More carries on the way?

In 2022 and 2023, the Bucs had the worst rushing offense in the NFL.

Four games into the season, the Bucs’ running game is still poor. Just not that bad.

The Bucs are not the worst team in the NFL in the race, in fact they are in eighth place. Progress!

But despite the improvement, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler has a feeling the Bucs are in for a change. That’s Bucky Irving maybe taking more snaps.

Tampa Bay has a balanced backfield with Irving and Rachaad White, who remains the starter and played well Sunday against Philadelphia with 49 yards on 10 carries. But Irving’s abilities are hard to ignore, and opposing coaches plan the play for him as if he were the focal point of the offense. There’s a lot of talk about Irving in these circles. That usually says something. Irving’s slick running style and high potential will keep him in the lineup, and if Tampa Bay needs to win with the run, there will be plenty of carries.

So where would Fowler get the information that opposing coaches were game-planning for Irving when they played the Bucs? Probably by the same coaches – after they played the Bucs.

Joe is torn on this topic. Of course, Joe would love to see Irving get more carries. He brings energy to the game and, more importantly, to results and production.

However, Rachaad White is such a dangerous pass catcher that Joe wants him on the field.

With Mike Evans somewhat ailing – he was taken off the injury report yesterday – Joe would like to see White score a ton tonight and perhaps spare Evans a few hits so he can suit up for the slimy Saints a week from Sunday can recover.

Joe already noted this week that Cade Otton has the third-highest target percentage of Baker Mayfield. Chris Godwin is first and Evans is second. Joe wants #3 to be white.

Who do you trust to bring the ball into the house in the passing game, Otto or Weiss?