Yes, Running Back Is A Need
February 17th, 2026
Looking for a better 2026.
Entering the 2025 season, Joe was really stoked thinking the Bucs would have a strong, dangerous run game.
It turned out to be one of the worst elements of the team.
Joe isn’t sure why that was. Even when Bucky Irving was healthy, he ran for two yards less per carry than in his explosive rookie season. Not good.
The epidemic of injuries on the offensive line didn’t help. And, perhaps one-and-done Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard wasn’t sharp at crafting a run game.
Maybe it was a combination of all of the above?
But with Bucky hoping to bounce back from shoulder surgery, Rachaad White having p!ssed all over the floor near the exit to One Buc Palace, and Sean Tucker being a restricted free agent, don’t tell Joe the Bucs don’t need a running back.
In fact, Ryan McCrystal of Sharp Football Analysis noted the Bucs’ run game was woeful.
[Bucs] Running backs gained 10 or more yards on 7.8% of carries, ranked 29th.
That’s not explosive. And it is hard to score points in the NFL without explosive plays.
Joe would love for the Bucs to sign free agent back Tyler Allgeier. But if Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht can’t resist the temptation to draft Jeremiyah Love if the Notre Dame back somehow found himself on the board when the Bucs pick at No. 15, Joe would smile going to bed that night.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:05 am
Bucs could have the #1 offense in the NFL in 2026, but does any logical person really believe it will be enough to overcome the bad defensive coaching on this team?
February 17th, 2026 at 9:08 am
Depends on who he passed on to draft Love. If one of the premium pass rushers or linebackers (Styles) is sitting there, they have to take him. And if Love is that good, I’m betting that Licht could get a decent haul to trade down.
This team is built to be a throw first team, regardless of what Bowles thinks or says.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:08 am
The Bucs need to start addressing the defense, because it sucks!
February 17th, 2026 at 9:10 am
I do want to clarify – if all of the defensive players available when the Bucs pick are reaches, and the trade down offers suck, take Love.
Never, ever reach for need.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:17 am
3 and 28!!!-Allegiar-FA- draft rest defense please!!!!
February 17th, 2026 at 9:20 am
lol so many needs on an alleged super bowl contender.
what is needed is a dose of reality, the bucs are probably entering lost decade II
February 17th, 2026 at 9:24 am
It’s amazing how great a running game can be when the OC knows how to call plays that keep the defense off balance the whole game.
A great defensive line seems to matter more when it comes to winning Super Bowls however. Keep Tucker, go after a REAL edge rusher.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:25 am
We never had a good run game until we got a really good, healthy offensive line. As soon as they got injured and several knocked out of games, we lost our run game and pass protection. That’s exactly what you would expect.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:30 am
We hire a lame OC, Bucky gets hurt and suddenly he gets sh!t on. He was a number one before he got hurt now someone in Tampa bay media fantasizing about draft running back with the 15th pick. Probably the same one making the ridiculous joke about Bowles being better than Tomlin
February 17th, 2026 at 9:48 am
Bucky needs to get his head right as BA would say.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:52 am
Joe, this just in. he WASN’T healthy when he came back. If he was, why did he have shoulder surgery? Did everyone forget the season he was having before he got hurt? Give the kid a break.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:52 am
You all do not understand. The defense and HC?DC are beyond helping. We must draft all offense and get all offense FA’s….we must SCORE 40 plus a game.
February 17th, 2026 at 9:54 am
I blame the O-Line being a mess for the disappointing rushing attack. I also blame the OC for smashing the Bucky Irving button. He was getting way too many touches and he doesn’t have the body to handle a workhorse workload. The OC failed to integrate Irving, White, and Tucker with an effective split. I don’t see how it could be thst hard to tally the touches during the game and try to keep a split of 12-15 touches for Bucky, 8-12 touches for White, and 5-8 touches for Tucker
February 17th, 2026 at 9:55 am
SEAN TUCKER IS A STARTING RB IN THIS LEAGUE. please resign him
February 17th, 2026 at 9:58 am
First off, no way they are drafting Love! Second I agree with Pewter Power. If anyone remembers, Bucky went off on the Offensive line because he was getting hit in the backfield. The center of the line was getting blown up most plays. RB’s don’t go from hero to zero without a reason. Throw in a capable Sean Tucker and there is little reason to draft a RB in the first round. Unless of course you completely give up on the D and dedicate to outscoring your opponent.
February 17th, 2026 at 10:00 am
So Draft the RB at 15 and get some defensive free agents, if the RB is that special…. we did just see one get MVP in the SB.
February 17th, 2026 at 10:18 am
Bucky had shoulder surgery last week, does anyone have the details?
February 17th, 2026 at 10:21 am
The Joebucsfan team thinks Irving coming back from shoulder surgery is a concern and Bucs need to add RB as a priority
But 2 Guards with knee injuries is no issue and Bucs’ Oline will be good to go…
SMH
February 17th, 2026 at 10:29 am
Don’t draft a back until rd4 or later, and bring in some UDFA backs.
Free agency happens before the draft. Biggest priority will be ILB and/or Edge. Also a backup guard.
In the draft go with best defensive player available in rds 1-3 and not stretch for positions of need (Licht tends to stretch in rds 1-3. Obviously, Edge and ILB are a focus, but a beastly DL who can rush the passer would be great too.
February 17th, 2026 at 10:35 am
That’s what I’m saying load up on defensive free agents in the draft reason being is you draft defense for a win now team you are getting them ready for the next coaching regime
February 17th, 2026 at 10:37 am
Sean Tucker is one of the worst pass blocking RBs in the entire NFL.
That is a major problem.
When ST is on the field the defense knows what the play is…
I am not a big fan of R. White but at least he is a decent pass blocker/catcher.
You just can’t be a one dimensional RB in the NFL – it’s not 1984 anymore folks.
Get real.