How Many Games Will Bucky Irving Start?
July 12th, 2025
Had Bucs fans smiling.
It doesn’t matter if you start. What matters is what you do when you get on the field.
That was a summary of what Bucs running backs coach Skip Peete said this spring when talking about Bucky Irving.
Bucky blasted onto the NFL scene in a major way last year, but Rachaad White started most games for the Bucs at running back. But as Peete said, a start only means one play. There’s a helluva lot more snaps in the game after the first one.
And when Bucky did get his touches, he blew up. If someone had enough beers in them, Bucky sort of gave flashbacks to Barry Sanders.
The Bucs had a complete, dangerous offense last year and Bucky was a big reason why. As much as Baker Mayfield and the passing game succeeded, Joe has to wonder how much of that was due to defenses having to answer for Bucky and the Bucs on the ground.
(The answer more often than not was #Fail.)
.@buckyirving only started 3️⃣ games in 2024 😳
🏈 1122 rushing yards
🏈 392 receiving yards
🏈8 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/EeFjmvJPnD— NFL (@NFL) June 8, 2025
July 12th, 2025 at 11:08 am
I said Bucky reminded me of Barry Sanders first, heh. He does. The cutting looks very similar. He certainly leaves a lot of cleats on the field. People take 2, 3 shots at him and still haven’t tackled him. That’s Barry-like, for sure.
Watch his highlights from last year if you doubt it.
July 12th, 2025 at 11:10 am
I suggest you limit Buckys’ touches or his story could be much the same as Tarik Cohen as they are very similar in every regard.
July 12th, 2025 at 11:13 am
Ranked 10th huh. Not many backs in the league run like that.
July 12th, 2025 at 11:34 am
If he had a touch more straight-line speed he would have had 4-500 more yards last season. Sensational.
July 12th, 2025 at 11:38 am
Suh
July 12th, 2025 at 11:39 am
I also saw a few uncalled hip-drop tackles on him- there’s a flagrant one against Dallas, for instance. Watch out for those Bucky, and keep an eye where your feet are when you are near the sidelines. Diving earlier could have gotten you a few more TDs, too. The blocking last season especially downfield was utterly chef’s kiss last season.
July 12th, 2025 at 12:06 pm
Boy, those clips are fun to watch! “Quick as a hiccup.”
July 12th, 2025 at 12:42 pm
I think its smart to keep it a fair 60/40 split in most games to keep bucky healthy. 4th quarter games when its close or playing from behind tilt that toward bucky let the play maker win you games when hes needed and rest him when you can.
July 12th, 2025 at 12:49 pm
The great Greg Schiano ran Doug Martin into the ground
While Blount watched from the sidelines
Blount went on to win multiple Super Bowls with the Eagles and Patriots. I hope these Bucs don’t make same mistake.
July 12th, 2025 at 1:06 pm
Last season in our opener against Washington
Rachaad White had 21 touches for 106 yards. And we scored 37 points, and beat Washington by 17 points
Our playoff game against Washington, Rachaad White had 3 touches for 15 yards. And we scored 20 points, loss by 3 points
Rachaad White is the best all- around back we have
We need him and Bucky, we need to play to their strengths Bucky the better Rusher, Rachaad the better blocker and receivver.
Because, they have different strengths,
July 12th, 2025 at 1:48 pm
Despite what Skip says, players want to be the ‘starter’. As much as I like Bucky starting, I could see Grizz changing the starter for each game based on the first 15 scripted plays, or the amount of blitzing by the opposing defense.
July 12th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
I vigorously agree about not over using Bucky.
But, the enthusiasm of the entire team blocking for Bucky downfield is obvious; they seem to really have fun doing it. Backs who inspire that kind of enthusiasm from their teammates receive dividends in yards after contact.
I would like to say that Bucky runs with a convoy. But, really, it looks like he just has the whole team trying to run to be with him in the end zone and looking for any chance to help along the way.
July 12th, 2025 at 2:16 pm
I’d rather see Tucker split more carries with Bucky on early downs. White is a very talented pass catcher but it seems like a wasted carry when
He runs the ball.
Go Bucs!
July 12th, 2025 at 2:16 pm
Imo, it would be wise to split starts if for no other reason than to ensure defenses have to prep for 2 opening drive potentials. Then, obviously, go with the hot hand…err, legs
July 12th, 2025 at 2:57 pm
Despite what Skip says, players want to be the ‘starter’. As much as I like Bucky starting, I could see Grizz changing the starter for each game based on the first 15 scripted plays, or the amount of blitzing by the opposing defense. With Wirfs out, I could see White starting and positioned behind Heck for pass protection- early in games until Heck settles in.
July 12th, 2025 at 3:22 pm
Buckys great but we need to utilize RWs skill set more (Liam seemed to forget him towards the end last year) and let’s give Tucker a fair shake to see if he’s progressed enough to be in the mix when it matters.
The title “starter” means nothing to me, it’s just a label. Bucky has been our lead back (most of the touches) since hes been here. He’ll “start” every game he’s not injured but like many of us have said 100 times…. Don’t wear him out – we need him fresh all year.
July 12th, 2025 at 5:48 pm
17
July 12th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
“If someone had enough beers in them, Bucky sort of gave flashbacks to Barry Sanders.”
I’m like St. Pete Matt and must have had enough beer because I too flashed to Barry. So I went to the stats and the comparison is apt.
The major reason to slow ourselves on the Bucky/Barry comps is Barry did it for ten years and only missed 5 games. IE he played every game for 8 seasons which is kind of amazing for any RB. IF Bucky repeats his rookie performance 9 more years then he’ll be Barry Sanders. Bucky’s rookie numbers compared favorably but can he sustain the excellence and can his body hold up?
July 12th, 2025 at 7:04 pm
My comp for Bucky is not Barry Sanders, but Marshall Faulk
July 13th, 2025 at 12:45 am
I wish Bucky had an extra gear but he simply doesn’t. He gets caught from behind a lot.
Buuut…if he had that extra gear, he probably would’ve been a first round pick by another team.