Bucky Irving Becomes First Bucs Rookie Since 2012 to Rush for 1,000 Yards
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ star rookie running back Bucky Irving added another highlight to his tremendous debut season on Sunday, becoming the first Bucs rookie to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards since Doug Martin in 2012. Irving, who led all NFL rookies with 1,240 scrimmage yards coming into Week 17, powered Tampa Bay to a dominant 48-14 victory over the division rival Carolina Panthers.
Irving’s Instant Impact
The electric rookie out of Oregon has been a revelation for the Buccaneers offense. His blazing speed, dazzling elusiveness, and surprising power have quickly made him one of the most feared playmakers in the league. As ESPN’s Jenna Laine noted, Irving earned numerous accolades during his stellar college career:
Irving, who led all NFL rookies with 1,240 scrimmage yards heading into Sunday’s game, became a household name for the Oregon Ducks, earning Associated Press All-Pac-12 first-team, Coaches All-Pac-12 first-team, Pro Football Focus All-Pac-12 first-team, Phil Steele All-Pac-12 first-team and CSC Academic All-America first-team honors.
– Jenna Laine, ESPN
That collegiate success has translated seamlessly to the pro game. Irving’s rare skill set makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field, forcing defenses to account for him on every snap. His presence has added a game-breaking element that the Bucs’ offense has lacked in recent years.
Bucky and the Duck
While Irving was the star of the show, he had to share the spotlight with an unexpected visitor. In the second half, a female mallard duck appeared on the field near the 20-yard line, much to the delight of the crowd at Raymond James Stadium. Fans began chanting “Ducky! Ducky!” as the bird was shown on the jumbotron.
The duck’s appearance coincided with a big special teams play for Tampa Bay. Outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka blocked a Panthers punt, which was scooped up by inside linebacker J.J. Russell and returned 23 yards for a touchdown to put the Bucs up 40-14. Twitter user JennaLaineESPN quipped that Irving’s Oregon fans were “flocking” to Tampa:
OH MY GOD DUCK ON THE FIELD 🦆🦆🦆 Bucky Irving’s fans flocking to Tampa
– @JennaLaineESPN
The duck was eventually guided safely to the Buccaneers sideline. The bizarre scene only added to the festive atmosphere as Tampa Bay closed out a crucial late-season victory to improve their playoff positioning. It was a banner day for both Bucky and his surprise avian supporter.
Bucs Surging Toward the Postseason
Irving’s milestone and the lopsided final score were a testament to Tampa Bay’s impressive form down the stretch. After a sluggish start to the season, the Buccaneers have found their stride at the perfect time. The offense is firing on all cylinders, the defense is buckling down, and Todd Bowles’ team is looking like a serious contender in the hotly contested NFC playoff picture.
With Irving emerging as a bona fide superstar and Tom Brady continuing to defy Father Time, the Bucs are a team that no one will want to face come January. If this young roster can maintain its current level of play, Tampa Bay has a great shot at making another deep postseason run and potentially vying for a second Super Bowl title in the past four seasons.
For now, though, Buccaneers fans will savor this emphatic win and the memorable performances from both their star rookie and his feathered friend. With Bucky Irving leading the charge, the present looks bright in Tampa Bay – and the future could be even brighter.
