Lack Of Explosive Runs
June 21st, 2026
Rebuilding the run game.
Just looking at what the Bucs have done in the offseason, Joe believes this figure will improve, maybe significantly.
The Bucs simply were not a good running team last year. They ranked 21st in rushing yards (1,947) and were tied for 24th in yards per carry (4.1) with three other teams. The reasons for that are almost as long as the number of cold beers Joe sucks down on a hot, steamy Florida summer Saturday.
Injuries to the offensive line and Bucky Irving’s trashed shoulder are two main culprits.
So how have the Bucs addressed this? Well, new Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson who has a track record for crafting a run game (not just with Bijan Robinson). Joe has a hunch Robinson’s predecessor Josh Grizzard didn’t know how to build a run game.
Then the Bucs went out and signed Kenneth Gainwell in free agency. That’s a major depth piece.
The downside to the Bucs retooling of the run game was Rachaad White left. Joe wasn’t a big White guy as far as a runner. But he averaged 4.3 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons, and he was often able to get tough short-yardage gains. Joe’s not sure the Bucs have a runner who could fill the role of a fullback, if needed.
Last year, per handicapper-turned-stathead Warren Sharp, the Bucs had 18 percent of their rushing attempts go for no yards, or negative yards. The Bucs cannot have that many again if they hope to contend for a division title.
Yes, even in the NFC South landfill.