You can’t hit what you can’t see. That’s the magic that 5-foot-9 running back Bucky Irving brings to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When he ducks behind his towering offensive line, defenders are often left guessing where he’ll emerge.
“For Bucky being smaller, he kind of hides behind the O-line,” says Bucs tackle Tristan Wirfs. “In gap and trap plays, we’re pulling guys, and I think Bucky kind of sneaks out of the holes, sneaks out the backside.” Irving’s ability to stay hidden and then explode into the open field is a key factor in the Bucs' dramatic transformation into one of the NFL’s premier rushing teams this season.
A Running Game Renaissance
Just a season ago, Tampa Bay’s run game was an afterthought, finishing dead last in rushing yards. Fast forward to now, and the team ranks eighth in rushing yards per game (138.3) and fourth in yards per carry (5.1). Even more impressive? Since their bye week in mid-November, the Bucs have eclipsed the 150-yard rushing mark in three consecutive games.
It’s a stunning turnaround, and the credit goes to a combination of offensive line dominance, strategic coaching, and a versatile backfield led by Irving and Rachaad White. These two running backs have joined the elite ranks of tandems like Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, each amassing over 800 yards from scrimmage this season.
The Role of Sean Tucker
Not to be overlooked, Sean Tucker has been another crucial component of the Bucs' backfield. Tucker showcased his potential with a standout Week 6 performance against the Saints, racking up 192 yards from scrimmage and earning NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Though he spent time buried on the depth chart, he re-emerged in the recent game against the Raiders with a game-changing 34-yard run to set up a touchdown.
Blocking Beyond the Line
What’s making these explosive plays possible isn’t just the running backs’ talent. It’s also the unselfish blocking from the entire team, including wide receivers and tight ends. Under the guidance of new receivers coach Bryan McClendon, the emphasis on blocking has taken center stage. McClendon’s approach has been inspired by his time at Georgia, where his wideouts were notorious for their tenacity in blocking.
“That’s what we’re looking for,” says offensive coordinator Liam Coen. “It’s about understanding what this system asks of our skill players. I’ve heard some wideouts say, ‘I don’t get paid to block,’ but if we want to succeed in the run game, then everybody has to buy in.”
Building an Elite Offensive Line
At the heart of Tampa Bay’s resurgence is an offensive line that might just be the best in franchise history. General manager Jason Licht deserves applause for assembling this unit. Tristan Wirfs has seamlessly transitioned from right to left tackle and continues to perform at an All-Pro level. Meanwhile, Luke Goedeke has returned stronger than ever after a mid-season concussion, recently neutralizing the Raiders' Maxx Crosby with ease.
The acquisitions of Giants free agent Ben Bredeson at left guard and Cody Mauch at right guard have further solidified the line. “Cody has come a long way for us,” says quarterback Baker Mayfield. “He improves every week. Those guys work so well together. And Luke? He’s a stud. We trust him to block anybody.”
A Rookie to Watch
Perhaps the biggest revelation has been rookie center Graham Barton, the first-round pick out of Duke. Barton’s blend of strength and athleticism has given the team stability in the middle. His ability to extend blocks to the second level has been instrumental in breaking open big plays.
“Every week, it’s about finding a way to run the ball,” says Barton. “When we establish the line of scrimmage, it opens up everything else in our playbook.”
The Bigger Picture
This season, Tampa Bay’s success has boiled down to running the football effectively. It’s a stark contrast from the past two seasons, where their rushing attack was the league’s worst. Head coach Todd Bowles has emphasized the importance of a holistic approach to the run game.
“The offensive line is playing unbelievably well in the schemes we’ve implemented,” Bowles explains. “Our backs are hitting the holes, and our tight ends and receivers are doing their part. You don’t get explosive runs without blocking downfield. It’s about the whole team buying in and understanding how the run game benefits us as a whole.”
The Road Ahead
As the Bucs prepare to face the Chargers, they’re fully aware of the importance of establishing the run. Barton sums it up best: “When we have success in the run game, everything else falls into place.” With their newfound identity as a dominant rushing team, Tampa Bay has become a force to be reckoned with. And with playmakers like Bucky Irving sneaking out of the backfield, opposing defenses have their work cut out for them.
Login