Buccaneers Dynamic Duo Ranks As Best in NFL

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerged as one of the NFC’s best teams last season, and that was largely due to the run game led by rookie Bucky Irving and veteran Rachaad White.

With White the starter to begin the season, it became evident early on that Bucky was going to be the lead horse, and the rookie took charge of the run game en route to a superb first season (1,122 yards, eight touchdowns).

Under Irving, White, and Sean Tucker, the Buccaneers averaged a crisp 146.5 rush yards per game, with the trio all contributing to the offense’s progress.

Now, entering the 2025 season, Ivring is expected to continue his ascension, with the help of White and Tucker. For CBS Sports, in ranking all running back rooms, Tampa Bay unexpectedly is in Tier 1, called “dynamic duos.”

“They were casually fourth in the NFL in rushing yards in 2024, thanks largely to the arrival of Bucky Irving,” CBS Sports wrote. “The fourth-round pick hit the ground running to begin his pro career, logging 1,514 yards from scrimmage with 1,122 of them coming on the ground. Behind him, the Bucs have Rachaad White, who registered 1,006 yards from scrimmage and nine total touchdowns last season, giving the unit some high-quality depth.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands off to running back Bucky Irving (7) during a game.© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

With Josh Grizzard taking over from Liam Coen as offensive coordinator, the Buccaneers are expected to lean on Irving and Co. to establish the offense and, in turn, help Baker Mayfield put up points for fun, much like last season.

We get the sense that Irving will be the straw that stirs Tampa Bay’s drink in 2025, and after a superb rookie season, it is easy to envision him taking another leap in Year 2.

With an abundance of weapons in the passing game that includes Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton and now the drafted Emeka Egbuka, Ivring, White and Tucker might see favorable looks in the run game.

And that is nightmare fuel for defenses trying to game plan to stop the embarrassment of riches at Grizzard’s disposal, which we think, has Irving as the centerpiece.

Buccaneers Dynamic Duo Ranks As Best in NFL

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