Bucky Irving Among The NFL’s Best
September 19th, 2026
Bucky Irving slips through a Bengals gang tackle Week 1.
If Week 1 of the NFL season is any window, it seems Bucs running back Bucky Irving has picked up where his rookie season left off.
Bucky proved to be one of the more dangerous running backs in the NFL in 2024. He could break off a long run by dodging defenders, or he could burn teams through the air.
That one-two punch resumed in Cincinnati on Sunday.
In fact, since the start of the 2024 season, Bucky is one of eight running backs to average at least 4.5 yards a carry and five yards a catch with a minimum of 250 touches. The others were Jahmyr Gibbs, De’von Achane, Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, James Cook and Jonathan Taylor.
After the season opener in Cincinnati, Bucky has forced 116 missed tackles since the start of the 2024 season and averages 3.5 yards after contact. That figure is fifth-highest in the NFL. Only Henry, Achane, Robinson and Tony Pollard have more.
Last week Bucky averaged 6.2 yards per touch (run and catch). The only running backs to average more were Kenneth Walker, D’Andre Swift and Henry.
Joe believes if Bucky can stay healthy, the Bucs have a dangerous rushing attack.
September 19th, 2026 at 12:29 am
Feed him
September 19th, 2026 at 12:31 am
If Bucky can put 1500 scrimmage yards and baker can keep his turnovers to under 15 we easily can be the representative for the NFC. SN. I just ate a gummy
September 19th, 2026 at 12:47 am
What did Gainwell do?
September 19th, 2026 at 7:20 am
If we have the amazing Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell, Sean Tucker as RBs
Answer me one question
Why is Baker Mayfield running and fumbling so much?
September 19th, 2026 at 7:35 am
@Lakeland putting aside my Baker Fandom for a minute, I think what may have been happening last week is a result of implementing a new offense. As a result, either Baker wasn’t seeing things as quickly as he will ( it better be soon ). This led to him not pulling the trigger, holding on too long, hanging the OL out to dry and then disaster.
A second side of that coin is maybe the receivers weren’t where they should be, and that caused the same effect. Hard to say when I don’t review the all 22 and just watch from the couch.
Either way, I am confident (Wish Joe would make this poll) the offense will right itself with time on task. Just hope they don’t let too many get away before then.
September 19th, 2026 at 7:55 am
Set up the run with the pass. It will keep Irving healthy
September 19th, 2026 at 8:39 am
Well. They lost. So it doesn’t matter what his rushing average or how many broken tackles he had.
And by the way, he had 8 carries. Eight. So let’s not start thinking he’s Jim Brown.
September 19th, 2026 at 8:45 am
@Drunk, solid observations
@Lakeland, it was one game. Let it go
September 19th, 2026 at 10:36 am
Si, señor.
September 19th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
go bucky go…
run bucky run…
score bucky score…!
a big game from bucky would be so much fun…
the fans have been waiting for bucky to bring the business for quite some time now…
lets go bucky…!
September 19th, 2026 at 3:06 pm
Bucky will have a breakout day against the Browns !!
Go Bucs !!
September 19th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
If he doesn’t drop the ball.