Todd Bowles: The more comfortable Bucky Irving feels, the more we can give him

The Buccaneers picked up an overtime win against the Panthers on Sunday and rookie running back Bucky Irving was a big reason they were able to avoid an upset.

Irving ran 25 times for 152 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 33 yards to continue a strong stretch. Irving has now scored in three straight games, rushing for 313 yards and catching 12 passes for 111 yards in those contests.

The 25 carries were the most for a Bucs back this season and it’s a sign that the balance has changed for Rachaad White, who also had a 38-yard run in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal . Head coach Todd Bowles said Irving’s increased comfort level on offense was the reason for the move.

“He gets more comfortable “The more comfortable he is, the more you can give him, the more he can do. Both are going well – we are happy with both. Bucky has a skill that can’t be taught – he can make people miss in the hole. He also made a strong run at the end of the game.

Irving’s missed tackle rate ranks first in the league, so the rookie makes good use of the skills identified by Bowles.

Resurgent rushing attacks have been a staple of the league this season and the Bucs currently rank eighth in the league in that regard. That should help them aim for a postseason spot in the final five weeks of the season, especially if Irving can maintain the form he has found in recent weeks.