reps in the new scheme with new OL and that is what makes it fishy. I won’t argue. These joint practices could be more telling.
August 14th, 2024 at 11:06 am
Lt. Dan says, “White is our new third down back.”.
Lt., you are so mistaken! RW1 is and will be our #1. The younger guys are getting some more snaps for the experience and coaching. RW1 will get his 1000 yards this season with fewer snaps and the younger guys will get their share of snaps and yrds.too.
August 14th, 2024 at 11:26 am
I think White will lose carries to natural runners like Bucky and Sean – and the coaches are seeing that and expressing that. White could become the 3rd down back – although Bucky and Sean thrive there too. Better hit the right hole with authority White or the bench is calling.
Didn’t Sean fumble last year and then disappeared from the lineup?
August 14th, 2024 at 12:22 pm
infomeplease haha White will definitely NOT get 1000 yards this season rushing. He probably won’t even be the starter by the end of the season
August 14th, 2024 at 12:35 pm
“Didn’t Sean fumble last year and then disappeared from the lineup?”
Nope
August 14th, 2024 at 12:37 pm
Testing
August 14th, 2024 at 2:43 pm
Yeah…. I love watching these worthless games.
We get to see the battles of decent backups which they might be playing on Sundays sooner than you might think.
In Licht We Trust!!
August 14th, 2024 at 6:16 pm
They’ve finally realized he’s scared of contact, there’s no dawg in his eyes and that he’s a receiver impersonating a running back so he’ll get to play. Not good enough to be a full time receiver.