Bucky Irving Gets A Christian McCaffrey Comparison
December 1st, 2024
So a former All-Pro linebacker, a guy who spent years hating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a huge Bucky Irving fan.
Ex-Panthers LB Thomas Davis (2005-2018) nowadays treats fans to some Xs and Os work for the Panthers’ official website.
Examining today’s Bucs-Panthers matchup, Davis had Joe putting down the Egg McMuffins at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters and hitting the rewind button.
Davis compared Bucky Irving to his 2017 teammate Christian McCaffrey. He added that Irving sometimes makes NFL defensive players look like high schoolers.
“This kid has emerged as one of the most elite backs in the NFL and kind of reminds me of Christian McCaffrey with the ball in his hands — breaking tackles, smaller in stature but big in heart,” Davis said.
Joe thinks that’s a hell of a comparison from a former defensive player that is no hot take artist.
Davis said Panthers defensive players must have true commitment to tackling when they see Irving step between the White lines.
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December 1st, 2024 at 9:01 am
Nope!
Two completely different styles!
December 1st, 2024 at 9:16 am
Running backs have to catch and run these days. I would try to pick up Cody Schrader for cheap in the off season from Rams. These guys get hurt.
December 1st, 2024 at 9:37 am
No he actually reminds me alot of Tarik Cohen who was drafted by Chicago in 2017. Unfortunately Tarik had his career cut short by injury as he retired in 2024. Very similar players that can run and catch , but Tarik could throw as well and I would like to see Bucky unload a throw now and then………
December 1st, 2024 at 10:13 am
Irving is a little more dynamic version of Aaron Stecker and I like it.
December 1st, 2024 at 10:18 am
Bucs need to be very careful with Bucky. He has a chronic toe injury that will flare up badly. He will never be a feature back. Simply can’t hold up. He also has a fumbling problem that will get worse as teams exploit him. Bucky’s looking like a 3 year flash in the pan at best.
December 1st, 2024 at 11:31 am
Buckys great but RW is closer to C-Mac
December 1st, 2024 at 11:34 am
Out of all the comparisons of Irving to other running backs, I think this is good one. Bucky’s not as straight line fast as McCaffrey but, he’s just as quick & strong. Both have great vision and can make defenders miss while also displaying power. Both have great hands receiving. Both have the knack of making plays when you really need them. Excellent comparison in my opinion.
December 1st, 2024 at 11:40 am
Rachaad White got many CMC comparisons last year, based on usage and success in the passing game.
December 1st, 2024 at 11:59 am
No com-arison.
CMC plays with nasty intensity. He can grind. Irving is “shake and bake,” not a grinder.
Both are effective in different ways.
CMC is what you get if you combined Irving and Tucker.
December 1st, 2024 at 1:39 pm
Bucky is more like Cadillac Williams than CMC. The jump cuts and the ability to make people miss reminds me of what we were supposed to see without injuries.
December 1st, 2024 at 2:02 pm
Really? no adrian peterson comparison? Dude is indestructible, perfect vision. speed to boot. will be rb1, if not already
December 1st, 2024 at 2:11 pm
Also, we are an edge rusher away from a elite defense. offense has been the best in league. Bowles, its just his demeanor, that offputs alot. naysayers rejoice, we went head to head, never blown out scoring this year. at this point, defense wise, might throw gus swayze as ss
December 1st, 2024 at 2:23 pm
No AP comparison because even when he gets past the front 7 Irving still gets ran down from behind. On that 56 yarder against the Gmen AP would’ve taken that to the house before Baker made his block.
White takes 3 gears to get out of 1st before he begins to speed up plus he doesn’t have the vision CMC has. Tucker and Irving have that stop go stop go make you miss get forward explosiveness White doesn’t have.
December 1st, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Thomas Davis was a STUD. Loved him at UGA. A freakin’ BEAST out there, in THE SEC.
December 1st, 2024 at 8:00 pm
He looked better than CM today. LOL.
McCaffrey has more power and pure speed… Bucky has a harder cut and is more twitchy. Both hard to bring down
Similar hands receiving, vision and feel for lanes and space, so comparison is valid there IMO.