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Bucs Coach Uses One Word in RB Scouting Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Dec 7, 2024 8:02 AM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers run game has been a potent force this season, averaging 137.2 rush yards per game, with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White the chief destroyers.

With Baker Mayfield's dynamic duo in the backfield, Tampa Bay has slowly crept back into contention for the NFC South, and now Todd Bowles' team is in a groove.

Against the Carolina Panthers, Irving, who was dinged up, rushed for 152 yards from 25 attempts before White had to take over, given Bucky's hip injury, and Rachaad managed 76 yards from 11 carries.

Such was the pair's brutal performance that offensive coordinator Liam Coen praised the toughness of his running backs.

“I would say he's pretty darn tough to be able to do what he's doing, really any back in this league,” Coen said of Irving. “Backs, they get hit maybe the worst out of anybody because you get profile tackles from each side, sometimes you don't see them …

“You can't say enough about Rachaad [White] as well, being in that situation and now having to truly take it over and then what he does at the end of the game for us … and it's not like any of these guys are fully healthy so testament to Bucky's toughness, but Rachaad’s as well.”

If the Buccaneers are to return to the postseason, both White and Irving will play a key role in getting the team there, with both proving they are more than capable of beating up on a defense.

But the best ability is availability, and with Irving sore from a hip injury, White might have to step up against the Las Vegas Raiders, although Bucky is expected to suit up.

Expect the Buccaneers to lean heavily on their “tough” (there’s that one-word scouting report) run game against Las Vegas as they look to make it three wins on the bounce. Why? Because Irving and White are built "tough."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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