The Bucs have a dilemma at running back with a straightforward solution.
Rachaad White is a liability in the backfield. Between the tackles, he is entirely ineffective. The 25-year-old has been near the bottom of the league in missed tackles forced and yards after contact since getting drafted in 2022.
His inability to generate offense puts the Buccaneers behind the sticks every drive. Despite that, the offense has been able to stay afloat because of Baker Mayfield’s career resurrection and the elite pass-catching duo of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
The best way to improve the worst rushing attack in the NFL is to insert former Oregon standout Bucky Irving. The rookie sensation lit it up in the preseason, flashing elite agility and vision. Despite being a modest 5’9, he is a powerful runner who can bulldoze defenders and fall forward for extra yards.
Irving makes up for what he lacks in straight-line speed with gifted lateral quickness. He’s cut from the same cloth as a C.J. Anderson or Aaron Jones, and given respectable volume, can eclipse 1,000 yards on the ground. White will likely get work as a receiver, but Irving flexed serviceable hands at Oregon. The latter will compensate with more work near the goal line.
Tampa establishing the run more consistently could unleash a more refined play-action game, which would elevate it from a frisky Wild Card team to a dark horse Super Bowl contender. In any fantasy format, Irving is a must-add, as it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the franchise bell cow.
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