Under the direction of new Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen, the Buccaneers run game will shift in 2024. With an emphasis on diversity to keep defenses at bay, the team's ground attack will feature a palette of mid-zone, inside zone, outside zone, duo and gap principles.
Rookie Bucky Irving is adjusting to life in the pros and his familiarity with the system at Oregon has spearheaded his smooth transition to the NFL.
"We did similar things with duo, outside zone, and inside zone but the majority of our runs were counters, and, in this league, you can't really do too much counters," described Irving. "You have to get guys moving and going but I feel like the offense fits what I do well."
Throughout training camp, Irving has showcased his prowess on screens with a strong base and downhill charge. With suddenness and change-of-direction skills, Irving has helped bolster the ground game. He is versatile and has the potential to play all three downs, not tipping the offense's hand. Irving may not be the biggest back but can bounce off would-be tacklers with outstanding contact balance.
To begin Day Three of the draft in April, the Bucs' selected Irving in the fourth round. He averaged 6.2 yards per carry in his college career and surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing marker in each of his two seasons in Eugene. Irving creates yardage that was not blocked for him with lateral cuts and brings juice to the running back room alongside Rachaad White.
"We have similar play styles," Irving described on White. "He can catch the ball out of the backfield, and I feel like he is just a bigger version [of me] and that we can play off each other. I feel like at running back, you have to play for one another. His game - being able to catch and being able to make explosive runs, I feel like my game is pretty similar to his."
Irving is absorbing the playbook and is making the most of his opportunities on the practice field. His goal for the 2024 season is to "be the best teammate" and ambassador of the logo on his jersey. As the pads come on during Monday's practice at the AdventHealth Training Center, Irving will be one to watch during drills.
