The Buccaneers defeated the Giants 30-7 in Week 12. The Bucs reinvigorated run game was on full display at MetLife Stadium and rookie running back Bucky Irving put on a clinic in enemy territory. He had a season-best 149 yards from scrimmage in today's game (85 rushing, 64 receiving), including a rushing touchdown.
Irving matched Tampa Bay's longest run of the season with a career-best 56-yard gain. The Buccaneers became the first team this season with a rushing touchdown from four different players in the same game (Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Sean Tucker and Rachaad White).
Irving entered the game leading the NFL in forced missed tackle percentage (47.1%) and he showcased his twitchiness on Sunday in East Rutherford. He took advantage of looks by the Giants' defense and was patient in letting blocks develop. On the 56-yarder, Irving followed the lead of his blockers and accelerated.
"I was looking if it was an indicator of man or zone and then if it was man, we were going to keep the outside zone run and I waited for Luke's block and I got outside," said Irving. "There was one defender there, I trusted my instincts and broke the tackle and everything else came from there."
Quarterback Baker Mayfield got out in front to pave the way for Irving to cross midfield and more. Irving has been the catalyst in the Bucs' reinvigorated run game, boosting the club's increased use of counter gap runs and outside zone. Although he may not be the largest back, he runs with elite contact balance and leg drive through the B-gap. With a powerful base and downhill charge post-cut, he adds another dimension to the Bucs' ground attack. Against the Giants' Irving set the tone.
