Bucs Nation
Welcome to the good, the bad, and the brilliant. In this series, we will break down what a good, bad, and brilliant season would look like for different facets of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ organization. Last season, the team’s ability to run the ball was a big part of their success. The Bucs were able to let their backfield carry their offense— 2024 was the first time in 10 years Tampa Bay consistently had that ability in their back pocket. Heading into 2025, what would constitute a good season for Tampa’s run game? Conversely, what might leave fans disappointed? What would be a brilliant campaign for a running game that was near tops in the league a season ago? Introducing the good, the bad, and the brilliant: Featuring the Buccaneers’ rushing attack.
The Tampa Bay Bucs’ run game is in a very new position, in comparison to years previous. The Buccaneers spent the better portion of the last decade operating as a truly horrendous rushing offense. Save for a spectacular, short-lived run by Leonard Fournette, Tampa’s rushing attack was consistently abysmal. 2024 served as a reset. Tampa’s offense found its footing on the ground and became a truly great running offense. A year ago, Tampa’s ground game wracked up the fourth-most yards in the league— 2,536, averaging 5.2 yards per rush (One of only three teams in the league to average more than five yards per attempt). Along with the 2,536 yards, came the team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2015 when prime Doug Martin surpassed the mark.
The Buccaneers have the blessing and curse of a deep backfield. While depth is never a bad thing, it can force a play caller to divvy up touches with greater regularity. Last year, Bucky Irving went for over 1,000 yards on the ground as he commandeered a majority of the team’s touches in the run game, however, is it possible that Rachaad White, or Sean tucker (both who have been proven as capable runners) steal reps away from Irving, leaving him slightly beneath the century mark? Certainly. Individual statistics do not exclusively determine the overall success of the group. If that is the case, and Bucky Irving finishes with a lower yardage total than he did as a rookie, but the Buccaneers remain fairly consistent rushing as a team, that statistical regression for it’s lead man is palatable. Tampa Bay’s focus should be on ensuring that last season is not an outlier. 2024 has to become norm— Put it on repeat, run it back, and you have yourself a good season for the Buccaneers’ rushing attack.
The Buccaneers managed to retain all 11 offensive starters from last season. They will enter 2025 with the same staple of backs— All three returning for another season in the red and pewter. Only one thing has changed— The man calling the plays. After an awkward exit, there will be no more Liam...
