The takeover has begun.
Back when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted running back Bucky Irving in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, narratives immediately began in regards to the first-year pro taking Rachaad White's job.
At first, we defended White as he was coming off a career year and looked especially good in space. He established himself as a strong option in the receiving game. However, White has continued to struggle running between the tackles.
That's an area where Irving has been able to showcase his ability.
Irving has taken limited snaps, early on, and done positive things with them. His vision is what's separated him from the likes of White. It doesn't take long to realize, while watching Irving run the football this season, that he is the better pure running back.
As much as we liked White, Irving looks to be the best fit alongside quarterback Baker Mayfield and the passing game, overall. And, head coach Todd Bowles is seeing things that way, too, it seems.
Monday morning, when speaking to the media, Bowles said the rookie is going to see an increased workload going forward, and it's the right decision.
Todd Bowles says rookie RB Bucky Irving has earned more snaps going forward.
— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) September 23, 2024
It's easy to see why the Bucs will continue to increase Bucky Irving's snaps
Whether it's watchin the tape or looking at raw numbers, there really isn't an argument as to why Irving shouldn't be given opportunities ahead of White.
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Through three games, let's check in on a few key metrics:
Player | Yards/Attempt | Yards/Touch | Success Rate | 1st Downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Irving | 6.2 | 6.1 | 48% | 5 |
White | 2.1 | 3.8 | 35.5% | 2 |
Sometimes, it's unfair to simply point to numbers. However, these are pretty telling. Irving has been much more effective in moving the chains than White. His success rate proves that the Bucs can trust him more between the tackles, going forward, regardless of how the offensive line is playing.
Sure, the line hasn't been great when it comes to run blocking and, at times, the offensive game plan has been spotty. There are still inconsistencies.
But, that's a specific reason why Irving needs to be featured more. Irving makes breaking tackles look like an art form. He's crafty with his footwork, stepping out of would-be tacklers' arms and slipping through the smallest of cracks at times. At times, he sees the play happen before it unfolds, for lack of a better explanation.
Watching Irving make cuts, stay patient and hit a lane when he sees it is something we've been desiring from White for quite some time. But, White has often been less patient and relies on his speed and athleticism more than his vision.
This isn't to say White should be totally phased out, but more so that Irving needs to be featured more on first and second down. White is a phenomenal option on third downs and in obvious passing situations. His speed can and should be utilized going forward.
But, when it comes to establishing a run game and consistently gaining yards, Irving is the man for the job. He's giving the offense a lot more lift than White has in each of the former first-round pick's first three seasons.