The past two seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ run game ranked among the worst in the NFL. Even when the team advanced to the NFC Divisional round in 2023 that aspect of the offense proved a major hindrance throughout the season.
That changed drastically in 2024 for a few reasons. One being the arrival of Liam Coen who constructed on of the NFL’s best offenses both on the ground and through the air.
But the main source of energy in this running game revival came from rookie running back Bucky Irving. Originally brought in because of a style the team saw fit to complement that of the previous starter in Rachaad White, Irving exceeded expectations.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Not only did Irving fit in with White and the offense, he established himself as the premier back for the team and took over the starting job by season’s end. Irving posted 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on the year, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.
His impressive numbers and film helped him grow his star with Tampa Bay and now the national eye is starting to focus more attention on him. For that reason, Irving earned a spot on ESPN’s “All-Rookie Team.”
As ESPN mentions, he is the lone player in NFL history to reach 1,100 yards on less than 210 carries. Not only does he have a big play capacity, but he has proven to be an extremely efficient runner.
Now in the process of the offseason and sorting through the roster as they gear up for another run in the Baker Mayfield era, the backfield will be one spot where the Bucs will not need too much focus when it comes to the NFL Draft and free agency.
Irving’s next step will be maintaining his production through the heightened expectations of him after his rookie season. But for a player like Irving in an offense like the Bucs have, he could be in for a few consecutive years of sustained success.
