Todd Bowles: Bucs Miss Bucky Irving Making Offensive Line Look Better
November 2nd, 2025
Thought-provoking comments from Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles about his No. 1 running back.
When Bucky Irving played in Weeks 1 through 4 of this season, he averaged only 3.3 yards per carry and, shockingly, had a net total of zero yards on seven red-zone carries.
Irving was more dynamic in the passing game, catching all 19 balls thrown to him for an average of 10.2 yards per catch and two touchdowns.
Last week, JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman asked Bowles about what the offense misses in Irving, who has been out the past four games with shoulder and foot injuries. (No, Joe does not expect Irving to play Sunday.)
Despite Irving’s shaky production early this season, Bowles talked about him being unreplaceable.
“Bucky was our best make-you-miss guy, sort of speak.” Bowles told The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports.
“He could make you miss in the open field and in the hole. So, he got extra yards because he was more jittery and one-cut and still full speed. There are all different kinds of running backs. The other two are very good, as well, but Bucky could make one or two guys miss and make you miss, and make the make the O-line look a little better. So we miss that type of dynamic, I think, when you talk about our offense.”
What’s clear is the Bucs’ rushing attack must a improve — a lot. Tampa Bay ranks 28th in yards per carry, despite Baker Mayfield being won of the more efficient scramblers in the league.
Heal up, Bucky!
