Yes, Running Back Is A Need
February 17th, 2026
Looking for a better 2026.
Entering the 2025 season, Joe was really stoked thinking the Bucs would have a strong, dangerous run game.
It turned out to be one of the worst elements of the team.
Joe isn’t sure why that was. Even when Bucky Irving was healthy, he ran for two yards less per carry than in his explosive rookie season. Not good.
The epidemic of injuries on the offensive line didn’t help. And, perhaps one-and-done Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard wasn’t sharp at crafting a run game.
Maybe it was a combination of all of the above?
But with Bucky hoping to bounce back from shoulder surgery, Rachaad White having p!ssed all over the floor near the exit to One Buc Palace, and Sean Tucker being a restricted free agent, don’t tell Joe the Bucs don’t need a running back.
In fact, Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis noted the Bucs’ run game was woeful.
[Bucs] Running backs gained 10 or more yards on 7.8% of carries, ranked 29th.
That’s not explosive. And it is hard to score points in the NFL without explosive plays.
Joe would love for the Bucs to sign free agent back Tyler Allgeier. But if Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht can’t resist the temptation to draft Jeremiyah Love if the Notre Dame back somehow found himself on the board when the Bucs pick at No. 15, Joe would smile going to bed that night.
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