Should rookie Bucky Irving be the starting running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

EUGENE- Former Oregon Ducks player Bucky Irving has had a successful start to his professional career. The running back recently faced off against his former quarterback Bo Nix in the Buccaneers’ 26-7 loss to the Denver Broncos.

Nix and Irving were both instrumental to Oregon’s offense, leading the Ducks to an 8-1 record in 2023. Today, both are NFL rookies. Nix is ​​the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos, and Irving is coming off the bench for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Irving has put up good numbers so far this season, and many fans are pushing for him to take a starting spot on Tampa Bay’s roster.

The dynamic Irving has made a significant impact on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite his impressive performances and consistent production, Irving has yet to earn a starting role. However, his potential to become the team’s primary running back is undeniable. Irving has been the Buccaneers’ leading rusher in every game so far this season.

Tampa Bay starting running back Rachaad White has struggled for efficiency this season. White’s performance Sunday against the Denver Broncos marked his third straight game with fewer than 2.9 yards per carry. Irving is averaging nearly three times as much as White through three games. White is averaging 2.1 yards per game to Irving’s 6.2.

Irving-White comparison:

Bucky Irving
Week 1: 9 carries, 62 yards (6.2 avg.)
Week 2: 7 carries, 22 yards (3.1 avg.)
Week 3: 9 carries, 70 yards (7.8 avg.)
TOTAL: 25 carries, 154 yards (6.2 avg.)

Rachaad White
Week 1: 15 carries, 31 yards (2.1 avg.)
Week 2: 10 carries, 18 yards (1.8 avg.)
Week 3: 6 carries, 17 yards (2.8 avg.)
TOTAL: 31 carries, 66 yards (2.1 average)

Irving carried the ball four times for 49 yards in the first half, averaging 12.3 yards per carry, including a 32-yard run. Despite Irving’s success, Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen didn’t give him a single touch on the first series of the second half, when the Buccaneers trailed 20-7.

Irving rushed nine times for 70 yards and returned all three targets for 14 yards in Tampa Bay’s 26-7 loss to the Broncos. He also returned a kickoff for 27 yards.

“He’s playing — they kind of share playing time anyway, so he’s making the most of it,” Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said of Irving after the game. “He’s a heck of a football player. We just have to give him more opportunities.”

One possible reason Irving hasn’t been a starter in Tampa Bay could be the Buccaneers’ offensive scheme. While Irving is a powerful and explosive runner, he may not fit perfectly into the team’s current system. However, it appears that system is in need of a change. After a successful opener against Washington, where Tampa Bay exploded for 37 points and 392 yards, the Buccaneers’ offense declined to 20 points and 216 yards in last week’s win at Detroit, and just seven points and 223 yards in the loss to Denver.

Another reason worth considering is the Buccaneers’ coaching staff. They likely have specific reasons for preferring White as a starter, such as his pass-catching ability or NFL experience. However, Irving’s consistent production should make the coaching staff reevaluate their decision.

Irving and the Buccaneers will take the field on Sunday, September 29 at 10 a.m. against the Philadelphia Eagles.