Tag: Bucky Irving

The Bucs 2024 rookie class is producing on a grand scale

That isn’t a projection either; this rookie class is performing on a grand level that can be put into numbers to further the argument. 

The 2024 NFL Draft could be looked back on whenever this Bucs season ends as the turning point for this franchise. The team had some pieces coming into 2024, but the draft picks by Jason Licht and his staff have this team already stepping up and carving out a meaningful place on this team.

That isn’t a projection either; this rookie class is performing on a grand level that can be put into numbers to further the argument.

According to the Bucs Communications Team, “Tampa Bay’s 1,624 offensive snaps by the 2024 draft selections are the fourth-most in the NFL and are the most among division leaders. Their 10 touchdowns scored are tied for the most in the NFL and their 1,455 yards from scrimmage ranks second.”

The production they are getting out of the likes of Jalen McMillan and Bucky Irving is not to be forgotten. However, they also owe first-round pick Graham Barton a lot for securing the middle fo the offensive line for them and Baker Mayfield to create.

This is an all-time class for Jason Licht and his front office staff.

Chargers overwhelmed by Buccaneers: Instant analysis of Week 15 loss

Here’s our recap of the Chargers’ loss to the Buccaneers, who overwhelmed Los Angeles in every facet of this game.

The Chargers stood no chance against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay won, 40-17. Los Angeles is now 8-6.

Here’s our recap of L.A.’s Week 15 loss.

It was over when…

Baker Mayfield connected with Mike Evans for a 35-yard touchdown to go up 30-17. There was no answer to the Buccaneers’ offensive dominance.

Notable number

Justin Herbert’s streak without an interception ended at 357 attempts. Herbert failed to become the first player in NFL history without an interception in 12 consecutive games within a single season.

3 stars of the game

  1. WR Ladd McConkey: 5 catches, 58 yards, touchdown
  2. WR Quentin Johnston: 5 catches, 45 yards, TD
  3. S Elijah Molden: 9 tackles, tackle for loss

Quick hits

  • The Chargers were outgained by nearly 300 yards. They only had 207 compared to the Buccaneers’ 505.
  • Los Angeles was 0-of-6 on third-down opportunities, while the Buccaneers were 9-of-15.
  • The Chargers allowed the Buccaneers to rush for 223 yards. Los Angeles only had 32 rushing yards.
  • The Chargers’ cornerbacks struggled to cover Mike Evans all game. Evans had nine catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns.
  • The Chargers’ second-half offensive struggles continued, as they failed to score a single point. On the other hand, the Buccaneers scored on five consecutive possessions and put up 27 points in the second half.
  • Baker Mayfield was kept upright for most of the game, as he was only hit three times. The same can’t be said about Justin Herbert, who was under duress for most of the game. Herbert was hit 13 times and sacked three times.
  • The Chargers defense held the Buccaneers to one score on four trips to the red zone.
  • Los Angeles forced two turnovers, an interception and a forced fumble.

What’s next?

The Chargers face the Broncos (9-5) in a crucial divisional matchup on Thursday night, Dec. 19, at 5:15 pm PT.

Bucs final injury report ahead of Week 15 matchup with the Chargers

On Friday, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles shared updates on several key starters for the Bucs ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers. 

From an injury standpoint, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been receiving some of the worst luck this season. On Wednesday, the Bucs were missing a whopping 10 starters combined on both sides of the ball from practice.

On Friday, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles shared updates on several key starters for the Bucs ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Chargers.

Linebacker, K.J. Britt, safety Antoine Winfield Jr., and safety Mike Edwards have all been ruled out with their injuries for Sunday’s matchup. Cornerback Josh Hayes, running back Bucky Irving, and defensive back Christian Izien are all questionable with their injuries.

The team missing Bucky Irving would be a less-than-ideal situation based on his recent performances. If Irving is unavailable, Rachaad White will assume the starter role again with Sean Tucker serving as a change of pace back. The absence of Antoine Winfield Jr., though, will hurt, but getting Josh Hayes back to combat Justin Herbert and the Chargers passing attack would be good news this team could use.

Check out the full injury report below.

Statistical Breakdown: How the Chargers and Buccaneers stack up before Week 15 game

Here’s how the Chargers and Buccaneers stack up statistically on offense and defense ahead of Sunday’s matchup.

The Chargers and Buccaneers are set to square off this Sunday.

