Bucky Irving Poised To Surprise In Bucs’ Backfield?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running back Bucky Irving has emerged as a potential breakout candidate heading into the 2023 season. With a strong performance in the preseason and an impressive skill set, Irving is poised to make a significant impact in the Bucs’ backfield.

Preseason Performances Hint at Irving’s Potential

In the 2023 preseason, Irving has showcased his elusive running style and ability to create yards after contact. In three preseason games, he has rushed for 86 yards on 17 carries, averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. Irving’s highlight-reel 40-yard touchdown run against the Tennessee Titans provided a glimpse of his explosive ability.

Impressive Skill Set Bolsters Irving’s Case

Beyond his preseason performances, Irving possesses a well-rounded skill set that suggests he can be a valuable asset to the Bucs. At 5-foot-10, 206 pounds, Irving is a compact back with surprising agility and acceleration. His exceptional balance and low center of gravity make him difficult to tackle in the open field.

Versatility and Receiving Ability

Irving’s versatility extends beyond his running ability. He is a capable receiver out of the backfield, with soft hands and a knack for finding open spaces in coverage. His 7 receptions for 63 yards in the preseason demonstrate his potential in the Bucs’ passing game.

Running Vision and Patience

Unlike many young running backs, Irving exhibits remarkable patience and vision on the field. He reads blocking schemes well and makes quick decisions, often waiting for holes to develop before bursting through. This maturity in his running style is a testament to his football IQ.

Bucs’ Backfield Situation Creates Opportunity

The Buccaneers’ backfield situation presents an ideal opportunity for Irving to make his mark. With the departure of veteran running back Leonard Fournette, the backfield is relatively inexperienced behind starting running back Rachaad White. White is a talented player, but he has yet to prove himself as a durable workhorse.

Irving’s strong performances in the preseason have put him in a position to challenge for a significant role in the Bucs’ offense. With his unique skill set and the opportunity created by the backfield situation, Irving is poised to surprise in 2023.

Takeaways and Predictions

Based on his preseason performances and skill set, Bucky Irving is a legitimate candidate to make a significant impact in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ backfield in 2023. He could potentially emerge as a starting running back or a valuable change-of-pace option behind Rachaad White.

While it is still early to make definitive predictions, Irving’s potential is undeniable. If he continues to perform at a high level, he has the chance to establish himself as one of the most surprising breakout players in the NFL this season.

Player	Preseason Rushing Yards	Average Yards Per Carry
Bucky Irving	86	5.1
Rachaad White	42	3.5