Bucs' 2,520-yard RB duo a 'luxury' for Baker Mayfield in 2025 offensive attack
Most teams will look on with envy at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the 2025 season approaches. The Bucs boast one of the NFL's most explosive backfields, with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White combining for 2,520 yards from scrimmage last year. Their versatility as both runners and receivers provides quarterback Baker Mayfield with offensive flexibility.
The Detroit Lions stand out as a rare comparable, featuring their own dynamic running back duo in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Sure, the Lions have their duo, but the other 30 teams? Not so much.
On Thursday, after the joint practice with the Titans, Bucs reporter Brianna Dix shared her observations on Irving and White as pass catchers.
"Both are proficient in the screen game and are viable options in the flat on checkdowns, providing additional weapons for Baker Mayfield," Dix wrote.
This is something Baker Mayfield spoke about today, a "luxury" that only a few quarterbacks get to enjoy.
"They get out of pass protection and if they do not have anybody to pick up, they become just that free outlet," Mayfield said. "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."
Irving burst onto the scene in his rookie 2024 campaign, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, while adding 47 receptions for 392 yards.
White complemented him with 613 rushing yards, nine total touchdowns, and 51 receptions for 393 yards. Together, they helped Tampa Bay set franchise records, including an average of 5.3 rushing yards per attempt and a total of 2,536 team rushing yards.
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