Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Bucky Irving’s rookie season was a breakout for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the running back isn’t interested in looking back. No amount of cheers in training camp or highlight plays in preseason will change his mindset — it’s about what he can do now.
Fans have been loud since the first snap of camp, whether Irving is juking Tennessee Titans linebacker Amari Burney in a joint practice or stretching out for a diving catch from Kyle Trask that seems impossible for his frame.
“I mean, it is 8 o’clock in the morning,” Irving said, smiling. “I mean, [the fans are] coming out here, they getting up to get up, watch us practice. So just being able to give’em something that’s fantastic and come out here and be excited for it.”
Stellar Rookie Season in the Books
In 2023, Irving made the PFWA All-Rookie team after leading all rookies with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 47 passes for 392 yards, becoming one of Tampa Bay’s most dependable playmakers.
He started only three games last season, but that will change in 2025 as he steps into a full-time starting role.
“I don’t pay attention to all of that,” said Irving, who played a key role in the Bucs’ push to the playoffs and earned a nomination for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. “I’m not a guy who dwells on the past.” “I always say none of that stuff matters, what I did last year. It’s what I can do right now. I always had that mentality, not being stuck in what you did last year. It’s what you can do now.”
A Reputation for Work
Senior offensive assistant Tom Moore, 86, already pushes Irving to be better. Moore once gave him grief for arriving two minutes before their 5:30 a.m. meeting. The lesson: consistency is everything.
“Once you work in the dark, things come to the light,” Irving said.
Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard praised Irving’s daily commitment, while quarterback Baker Mayfield said the biggest improvement has been in his confidence and mental approach.
Pass Protection: The Key to More Snaps
At 5-foot-9 and 192 pounds, Irving doesn’t have the natural size for pass blocking. But the numbers show he’s more than capable. In 2024, he posted an 82.6% pass block win rate — 19 wins, four losses, and one sack allowed in 23 pass-blocking snaps.
That’s better than Rachaad White’s 74.6% win rate over 55 pass blocks. White, however, still saw more playing time last year in pass-heavy situations, including the costly late-game fumble against Dallas in Week 16.
Sharing the Backfield
White remains a big part of the offense, especially as a receiver, and at 6-2, 212 pounds, he brings a different physical style. Coaches have noticed White’s hesitancy to attack holes compared to Irving or third-string back Sean Tucker, but both will be needed this season.
The Bucs plan to use 21 personnel more often — with both backs on the field — after averaging 8.4 yards per play in that formation last year, third-best in the league.
“Obviously it’s a luxury for us on offense,” Mayfield said. “Especially where they’re at in pass protection, knowledge of who they’re supposed to pick up, and the more they learn. … Rachaad has been really, really good at it.
“They get out of the pass protection stuff quicker if they don’t have anybody to pick up, and they become just that free outlet.”
A Nightmare to Tackle
Irving forced a missed tackle on nearly 60% of his carries last season, the highest rate tracked by Next Gen Stats since 2016. His elusiveness in space makes him one of the NFL’s toughest backs to bring down.
“He’s even light years ahead of where he was at this point [last year],” Grizzard said. “Just the strides he’s made, even from that point, are amazing. You can see the work that he puts in. You guys talk to him — he loves it and he’s committed to it.”
As Year 2 begins, the Buccaneers believe Irving can be even more explosive — and this time, he’ll have the ball in his hands a lot more often.
More must-reads:
Heyward, Boswell Pushing for Steelers Contract Changes
Chargers Confirm Torn Patellar Tendon for LT Rashawn Slater
This report used information from ESPN.
