Bucky Irving Should Have Bigger Role In Buccaneers' Offense

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving was extremely productive in Sunday's 37-20 blowout Week 1 victory over the Washington Commanders. Irving rushed for 62 yards on nine carries while averaging 6.9 yards per carry. His longest rush went for a game-high 31 yards. The dual-threat ball carrier also added two receptions via three targets for 14 yards to his offensive totals. He needs to be more involved moving forward.

Starting running back Rachaad White had a difficult time getting anything going versus Dan Quinn's defensive front. White rushed for just 31 yards via 15 carries, averaging an ineffective 2.1 yards per carry. His longest rush of the afternoon gained 15, meaning he averaged 1.1 yards per carry on his other 14 opportunities.

It was completely different for Irving, who was consistently impactful when replacing White. The former Oregon standout’s 62 yards were a team-high mark and his 6.9 yards per carry was the highest output by a Buccaneer in their first career game in franchise history.

Irving's 31-yard gain was well-blocked up the right side. Right guard Cody Mauch, tight end Payne Durham, and right tackle Luke Goedeke handled their assignments at the line of scrimmage on a play they call “triple trap, double scoop” to create a sizable hole for Irving to run through. Following another good block from wide receiver Chris Godwin, the rookie fourth-rounder then outpaced several defenders before Washington finally forced him out of bounds near midfield.

Irving accounted for two explosive runs (10-plus yards) despite receiving just nine attempts. His 6.9 yards per carry was the second-highest mark in Week 1 (minimum nine carries), trailing just J.K. Dobbins and his 13.5 yards per attempt.

Irving also gained 1.56 yards after contact per attempt, according to Pro Football Focus. His overall grade of 71.6 was the 12th-highest score PFF handed out to a running back in Week 1. Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen must keep a section of his play-calling reserved for Irving moving forward.

Irving's Week 1 performance was the continuation of his standout form during the preseason. In three exhibition appearances, Irving rushed for 80 yards on 18 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt. The Buccaneers have been aware of his potential since training camp.

The Buccaneers have a difficult matchup versus the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Dan Campbell's Lions allowed the Los Angeles Rams to rush for just 83 yards in their Week 1 overtime victory. Campbell's unit is the eighth-ranked run defense in the league entering the game. Detroit had the second-best run defense in 2023, allowing 88.8 ground yards per contest.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht drafted Irving to be a change-of-pace option behind White. He excelled in that role in Week 1, offering the offense an explosive element coming out of the backfield. Irving needs to be consistently involved in the game plan from here on out.