The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have pulled together an impressive division-winning season in 2024, but the lack of respect given to players like Baker Mayfield and rookie running back Bucky Irving may leave a bad taste in the mouths of this fanbase.
Not only were Mayfield's 41 touchdown passes not celebrated by the national media as they should have been, but Irving's evolution from a fourth-round pick to someone who stole Rachaad White's job was apparently not impressive enough to get him some rookie class silverware.
Irving was not included as one of the finalists for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Commanders and Broncos quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix, respectively, were among the final five, alongside Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers and a pair of former LSU wide receiver teammates in the Giants' Malik Nabers and Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr.
It appears as though the voters believed the secondary offensive threat on a division-winning team was one of the five best rookies on his side of the ball. Bucs fans are used to slights from the national media, and this is just another one to add to the pile.
Bucs RB Bucky Irving snubbed for 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year
Admittedly, Irving may have been a victim of a sterling rookie class. Daniels and Nix were obvious finalists after establishing themselves as franchise quarterbacks, Bowers may already be the league's best tight end, and both Nabers and Thomas crossed 1,200 yards receiving despite Daniel Jones and Mac Jones quarterback play.
Irving still helped turn around a Buccaneers offense that had one of the most boring, predictable running games in the league last season. As a rookie who split carries with White, Irving produced the eighth-most yards from scrimmage in a single season in Bucs history.
The fact that the PWFA All-Rookie Team member put up his numbers in the context of winning games alongside a Bucs team that made it to the postseason, something Nabers, Thomas, and Bowers can't claim, should have meant something to the voters. Even in the pros, Irving's draft status seems to be working against him.
If Irving can tally 1,500 yards from scrimmage as a rookie while White was the lead dog in the backfield for most of the season, imagine what he can accomplish in his second season alongside Baker Mayfield and Liam Coen. Those who left him off their OROY ballot may need to eat their words.