Bucky Irving and Rachaad White as Pass-Catchers
Tampa Bay's 5.3 rushing yards per attempt in 2024 set a new franchise record as did its 2,536 total rushing yards. Bucky Irving (1,514) and Rachaad White (1,006) were one of two running back duos in the NFL last season with 1,000-plus total yards from scrimmage each (Detroit - Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery). The Buccaneers became the first team since 2022 with a trio of running backs over 400 yards from scrimmage while all averaging at least 5.0 yards per touch. The last to do so was the 2022 Kansas City Chiefs trio of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco. Irving, the team's missed tackle machine and counter trap aficionado, took the NFL by storm during his rookie season with his lateral movement skills and superb cuts that left defenders grasping at air in his wake. White, the team's elite pass protector, is natural in the open field and is effective in short-yardage situations. Both are proficient in the screen game and are viable options in the flat on checkdowns, providing additional weapons for Baker Mayfield.
"They get out of pass protection and if they do not have anybody to pick up, they become just that free outlet," said Mayfield. "Those guys, obviously, they can catch like receivers but getting the ball with them in space is ideal for us whether it is screen game, checkdowns or designed pass plays for them...It is a luxury for us on offense to have two guys like that."
Haason Reddick Interception
During the joint practice with Tennessee on Thursday, Haason Reddick nabbed an interception. On the first rep of the team two-minute offense, Titans' quarterback Cam Ward did not get the ball far enough in front of tight end Chig Okonkwo and instead, placed it into the stomach of Reddick. The outside linebacker signed with the Buccaneers back in March and brings his quick-twitch athleticism and change-of-direction skills to the Bucs' defensive line. Throughout the offseason, the Bucs' coaching staff has stressed turnovers and on Thursday, Reddick made an impact in that regard to flip the field in favor of Tampa Bay.
"We did a change-of-pace call in two-minute and he came up with the play," said Bowles. "He made a great play to get us off the field and possibly some points."
Starters on Saturday?
The Buccaneers will face the Titans on Saturday for Preseason Week One. The two clubs will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium. The preliminary exhibition clash will provide opportunities for teams to evaluate players and implement new strategies. While most clubs often take a vanilla approach when it comes to the playbook – not wanting to divulge too much before the regular season – starters are generally placed on a pitch count. When asked if fans would see the Bucs' starters on Saturday, Bowles responded, "Not this Saturday, no."
