ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Bucs opponents are “game planning for [Bucky Irving] as if he’s a focal point of the offense.”
Fowler said Irving’s skillset is “hard to ignore” and added that his “shifty running style and big-play potential will keep him in the lineup, and when Tampa Bay needs to grind out wins with the run, there will be plenty of carries to go around.” Irving in Week 4 against the Eagles matched Rachaad White with 10 rushes for 49 yards. Irving has been the more efficient runner and pass catcher out of the Bucs backfield, and could eventually elevate as the team’s clear No. 1 back. White is unlikely to be phased out entirely, however.