It’s still too early to know how good the Bucs’ 2024 draft class will be, but running back Bucky Irving has proven through 12 games how good he is. Irving had a career-high 25 carries, 152 rushing yards and a touchdown on Sunday, and was the spark that led Tampa Bay to victory. He added three receptions for 33 receiving yards for a total of 185 yards, helping him surpass 1,000 yards from scrimmage this season.
Not bad for a fourth-round pick.
Not only is Irving starting to establish himself as the team’s No. 1 running back, but he’s also starting to establish himself as one of the NFL’s more dynamic offensive weapons.
“Bucky Irving has skills that can’t be taught.”
Following the Bucs’ overtime victory, Head coach Todd Bowles was satisfied as he trashed his team in the locker room.. The ball of the game rightfully went to outside linebacker Anthony “Baby Face” Nelson, but after his forced fumble sealed the victory, the team would have been in that position if not for the play of Bucky Irving. I wouldn’t have been there.
Bucks RB Bucky Irving – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Irving contributed when the team needed him most.
From the beginning of the fourth quarter, he took all the carries on an 11-play, 69-yard drive that ended with Irving’s 6-yard touchdown run to give Tampa Bay a 17-16 lead over the troublesome Panthers. . Then, after the defense forced a three-and-out, the rookie’s 43-yard run to the Carolina 11-yard line led to Chase McLaughlin’s field goal and extended the lead to 20-16. He talked Monday morning about how the run game’s late-game success started.
“After the television timeout, we pretty much said we’ve got to run it on the field,” Irving said. “Me and Rashad [White] We pulled each other to the side and said, ‘We have to do this,’ and pretty much put everything aside and wanted to take over the game. ”
The late-game heroics of Nelson, Baker Mayfield and backfield partner Rashard White were crucial, but the 5-foot-9, 192-pound dynamite was a blast all night.
Bowles also sees the Irving-White pairing that way, as Irving has stepped up his game as the season progresses.
Bucks RB Bucky Irving and QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of USA Today
“He’s getting more and more comfortable with the offense,” Bowles said. “The more comfortable he is, the more you can give him and the more he can do. Both. [Irving and Rachaad White] It’s working smoothly. I’m satisfied with both. Bucky has a skill that cannot be taught. He can take people out of holes. He’s tough on the inside. Ratchard [White] He also made a big run towards the end of the game. Using both together seems to work. ”
In his last three games, Irving has: Highest, 2nd and 4th highest yards from scrimmage performance. After the Bucs lost wide receiver Chris Godwin this season, some may have wondered who would take on a larger role on the offensive line. With no one standing out other than wide receiver Mike Evans, the rookie running back made the most of his opportunity.
“Bucky is a stallion,” Mayfield said after the game. “Obviously, having the ball in his hands is good for our offense. That goes for all of our backs. Bucky’s play tonight was really what we needed when we weren’t feeling so good. It gave me shine.”
Despite Bucky Irving’s success, he doesn’t want to take credit
Bucky Irving’s play is starting to distinguish itself.
Irving ranks first among rookies in his generation in the most important categories.
Bucks RB Bucky Irving – Photo courtesy of USA Today
He’s also starting to fit in when considering the NFL’s best running backs. Jaden Daniels is averaging 5.5 yards per carry, tied for fifth in the league.
Who is in front of him?
Saquon Barkley, Lamar Jackson, Jahmil Gibbs, Derrick Henry.
Talk about being part of an elite company.
Irving ranks ninth in all-purpose yards with 1,193 yards. He’s not yet in the top 10 in rushing yards (17th), but if he stays healthy and can outpace a lot of other backs in one or two more big games, he could reach 1,000 rushing yards. will reach.
In other words, he deserves to be included in the conversation when discussing talented players, but he’s not someone to be lauded. Instead, he has high praise for his offensive line and knows he has a nice Christmas present for them.
“I don’t really like to take all the credit for myself,” Irving said. “Those guys in front of me. They’ve finished their work, so I think I’ve got to do something really nice for them for Christmas. I really take all the credit. Like I said, we have to get more people here and give them credit for getting the job done up front.”
If you want to recognize Bucky Irving’s accomplishments, vote for him as the FedEx Ground Player of the Week.
