Six-time Bucs Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy looks at electric rookie running back Bucky Irving and thinks of another famous fourth-round draft pick.
No, it’s not Anthony Nelson. McCoy’s brain goes to Titans running back Tony Pollard, the former Cowboys standout.
McCoy told KNBR radio this week that he sees Irving as a speed guy in the mold of Pollard, only smaller. And McCoy thinks if Irving gets more work than he has now, something many Bucs fans want, then a Pollard-like dropoff would be forthcoming.
Dallas made Pollard its bellcow back last year after a 2022 Pro Bowl as as more of a role player. His production nosedived.
McCoy doesn’t want Irving to have the same fate.
“When you put all of the carries on his back, then you’ll get to see who he really is,” McCoy said of Irving. “Right now, I like him in the role he’s in. … Leave him in the role’s he’s in. Don’t put too much on him too early because what he’s doing right now is working.”
Well, Joe is glad the Bucs have a diverse corps of running backs, but Joe would still give Irving more opportunities. Some backs thrive with more touches.
Irving has averaged 13 touches per game over the last five weeks. It should hurt Irving or the Bucs to have that kick up a few notches.
