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The Emergence of Buccaneers Running Back Bucky Irving
Main Image: Jim Dedmon USA Today Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the many teams in the league that have a committee at the running back position. Teams around the league have shown that a committee can be crucial to an offense running smoothly. The Tampa Bay committee includes Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, and Bucky Irving. The Buccaneers use these players in creative ways. They also know they can throw any of these players on a goal-line rush. White and Irving are the two main players the Buccaneers would like to focus on in this position. However, it’s become clear who has stood out the most due to the emergence of Bucky Irving.

The Emergence of Buccaneers Running Back Bucky Irving

The Rookie Takeover

Bucky Irving was drafted in the fourth round at the 125th pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His speed and pass-catching ability were on full display at the college level. This made him stand out throughout the draft. Whoever drafted him knew they were getting one of the fastest players of the entire draft. As each week goes on, his role in the Tampa Bay offense gets bigger. Irving has been up to the challenge and showed that in the team’s overtime win against the Carolina Panthers. Irving rushed 25 times and came away with 152 yards. He brought in three catches for 33 yards. Irving also added a rushing touchdown on top of this too. Bucky Irving has become a standout in the 2024 draft class and no one expected this from a late-round pick. The quick running back has shown Tampa Bay that the future is bright at their running back position.

Rachaad White’s Season

Going into this season, it seemed that Rachaad White would be the clear starter at his position. However, the Bucky Irving takeover has caused people to overlook White and pay more attention to Irving. White continues to share handoffs week after week with Irving. This was unexpected at the start of the season for the 25-year-old. This season has been a lot different compared to last season. Last season was a big one for White as he rushed for almost 1,000 yards. While White has still been solid this year, his numbers have been impacted due to the Rise of Bucky Irving.

Future Outlook for this Position

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sit at a 6-6 tie for first place in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons. After avoiding a brutal loss against the Carolina Panthers, momentum is now moving on this team’s side. They have a home matchup in week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders. After this matchup, they play two more games against the Chargers and Cowboys. They will finish their season with another meeting against the Panthers and they hope to avoid any controversial calls in that rematch. As the team makes a playoff push, it will be interesting to see how they approach the running back position. Will they go with the hot hand? Will they choose to go with experience as they aim for a division title? No matter what the outcome is in the end, this is a good problem to have because Rachaad White and Bucky Irving have shown that the running back position will continue to be a bright spot for the team.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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