Better Run Game A Team Effort
November 28th, 2024
Bucky Irving has help.
The Bucs’ running attack has literally been a night-and-day difference this year.
Last year Rachaad White ran like he read holes using Braille. Of course, his playcaller was allergic to at least using him to run behind Tristan Wirfs, which is a mystery Joe still cannot solve.
This year with the addition of rookie Bucky Irving, maybe a little better blocking across the entire line and an offensive coordinator who has an idea what he’s doing with a run game, the Bucs have exploded with a ground attack.
Last year the Bucs were a trash running team, dead-last in the NFL in total rushing yards and yards-per-carry.
This year? The Bucs are No. 10 in rushing yards and No. 4 in yards per carry. That’s an incredible turnaround with pretty much the same players other than two offensive linemen and a new running back.
Of course, the easy answer to the vastly improved run game is the addition of Bucky Irving. Yesterday Bucs coach Todd Bowles, while not dissing Irving, said there are a lot of moving puzzle pieces that have ignited the Bucs running attack.
“You attribute it to the offensive line, you attribute it to the coaching staff, you attribute it to the running backs, tight ends, [wide] receivers blocking,” Bowles said. “It’s all-inclusive. It’s going to be different every ballgame. We’ve got to keep it up and keep at it.”
Well, Irving sure hasn’t hurt. The guy is the total opposite of White in making guys miss. Between the tackles, White couldn’t make a mailbox miss.
For Irving, that’s his specialty. And once he gets past a tackler, look the eff out!
Even Bowles added that No. 10 in the league isn’t good enough for his running tastes.
“We got better in the run game – we’ve got to get better in a few more things in the run game,” Bowles said.
High standards!
Aside from White, the biggest improvement Joe has seen is that this year the Bucs are willing to run behind perhaps the best left tackle in the game.
Weird, isn’t it?
November 28th, 2024 at 12:25 am
And the fans chant Buuuucky!
November 28th, 2024 at 1:52 am
It is an incredible turnaround, but I would hardly say mostly the same personal-
“That’s an incredible turnaround with pretty much the same players other than two offensive linemen and a new running back.”
and a new OC
That is almost half the core group involved. Not counting tight ends and wide receivers.
Bucky and Barton with the new OC have made a world of difference
November 28th, 2024 at 3:08 am
It’s so encouraging to hear from Coach Bowles. Definitely, get better at running the football and emphasize that. For example – the defense is doing great. Nothing to talk about regarding improvement.
Love Coach Bowles and you should too. Priorities are in order.
November 28th, 2024 at 6:11 am
If the Bucs let Bucky run 25 times a game he just may get ROTY, still. For those impaired that’s rookie of the year award. Get the man off the pines in the fourth quarter and utilize those talents Buc coaches. Don’t be afraid!
November 28th, 2024 at 6:46 am
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
November 28th, 2024 at 6:54 am
bucky go loco loco…!
bucky go loco loco…!
November 28th, 2024 at 7:07 am
Todd’s got to play it cool here. Liam gonna take his job.
November 28th, 2024 at 7:54 am
Happy Thanksgiving, Joes
Go Bucs!
November 28th, 2024 at 8:31 am
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!…..Definitely improved offensive line play including the tight ends. But, the biggest difference is Coen’s offensive scheme and the addition of Bucky into the running back fold. Love what we’ve got in Irving-White-Tucker. This offense is a joy to watch. The O-line just keeps getting better as we go.
November 28th, 2024 at 8:59 am
Bucky has turf toe that he’s had since college he’s on a pitch count. IMO they need to give Sean Tucker more carries. He runs a 4.31 and his vision is out standing. If Buckies toe get worse they will have no choice.
November 28th, 2024 at 9:00 am
I think much better OC as well.
November 28th, 2024 at 9:14 am
The run game improvement has nothing to do with White. His 3.7 average is the same as the last two years. Reduce his snaps and give more to Buck and Tuck.
November 28th, 2024 at 9:29 am
Keep Coen.
November 28th, 2024 at 10:52 am
If the Bucs let Bucky run 25 times a game he just may get ROTY, still. For those impaired that’s rookie of the year award. Get the man off the pines in the fourth quarter and utilize those talents Buc coaches. Don’t be afraid!
Very few RBs are 25 carries/game guys anymore. I doubt a guy who’s 170 pounds soaking wet is the next one. His usage is perfectly fine.
November 28th, 2024 at 11:18 am
White looks better this year too, which tells me the two new offensive linemen are real difference makers. It’s not just Bucky (although he is the better back.) Improved talent/play calling is the leading factor in this equation.
Joseph Simmon, you must have drafted Rachaad White in fantasy if you think Bucky’s use is perfectly fine. He’s been the better back for most of the year. Assuming he’s now the starter, he’ll have a case to be Rookie of the Year. If Bowles started him earlier he already would be in the running. Him weighing 170 lbs or whatever is irrelevant.