Here’s how Los Angeles and Tampa Bay stack up statistically on both sides of the ball ahead of the Week 15 matchup:

Offense

Category Chargers Buccaneers
Points per game 21.3 ppg (20th) 27.9 ppg (5th)
Passing offense 198.1 ypg (25th) 241.0 ypg (6th)
Rushing offense 111.5 ypg (19th) 138.3 ypg (7th)
Total offense 309.5 ypg (24th) 379.3 ypg (3rd)
3rd down conversions 38.37% (15th) 47.17% (2nd)
Red zone scoring 54.55% (19th) 68.63% (4th)
Sacks allowed 38 (23rd) 32 (16th)
Turnovers 6 (1st) 18 (20th)

Defense

Category Chargers Buccaneers
Points allowed 15.9 ppg (1st) 23.8 ppg (22nd)
Passing defense 206.1 ypg (8th) 253.4 ypg (30th)
Rushing defense 117.6 ypg (14th) 115.2 ypg (11th)
Total defense 323.7 ypg (11th) 368.5 ypg (28th)
3rd down conversions 35.03% (7th) 41.92% (23rd)
Red zone defense 41.94% (1st) 51.02% (10th)
Sacks 39 (5th) 35 (11th)
Takeaways 17 (10th) 16 (14th)

5 Buccaneers players to watch in Week 15 vs. Chargers

Week 15 features a matchup between two current playoff teams in the Chargers and Buccaneers.

The Chargers are 3-0 against the NFC South with a chance to make that 4-0 this weekend against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay is first in the NFC South with a 7-6 record, so every game is crucial for their postseason chances.

The same can be said for the Chargers, who are 8-5 but far from a lock to make the playoffs. Without further ado, here are five Buccaneers players to watch this Sunday afternoon:

RB Bucky Irving

Irving has become the Buccaneers’ most dynamic tailback this season. The rookie is dealing with a back injury and is a question mark for Sunday, but if he plays, the Chargers will need to account for him. In his last three fully healthy games, Irving has combined for 50 carries, 312 rushing yards, 111 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.

TE Cade Otton

Otton has broken out in a big way this year and has become a go-to target for QB Baker Mayfield. The tight end already has career highs in catches (57) and receiving yards (576) while his four touchdowns are tied for the most in his three NFL seasons.

OT Tristan Wirfs

Now in his fifth NFL season, the Iowa product has become one of the best offensive tackles in all of football. In his first four seasons, he made three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro squads. He’s been the best pass-blocking tackle this season amongst 133 qualifying OTs according to Pro Football Focus. His matchup against the Chargers’ elite edge defenders will be crucial to who wins this game.

DT Vita Vea

Similar to Wirfs, Vea has become one of the best in the league at his respective position. The seventh-year defensive tackle is particularly effective rushing the quarterback, as he has 37 pressures and six sacks in 2024. Vea and fellow lineman Calijah Kancey could wreck havoc against the Chargers’ suspect interior offensive line.

DB Tykee Smith

Muchlike Irving, Smith is a major question mark for Sunday’s game. With multiple DBs out for the Buccaneers, Smith has stepped up recently. He’s become a big-time playmaker for Tampa Bay’s defense, as he has two interceptions, seven pass deflections, and three forced fumbles this season.

Key things to know about Chargers’ Week 15 opponent: Buccaneers

Here are some important things to know about the Buccaneers ahead of the Week 15 matchup with the Chargers.

The Chargers are back home to face the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 15, at 1:25 p.m. PT.

To get you prepped for the Week 15 bout, here are a few key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.

How things are going…

The Buccaneers are 7-6 and sit atop the NFC South. Tampa Bay is riding a three-game winning streak.

Coen has the offense cooking

Offensive coordinator Liam Coen’s unit is one of the hottest in football. The Buccaneers rank in the top 10 in multiple categories. They are currently fifth in scoring (27.9 points per game), sixth in passing (241.0 yards per game), and eighth in rushing (138.3 YPG).

Baker making it happen

Quarterback Baker Mayfield has completely turned his career around with the Buccaneers after bouncing around with a few teams since being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Mayfield has thrown the third-most touchdowns (28) and fourth-most passing yards (3,329). However, Mayfield has struggled to take care of the football, as his 13 interceptions are the second-most behind Falcons’ Kirk Cousins.

