Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers invested a fourth round pick in an 'undersized' running back out of the University of Oregon. That running back was Bucky Irving, who would go on to have one of the more memorable rookie seasons in recent Bucs' lore.
Irving wracked up touches, yards, touchdowns, and memorable moments in his first NFL season. The Buccaneers' rookie dashed through defenses for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, with an additional 392 yards receiving. Irving's 1,000-yard campaign represented the first such season since Doug Martin notched 1,402 yards in 2015.
As the season progressed, Irving's role continued to increase. From September to November, Bucky Irving had just four games where he saw double-digit carries. In the month of December alone, he had another four. Post the team's bye week, including the postseason, Irving had just one game where he had under 12 rush attempts— Highlighted by a 25 carry, 152-yard outing against the Carolina Panthers.
Irving's season may be even more remembered for the multiple games (both road and home) where fans began chanting 'BUCKY' in unison, or his unique namesake-bond with the team's newest mascot.
With year two loading in, fans were hoping to get something similar to year one. Skip Pete, Bucky Irving's position coach, recently offered a glimpse into the potential difference between 2024 Bucky Irving and the 2025 edition.
"At the beginning [of last season], he wasn’t really in enough shape to play an entire game, or even three-quarters of a game... You had to monitor kind of how many snaps he took... As the season went along I think he got in a little better shape."
It should be an intriguing thought for any Bucs' fan— If Bucky Irving was able to do things no Buccaneers' back had done in nearly 10 years without being in the best of shape, what will he be able to do at his peak?
If Tampa's young back takes the step forward Skip Pete is alluding to, than the runners behind him become extremely worth noting.
NFC Wild Card Playoffs: Washington Commanders v Tampa Bay Buccaneers Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
2025 is a contract year for Rachaad White. White has gone from rotational player to starter and will potentially be sliding back into a rotational role moving forward. While that trajectory isn't necessarily appealing, White has flashed enough throughout his tenure that he will want to establish himself this season— Earning a prime second contract in free agency.
Even Sean Tucker, who is buried deep on Tampa Bay's depth chart, is still a player who has taken full advantage of his highly limited opportunities. He has consistently looked like a player who deserves more playing time— More than Irving or White?Perhaps not, however, could Tucker be a contributor in a different situation? So far it would appear so.
The Buccaneers will be heading into 2025 with a stacked running back room and apparently a chance to see an improved version of their lead horse.
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