Data nerds across the NFL landscape will tell you that a full-time running back will have about one out of 12 runs go for negative yardage.
Yesterday, Bucky Irving had four negative runs in just 19 carries. And he had one carry for no gain. For the math challenged, that’s zero yardage or less on 26 percent of his carries.
Before yesterday’s Steelers-Bucs kickoff, Pittsburgh ranked 17th in the NFL in yards per carry allowed (4.0 yards per rush). On Sunday, Bucs running backs combined to average 3.0 yards per rush.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was supposed to be a run-game guru. The healthy Bucs’ offensive line was supposed to be able to move bodies.
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht said Sunday’s game [would be won in the trenches](https://www.joebucsfan.com/2026/10/jason-licht-had-a-telling-pregame-prediction/).