[](https://www.joebucsfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IrvingBucky.png)
_“Bucky, it’s gonna be tough sledding this week.”_
Joe knows that Bucs coach Todd Bowles likes to run the ball. Good luck with that this week.
Joe hopes that whatever was ailing Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield the past couple of weeks, he has healed over the bye. Because if the Bucs’ offense wants to put points on the board against the Patriots, it’s going to come off the arm of Mayfield, not the legs of Rachaad White or Bucky Irving or Sean Tucker.
The Patriots have been downright lockdown on defense against the run. How much so? No running back this season has gotten 50 yards rushing on the Patriots in 2025.
In fact, New England has only allowed over 50 yards rushing once this year. That was in a 23-20 win over Buffalo when Bills quarterback Josh Allen ran for 53 yards.
So if guys like Ashton Jeanty, James Cook, Jaylen Warren, Chuba Hubbard, Alvin Kamara and Bijan Robinson can’t run for 50 yards, Joe doesn’t see how White will.
That means the Bucs are going to have to rely on Mayfield’s right arm.
**Opponents’ leading rushers vs. New England:** Ashton Jeanty, Raiders, 38 De’Von Achane, Dolphins, 30 Jaylen Warren, Steelers, 47 Chuba Hubbard, Panthers, 49 Josh Allen, Bills, 53 Alvin Kamara, Saints, 31 Tyjae Spears, Titans, 22 Malachi Corley, Browns, 31
Bijan Robinson, Dixie Chicks 46