A rookie running back has certainly caught Joe Whitt’s watchful eye.
The Bucs have a strong passing game with targets like future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans, WR Jalen McMillan, WR Sterling Shepherd, and TE Cade Otton.
The Bucs must also be pleased with how rookie RB Bucky Irving exploded. Irving, taken 125 overall (4th round) out of Oregon, has been nothing short of sensational.
“He can make you miss in space,” said Whitt. “He’s fast, he’s quick, he’s a slasher. So, I just think they use not just him, but all the eligibles in a very unique way of, when I say fast-paced, they want to get the ball in their hands right now. They have close to a thousand yards with the ball behind the line of scrimmage. So, they want to get those guys in space and then let them have run-after-catch opportunities.”
Irving has 47 receptions for 392 yards (8.3) and converted 16 first downs. The Bucs’ screen game has been very effective with Irving.
“They have a number of different type of screens. You have the play-action screen, the slip screen, the cross screen, all those to the backs. And then you have the ones that the tunnel screen, tear screen from the outside. So, they have just a variety of different screens and different ways to get into it.”
Irving has tremendously helped Baker Mayfield achieve career highs in passing (4,500 yards) and passing touchdowns (41). Irving’s running is so quick and effective that the defense must give him much attention. He has rushed for 1,122 yards, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry.
How can the Commanders’ defense limit Irving enough to have a chance in this playoff game on Sunday?
Whitt succinctly replied, “In the run game, making sure that we take care of the C gap.”