Run Bucky, run.
In the Bucs’ lone win, an offensive explosion over Dallas 24-16, Bucs running back Bucky Irving had his best game of the season.
Coincidence? Well, Eric Moody of BSPN, a spreadsheeter, doesn’t think so. He believes if Bucky goes crazy, the Bucs will win today in Carolina.
[Baker] Mayfield is expected to play, and the Bucs might lean on a run-heavy game plan as they ease the veteran back in. Bucky Irving has had at least 15 carries in five consecutive games and is averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season.
This is an interesting point by Moody. Carolina is one of the poorer teams in the NFL in run defense. The Stinking Panthers are giving up 132 yards a game, No. 27 in the NFL.
But also, as Moody briefly touched upon, Mayfield will return for his first appearance since he dislocated his thumb against Minnesota.
So it stands to reason the Bucs would want to limit Mayfield throwing the ball. You do that by pounding the ball.