Cool Intel On Bucs Running Backs
September 19th, 2025
Making plays.
On Monday night when the Bucs beat the Steers, Bucs running back Rachaad White may have had his best night of running Joe had seen since the Bucs played the Seahawks in Munich back in 2022.
White was hitting holes like an angry man and he was punishing defenders and getting yards.
In a way, Joe felt the Bucs should have just kept feeding him the rock. But given the injuries on the offensive line, Joe can understand why Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard didn’t go full-blown ground-and-pound.
Bucky Irving was running well, too. But Grizzard said yesterday at One Buc Palace it wasn’t just the running where Bucs running backs shined.
“Yeah, they made massive plays, whether it was in the run game and being able to pound it,” Grizzard said. “What they were able to do after contact, getting those extra yards, was fantastic to see.”
Bucky’s key catch-and-run on the final drive to the left side, Grizzard said, was just a simple checkdown by Baker Mayfield. It was supposed to be a short completion. But Bucky, with his running ability and hustle, turned it into a 22-yard gain.
“It just shows the kind of toughness and grit those guys have, being able to grind it out,” Grizzard said. “They want the ball at that point, which is great to see, too – because we’re going to go down the field.”
With Mayfield’s never-give-up mentality and charisma, and the fact Bucky and White wanted the ball because they believed they could create an explosive play, maybe these Bucs have the collective character to will this team past all of these offensive line injuries.
September 19th, 2025 at 7:15 am
We are going to have to lean on the run game until the offensive line gets fixed
September 19th, 2025 at 7:19 am
“maybe these Bucs have the collective character to will this team past all of these offensive line injuries.” One can only hope!
September 19th, 2025 at 7:30 am
White was hitting the holes like an angry man = contract year?
September 19th, 2025 at 7:43 am
We have the best WR and RB rooms in the league – bar none
5 deep starter level players at WR and we know we need em all –
Bucky/white/sean – Bucky and white are so good Sean can’t get on the field – he could start for half the leagues teams right now
We are going to battle through the injuries and Baker and the skill positions are going to be deadly come playoff time
September 19th, 2025 at 7:46 am
white has learned to run more north south over the past year especially, so this might be who he is now. he can be our hammer to complement bucky, like bucs of old that we loved so much,
September 19th, 2025 at 7:52 am
“But given the injuries on the offensive line, Joe can understand why Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard didn’t go full-blown ground-and-pound.“
Given the injuries on the OL that’s exactly why you keep pounding the rock.
Late in the 3rd quarter on that drive Chase missed the 38 yarder, Chaad had 4 carries in a row for 38 yards from our own 43 to Houstons’ 19 yard line.
What’d Grizz do? He went empty with a banged up OL, only trusting 5 guys to hold the pocket just for Mayfield to toss 2 incompletions and our Kicker to bungle a chip shot. That’s settling leading to failing. Run the ball Joshua.
September 19th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Rachaad and Bucky both played tough, physical games.
Not to take anything away from Bucky, but Rachaad in particular.
The YAC (yards after contact) was a joy to watch.
I still maintain we need to do everything we can to keep Rachaad in a Bucs uniform for the next few seasons.
September 19th, 2025 at 8:11 am
All you need is Baker. He is tough, experienced, big arm, can throw on the run, and can run it. If the line can’t protect him in the pocket he will make adjustments on the fly.
September 19th, 2025 at 8:19 am
Rashad white has become a complete back. Hopefully we can resign him. It would be nice to keep one of the best running back rooms in the NFL together along with the wide receiver room that we already.have.
September 19th, 2025 at 8:21 am
I have been saying all week run the football.
That backfield is dangerous like the Detroit lions back field.
wait until Grizz figure’s out how to use them. Sterling & Miller
Watch those two. I’m not sleeping on the Jets, I watched the game
against Buffalo twice. Feels like a 27-13 game Bucs 🤙🏾👊🏾👊🏾
September 19th, 2025 at 8:27 am
I’d like to see us find a way to keep White…..I think he is a very good RB…..runs, blocks, pass protection & receiving
September 19th, 2025 at 8:43 am
White was breaking tackles too, we’re all used to him always going down at first contact. Dude looked like Riggins on a couple plays
September 19th, 2025 at 9:40 am
BucsFan81 Says:
September 19th, 2025 at 7:15 am
We are going to have to lean on the run game until the offensive line gets fixed
———————————————–
Ditto!!
September 19th, 2025 at 9:44 am
“I’d like to see us find a way to keep White…..I think he is a very good RB…..runs, blocks, pass protection & receiving”
Matt Forte type RB when he’s on all cylinders
September 19th, 2025 at 9:48 am
I want to see more 2-RB sets, and some shorter quick intermediate routes on Sunday. Get the ball out quick, and sustain looong scoring drives. Wear downnn that Jets Defense and pass rush. Cause, YOU KNOW they’re bringing-it! I wanna see Otton, (&/or) the other TE’s STEP TF UPPPPP!!!!
September 19th, 2025 at 9:57 am
“Half” is a HUGE stretch, VOT. Might wanna take another look at the list of Running Backs in THIS LEAGUE. The league is FULLUVEM. I can list at least TWENTY STUDS, right off the top of my head, in about 30-seconds. Including Bucky & RWhite. And, another backup even, in David Montgomery in Detroit.
September 19th, 2025 at 9:59 am
@VOT – And, that’s NOT even including any of the three ‘rookies’ either.
September 19th, 2025 at 10:13 am
@Jeffrey Becker – He sure has. I really noticed that the other night! A ‘night & day’ difference from his first couple of seasons.
September 19th, 2025 at 11:28 am
@ Bucsfan81 And how do you expect us to be able to just rely on the run with no run blocking lol… we’re definitely going to have to mix it up and get creative to keep defenses on their heels with this line.
September 19th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Irving and White feed off of each other !! Hopefully against the Jets, they will have another huge game !! Pound that Rock Baby !!
Go Bucs !!
September 19th, 2025 at 1:32 pm
Hoping these guys keep that edge and lean more on the run game, nothing wrong with a team identity as a physical bruising running team, the crazy part is without wirfs and Godwin one has to wonder if they’re still playing on a limited play book. I’m optimistic these guys can pound the rock and hold down the fort until they get a little healthier, and at that point late season run in part because a ply book being opened up and giving looks later in the year not seen yet
September 19th, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Also really hoping they’ve turned the corner in playing down to their competition, everything says this game should be a win so hope they aren’t big headed and looking forward to the eagles. This jets team will be motivated in my opinion and hopefully the Bucs focus on the task at hand
September 19th, 2025 at 4:07 pm
Jason Licht has always emphasized character and versatility in signing players. That’s why the Glazer Boyz lucked out when they brought him on board. The RBs are a good example along with the guys on the OLine. White and Irving have already shown their ability to run and catch. White knows how to block and Bucky is paying attention. What do you think Tucker is doing on the sidelines, picking his nose? They, along with our TEs are a quiet weapon, and can help an injured OLine. The problem is keeping Mayfield healthy. The Defense is also dealing with issues. Grizzard needs to call a creative offensive game. Jets won’t know what hit them.
September 19th, 2025 at 4:21 pm
This Sunday it is critical to run the ball down their throats then throw when ever mike or Ryan have single coverage
September 19th, 2025 at 5:30 pm
It was a beautiful thing to see.
September 19th, 2025 at 8:28 pm
Agree completely with TBBF