The Bucky Show
The Bucs’ offense was built around a multitude of playmakers, but at the center were objectively Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The latter is now on the injured list for the remainder of the season with an ankle injury, and the former just returned this past Sunday, after missing three games with a hamstring injury.
Evans had a strong performance in his return, catching five of six targets, for a total of 68 yards, averaging 13.6 yards per catch. And Evans — with his 10 straight 1,000-plus yard seasons — demands the attention of defenses. Dominating defenders at 6-5, 231 pounds doesn’t make the job of opposing teams any easier either.
But despite Evans’ shortened absence and Godwin’s extended absence, the Bucs have another playmaker emerging in his rookie season, running back Bucky Irving.
The Oregon product is Tampa Bay’s leading rusher, with 579 yards and five touchdowns on 108 carries. In the last two weeks alone, Irving has recorded 160 rushing yards on 25 carries (87 yards against the Giants). But it’s what it also offers by air that makes the difference.
On Sunday, Irving caught all 6 of his targets for 64 yards, setting career highs in receiving yards and yards after the catch (81) and finishing with 151 total yards. He averaged 3.8 yards per route on 17 carries, after averaging just 1.6 yards per route before Week 12. He also posted career highs in rushing yards (87), rushing yards in rushing above expectations (+48) and in yards after contact (98). .
