As he continues to deliver outstanding performances, Bucky Irving had a day. On Sunday, the rookie rushing back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had yet another outstanding day.
During the Buccaneers’ 26-23 overtime victory over the Carolina Panthers, Irving ran for a career-high 152 yards and a score on 25 carries, finishing with 205 all-purpose yards on 29 touches.
Following the game, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield told reporters, “Bucky is a stud.” Obviously, our offense benefits from having the ball in his hands; the same is true for all of our backs. However, Bucky’s performance tonight provided us with the much-needed spark when we weren’t doing well.
The game included several major plays from the Buccaneers’ fourth-round choice (No. 125) in the 2024 NFL draft, who has emerged as one of the league’s most captivating players. Late in the fourth quarter, he ran for 43 yards.
#TBvsCARon FOXpic.twitter.com/jhN0XGuXns THERE GOES THAT MAN
Ultimately, the Buccaneers led 20–16 after a long run resulted in a field goal.
During the Buccaneers’ last possession, the former Oregon Ducks standout had carried them on his back. During the Bucs’ 11-play, 69-yard drive, which he completed with a 6-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, Irving carried the ball seven times for 41 yards and also had a 12-yard reception.
#TBvsCARon FOXpic.twitter.com/ZELc78ANpu KEEP IT BUC
As a backfield receiver, Irving has gotten better. He gained 16 yards on a swing pass and caught three passes for 33 yards.
Bucky Irving is already having a career day on the field.(pic.twitter.com/vvtL03iKKU) (by@FedEx)
Following an all-purpose performance of 152 yards against the New York Giants last week, Irving had his big day.
Irving is ranked as the backup back behind starter Rachaad White on the Buccaneers depth chart. Despite the fact that Irving leads the Buccaneers with 732 yards on 133 carries and an average of 5.5 yards per carry this season, Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles maintains that he and White are interchangeable at the position. In terms of rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards from scrimmage, Irving tops all rookies.
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