In his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, running back Bucky Irving quickly became the team‘s most surprising breakout player. As he moves into his second year, the Buccaneers have heightened expectations for Irving, recognizing his unique talent and anticipating a larger role in their offense. Although he will continue sharing carries within a committee, the coaching staff and teammates believe Irving deserves more opportunities to impact games.
Quarterback Praises Irving’s Skill Set and Vision
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield highlighted Irving’s patience and on-field awareness, which set him apart from other backs. Mayfield emphasized the timing and precision with which Irving accelerates during runs, often waiting for the perfect moment to break through defenses.
“His timing of when he’s supposed to hit the gas. He’s patient, patient and then hits it. I just think he’s always looking to score. It’s tough to see in practice. Like, last year at this time I was like, ‘Eh. We’ll see. It looks good.’ But didn’t expect it to be like it was. He’s just tough to bring down. He’s strong, he’s got great vision, he understands it, and then also you add in the ability to catch too. He’s well-rounded,”
Mayfield said. —Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers QB
Additional NFL Updates from Other Teams
In other NFL news, Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced that quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins will be sidelined for the Falcons’ preseason opener this Friday. Morris also revealed that first-round defensive end James Pearce Jr. and third-round safety Xavier Watts are returning from injuries and expected to participate in practice sessions.
Meanwhile, Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan admitted to facing a challenging start at training camp due to the increased physicality and hand-checking allowed by officials compared to college football. “I’m not gonna sugarcoat it,” McMillan said.
“I’ll be the first to tell you, the first couple days I struggled a little bit.”
He added,
“The refs let the players play at the end of the day.”
Additionally, Panthers defensive back Chau Smith-Wade has been making progress in mastering the team’s playbook and earning the confidence of head coach Dave Canales.
The Rising Importance of Bucky Irving for the Buccaneers’ Future
Bucky Irving’s emergence as a Buccaneers breakout player underscores Tampa Bay’s commitment to developing a dynamic and versatile backfield. His blend of patience, power, and receiving ability gives the team multiple options offensively, making him a key asset moving forward. As the Buccaneers approach the new season, Irving’s expanded role could be pivotal in their offensive strategy and overall success.