Regular readers know Joe is really down on Rachaad White. As a running back.
Also, regular readers know Joe is really high on White. Catching out of the backfield.
For as down as Joe is on White as a running back, Joe is even higher on White in the passing game. The dude is a serious weapon.
And while White has led the worst rushing attack in the NFL the past two years, Joe might be hard-pressed to take him off the field. Why? Because the guy is so lethal in the passing game last year.
So while Joe is eager to see what third-round pick, running back Bucky Irving out of Oregon can do since he was so good at staying on his feet in college after a hit, Joe isn’t ready to jump in the deep end of that pool quite yet.
However, sometimes humorist Adam Rank of NFL.com seems to think the Irving Era of the Bucs is coming.
My HOTTEST Buccaneers fantasy take:
Scoop up Bucky Irving where you can.
I know Rachaad White ranked fourth among running backs with 1,539 scrimmage yards last season. But I believe it will only be a matter of time before the rookie takes over. Irving, a fourth-round pick, led Oregon with 1,180 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns in 2023. He’s also a good receiver out of the backfield.
Now a lot of this depends on winning. If the Bucs are losing, struggling to score points and White is stinking the joint up badly on the ground, then yeah, Joe could see Irving getting worked in more. If the Bucs are winning, a rotten run game can be overlooked. The NFL is a production league and White produces. Catching the ball.
Joe is excited to see Irvin but not yet ready to bench White. Not yet.
