Tampa's Bucky Irving has proven to be one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL since his career started in 2024.
Bucky Irving may not get as much attention as some of the other top running backs in the NFL, but maybe he should.
Entering his third season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Irving has been one of the league's most explosive running backs.
Since coming into the league in 2024, Irving is one of only eight running backs who have averaged 4.5 yards per rush and five yards per touch. The other seven?
How about Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, Derrick Henry, James Cook, Saquon Barkley, and De'Von Achane.
What is even more remarkable is that Irving has hit these numbers even after spending the 2025 season struggling through injuries. He was only able to play in seven games and looked nothing like the player he was as a rookie in 2024.
In 10 games last season, Irving averaged only 3.4 yards per carry, a full two yards less than he did as a rookie.
Looking Like His Old Self
Now healthy, Irving looked like his old self again in the Bucs' season-opener.
Though he was only given eight carries, likely as a result of how the game was unfolding, he turned them into 45 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and a touchdown. He also brought in all seven of his targets for another 48 yards.
Irving reminded everybody just how valuable a member of Tampa's offense he is. Even though he started off the new campaign with a healthy 15 touches, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson wants him to get even more.
And why shouldn't he want to get the ball in Irving's hands more?
Since arriving on the scene in 2024, only two RBs have a higher forced-missed-tackle percentage than Irving's 30.1%. They are Bijan Robinson (30.8%) and Kenneth Walker III (33.8%).
He also has more games with at least 45 yards rushing and 45 yards receiving (5) than all but three running backs: Christian McCaffrey, Robinson, and Achane. Irving's 3.5 yards after contact is good for fifth among RBs since 2024.
If Irving is back to being the explosive player he was as a rookie, it will do wonders for Tampa's offense
Final Thoughts
Irving may not be mentioned in the same tier as some of the NFL's best backs, but the numbers don't lie. He is one of the most explosive RBs in the NFL, and now that he has Kenneth Gainwell as his backfield mate, Irving should be kept fresh throughout the entire season.
Irving has the talent to be a Pro Bowl RB and the centerpiece of Tampa's offense. If the Bucs do make it a point to get him the ball more, Irving could have a career season on the horizon.
