Each week following every Bucs game, Pewter Report will take a close look at the snap count distribution for Tampa Bay on offense and defense. We’ll assess what we can learn from who played the most and least in the game.
Let’s get a closer look at the Bucs players who received the highest and lowest number of snaps in the Bucs’first win of the season, defeating the Cowboys, 24-16, on Thursday Night Football.
Bucs Offense
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Week 5 Snap Count Analysis: Bucs At Cowboys 2
The Bucs are inching closer and closer to a proper rotation of the running backs. Bucky Irving had a tremendous game, rushing for 165 yards with one rushing touchdown and one receiving score. His 54% of the snaps was the second fewest he’s had this season, with the other coming in Week 3, however, that was more dictated by the Bucs needing to throw late to get back into the game.
It’s apparent that less is more with Irving, as he looked like the 2024 version of himself. Less snaps means he can stay fresh. And that leads to ripping off 72 yards like he did last night on a career-long run in the third quarter to set up Emeka Egbuka’s 14-yard end-around score.
Kenny Gainwell played 36% of the snaps and was at least involved in a couple of different ways. His four rushing attempts were the second most he’s had this season, with his five coming back in Week 1. The 18 rushing yards he recorded were the most all season. It hasn’t exactly clicked yet with Gainwell in this offense, but that doesn’t mean that they should give up on him, either. The $7 million that they’re paying also dictates it.
Bucs Rb Bucky Irving
Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: Jeffrey Jones/PR
We saw more of Sean Tucker on offense as his seven snaps were the most he’s played this season and were four more than the last game. His 18 rushing yards matched Gainwell’s, albeit with one more attempt. When Tucker gets into the game has been interesting. Instead of getting him going into the contest with a fresh set of downs, they will throw him in on a third-and-1 where he’s got to have it, and typically he’ll make the play.
Of course Tucker was in on the the fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line where he was stopped short. It was silly decision by Todd Bowles, as a field goal puts them up three scores. Also, Tampa Bay just isn’t good in short-yardage situations. At least the team [still pulled off a victory.](http://