Was the Buccaneers’ Rushing Attack Optimized in 2024?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2024 rushing attack was strong, but one NFL analyst believes it could’ve been even more effective.

The Buccaneers started 2024 with Rachaad White, the lead back since 2023. Rookie Bucky Irving soon became a key contributor.

Irving’s impressive rookie season included over 1,000 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, and a 5.4 yards-per-carry average. Despite his success after taking over for Rachaad White mid-season, analyst Warren Sharp thinks the Buccaneers’ ground game would’ve been even more potent with Irving starting from the beginning.

Hindsight is Always 20/20

Sharp on the Buccaneers rushing attack,

“A Bucs rushing attack that ranked #32 in success rate, #32 in yards per carry, #17 in expected points added, and #31 in explosive run rate improved in 2024 to #3 in success rate, #3 in YPC, #4 in EPA, and #3 in explosive run rate. And it would have been even higher if the Bucs gave 100% of their carries to Irving, because he lapped White in efficiency,” Quotes via JoeBucsFan.

The Buccaneers’ rushing attack thrived in 2024, and they’ll likely build on that success in 2025. With Irving presumably as the starter and the same gap scheme, the Bucs are poised to pick up where they left off. The entire offense returns, and Irving should excel. Rachaad White can focus on developing his passing game skills, where he showed promise with six receiving touchdowns last season. And we’re sure that upcoming contract as well.

The BR Rub

It’s entertaining, if not fair to wonder what could have been. The reality is, Irving’s impact was far greater than expected. Racking up 1,100 plus yards with only three starts is kind of crazy right? But let’s also be clear, the Buccaneers need Rachaad White’s production as well.

White produced over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2024. It’s fair to say part of Irving’s and the Bucs success came from the dual-threat of both backs.