Every week, Bucky Irving makes Todd Bowles’ decision even more difficult.
Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie running back isn’t the starting lineup, many believe he ought to be, particularly in light of his performance in Sunday’s 30-7 victory over the New York Giants. After a stellar performance against the Giants, Irving, the Buccaneers’ top rusher, strengthened his case for starting.
Irving caught six catches for 64 yards and ran for a career-high 87 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries. Irving also set a career high with 151 yards from scrimmage. Irving’s thrilling 56-yard run in the fourth quarter was the Buccaneers’ game-highlight.
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The run equaled for the longest run of the season by a Tampa Bay running back and was the longest of Irving’s brief career.
After the game, Irving informed reporters, “I pretty much be seeing the whole field before I get the ball.” I simply observe the defense’s alignment before taking a pre-snap, and then my instincts take over.
With 579 yards and five touchdowns on 108 carries, Irving leads the club in rushing. His 5.4 yards per carry puts him ninth among eligible players in the NFL, and he leads all rookies in rushing touchdowns. With four runs of at least 20 yards, he also leads the team. He was known for forcing missed tackles when he first joined the league, and he currently ranks eighth in the league with 55 forced missed tackles.
Many Tampa Bay supporters believe that Irving should start, but Bowles has kept starting Rachaad White because he is a better pass receiver and better at protecting passes. Irving’s blocking in passing situations is also improving, and he made a career-best 32-yard reception against the Giants, demonstrating his continued growth as a receiver.
With over 800 yards from scrimmage to date, Irving’s all-around skill set has helped him garner recognition for the Rookie of the Year title. Denver quarterback Bo Nix is catching up to Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is thought to be the front-runner. Irving is making a compelling argument to be the league’s top rookie running back, but he is unlikely to win the title.
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