Jump Ball Bucky Irving
August 18th, 2025
NFL All-22 look at exactly where Bucky Irving was when Teddy Bridgewater released the touchdown pass to him Saturday night.
Joe asked Todd Bowles about throwing a go-ball to Bucky Irving against the Steelers on Saturday and Bowles responded with a reference to a basketball player who retired 52 years ago.
“Bucky says all you got to do is throw it up to him, like he’s Wilt Chamberlain or somebody,” Bowles said of his 5-foot-9 running back. “But, you know, he has great hands. He’s a great competitor and, you know, those are things that can develop and may be another weapon for us out there.”
Chamberlain was the iconic NBA center for the 76ers and Lakers, and a man known for other athletic prowess.
Joe was equally impressed by the Teddy Bridgewater throw to Irving, who start of boxed out his defender in the end zone to create space for the touchdown catch.
Irving has been seen several times in training camp working on deep routes. He did not catch a touchdown pass in his stellar rookie season but ranked second in the NFL in catch percentage.
No, Joe doesn’t expect deep balls to Irving to be a significant part of the Bucs offense. But the film is out there, and it could tweak a safety (or defensive coordinator) enough to help create space for another passing weapon.
Teddy Two Gloves still got it 🧤🧤
Bridgewater connects with RB Bucky Irving who makes a terrific grab for the touchdown. pic.twitter.com/mahqhc093z
— Kenny Morales (@KennyMoralesTV) August 16, 2025