Bucs RB Sean Tucker on his 43-yard touchdown run.
So in the last two weeks, Bucs running back Sean Tucker, who began the season as the team’s RB3, has established himself, it seems, as the Bucs’ best back.
A week ago, Tucker became the first running back this season to run for over 50 yards on the Patriots. On Sunday, Tucker broke 100 yards rushing and scored three touchdowns, two on the ground and one in the air.
Pretty good stuff, right? So if Bucky Irving doesn’t return, it’s a no-brainer that Tucker starts Sunday night against the Rams, right?
Well, Bucs coach Todd Bowles wouldn’t go there. Yesterday in his day-after presser, Bowles suggested that against the Rams, the Bucs will determine who is running hot. And whoever demonstrates his worth, whether it is Rachaad White, Bucky or Tucker, then that guy will get the rock.
> “That’s hard to say,” Bowles said, as to who will be the Bucs’ RB 1 Sunday night in the City of Angels. “We go with the hot hand.
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> “We’ve got three good backs – we play them all, rotate them all, and whichever one gets hot usually gets the most touches.”
Joe sort of understands what Bowles is saying. The NFL is a week-to-week league. Pretty fair chance the Rams will be waiting for Tucker. If he struggles and Bucky shows he’s getting production, then Bucky will carry the mail.
The way Joe looks at it, there clearly is no more “hot” running back for the Bucs. Tucker has demonstrated that in the past two weeks. He should be on the field on run plays on the Bucs’ first drive Sunday night.
Give Tucker the rock! He’s earned it.