The Rookie of the Year candidate no one is talking about

Running back Bucky Irving has been having an outstanding first season since being selected in the fourth round out of Oregon. Irving has been integral in their offensive success and is on pace to the franchise’s first 1,000-yard rushing season since Doug Martin (2015). Irving has 735 yards, six touchdowns, and 5.4 yards per carry.

Uneven defense

The Chargers should have plenty of success airing it out. The Buccaneers rank 30th against the pass, allowing an average of 253.4 yards per game. On the other hand, Tampa Bay has been solid against the run, ranking 11th in the league.

Look out for…

Wide receiver Mike Evans. Mayfield will be looking to go to his top target early and often. Evans is a big-time playmaker, averaging 13.7 yards per catch, with seven touchdowns on the season.

Injury update on Bucky Irving after leaving against the Raiders in Week 14

On Monday, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles shared an updated on the rookie running back for the team. 

Bucky Irving was coming off an NFC Offensive Player of the Week performance in Week 13 against the Panthers. Against the Raiders in Week 14, expectations were high but an injury cut his Sunday short before it could even begin.

On Monday, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles shared an update on the rookie running back for the team.

While Bowles was giving an update on injured safety Antoine Winfield, he also provided some update on Irving. Bowles stated, “It’s tightened up. We have to see how we feel. If he can get it loosened up, he should be okay. If not, we’ll see how the week goes.”

Irving was already coming into the week with hip and back problems. It is somewhat promising that it doesn’t seem to be a serious issue but more of a sting. It will be interesting to see what Irving is listed as in terms of participation in Wednesday’s injury report.

Liam Coen credits the Bucs RB room’s selflessness for success

On Thursday, Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen discussed the selflessness this position group has this season. 

The Bucs running back room is a three-headed monster that is finally hitting it’s stride late into the 2024 season. Rachaad White, Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker have all had games where they are “the guy” and having that skillset is vital to this team’s success.

On Thursday, Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen discussed the selflessness this position group has this season.

“I think that’s a great point that you’re making, that maybe goes a little unnoticed. It’s not easy for anybody to share. My three-year-old has a hard time sharing. It’s hard, right? It comes from our being, as we’re kids. For that room to be as selfless as you mentioned and the next man up and just keep going, whoever has got the ball…We’re not going to just stop calling runs because somebody is not in there. It’s next-man-up [mentality] and they’ve done a nice job.”

Not only is this group sharing the workload but they are also sharing awards. In Week 6, we saw Sean Tucker win the NFC Offensive Player of the Week Award. In Week 13, it was Bucky Irving’s turn to win the award, so now they are eager to see when Rachaad White could win his.

Bucky Irving wins NFC Offensive Player of the Week

On Wednesday, the NFL awarded Bucs running back Bucky Irving the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs have been very productive this year. In the cases of Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving, they both now share a common award from the 2024 NFL season.

On Wednesday, the NFL awarded Bucs running back Bucky Irving the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Irving’s performance against the Carolina Panthers is what earned him the nod.

Irving ran for 152 yards on the ground and earned a total of 185 yards from scrimmage.

Before Irving won this honor, Sean Tucker was honored as Offensive Player of the Week for his Week 6 performance against the New Orleans Saints. Tucker racked up 192 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns in that matchup.

This is the first time the Buccaneers have ever had two different running backs win a Player of the Week award in the same season.

Irving will have a chance to earn that award again starting in Week 14 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Raiders will try to keep reigning Rookie of the Week from 3rd straight career high game

Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving beat out Raiders TE Brock Bowers for Rookie of the Week. The two face off in Tampa this Sunday.

Even a career-high 140 receiving yards and a touchdown on ten catches wasn’t quite enough for outstanding rookie tight end Brock Bowers to land Rookie of the Week honors.

The award instead went to Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving who put up a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries (6.1 ypc) while adding three more catches for 33 yards for 185 yards from scrimmage in an OT win over the Carolina Panthers.

Irving was selected in the fourth round of April’s draft out of University of Oregon.

Irving has set new career highs each of the past two weeks for the Bucs. Week 12 saw him put up 88 yards on the ground and a total of 152 yards from scrimmage. He’s also had a touchdown in three straight weeks.

Clearly Irving has the hot hand in Tampa and they will keep feeding him the rock and the next team on the slate is the Raiders who head for Tampa to face the Bucs next Sunday.

Each team will heavily feature their standout rookies in their offenses.