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[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Will Bucky Irving do it again?

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Is Bucky Irving's rookie success duplicatable?

Last year, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' running back Bucky Irving exploded onto the scene and into the hearts of Tampa Bay fans as a rookie. Long before he had stadiums chanting his name, Irving was a fourth round pick and a backup role player. After a few months of NFL football that backup role player started to look like a pretty premium prospect and wound up finishing his first NFL season with 1,122 yards— The first time a Buccaneer runner topped 1,000 yards in a season since Doug Martin's 2015 campaign.

Along with his 1,122 yards, came eight touchdowns. Irving was everything the Buccaneers could have hoped he would be when they selected him with the 125th pick in the Draft. Despite finishing the season with gaudy numbers, Irving didn't take over the reins from Rachaad White until the season was well underway. It wasn't until the month of November, when Tampa's breakout rookie saw back-to-back games with double-digit carries.

This year, things will be a little bit different. Tampa Bay's backfield is no longer a committee headed up by Rachaad White and the Buccaneers are no longer an objectively terrible rushing offense. Prior to last year's phenomenal output, the Buccaneers' running game had been mired by a multi-season streak of last place finishes.

Heading into 2024, Tampa hoped to develop a rushing attack. On the brink of 2025, the attack has been developed and is now supposed to be excellent. For Bucky Irving and the Buccaneers' rushing attack, there are now expectations. For Irving specifically, he has the unique opportunity to etch himself deeper in the Buccaneers' record books.

Bucs’ fans may be very accustomed to a superstar skill position player attempting to maintain a 1,000-yard streak, however, this one has nothing to do with Mike Evans. Last season, Irving famously became Tampa Bay's first 1,000-yard rusher since the iPhone 6 was in its prime. This year, he has a chance to be just the third player in team history to start his career with consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons— The other two, James Wilder and Errict Rhett.

@Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving can make history in 2025 with another 1,000-yard season in just his second year in the league. He would join James Wilder in 1984-85 and Errict Rhett in 1994-95. Not bad for a fourth-round draft pick. @FanStreamDFW pic.twitter.com/dMm2l1hzS9

— Timm 'IndyCarTim' Hamm (@IndyCarTim) June 29, 2025​

Irving's performance throughout last season solidfied him as the starter by the end of the year and cemented his place atop the depth chart moving forward. The rookie season of Bucky Irving was easily one of the most captivating storylines Tampa Bay football had to offer year ago and it has a chance to go down in team folklore. For Buccaneers' fans, the hope is year two will look a lot like year one and follow the Wilder/Rhett story arc, rather than the Cadillac Williams/Doug Martin arc.

For more Bucs coverage check us out here:

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Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/6/3...-irving-do-it-again-tampa-bay-bucs-buccaneers

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs safety in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Friday, July 4, 2025
Thursday, July 3, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
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Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/5/24461919/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, July 5, 2025
Friday, July 4, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/6/24462381/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs running back in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Sunday, July 6, 2025
Saturday, July 5, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/7/24462894/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs receiver in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Monday, July 7, 2025
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/8/24463645/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Tristan Wirfs to miss start of the season after undergoing surgery

Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Bucs offense just suffered a big blow

The Buccaneers received some unfortunate news on Wednesday morning as Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported that star left tackle Tristan Wirfs will miss some time to start the 2025-26 season after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

The Bucs will start the season without All Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs, who underwent surgery on his right knee Tuesday and will likely miss at least the first couple games of the regular season. Wirfs aggravated a right knee injury in the offseaon that forced him to miss only…

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) July 9, 2025​

It’s a big loss for the Bucs offense as Tristan Wirfs is arguably the team’s best offensive player and you might be able to make a case he’s their best player on the team overall.

Fortunately, this was done still in the offseason so Wirfs hopefully won’t miss too much time in the regular season, but it’s still going to be a challenge replacing him.

#Bucs All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs is a strong candidate to start year on PUP after undergoing a knee scope, per sources.

Wirfs wants to get this done now so he can be available for much of the season. @NFLSTROUD first on the news. PUP would cost him at least four games. pic.twitter.com/kLiCi3O9G6

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 9, 2025​

As far as who could replace Wirfs, the Bucs signed veteran tackle Charlie Heck in the offseason and he figures to have a good shot at being that guy. Heck split time with the Cardinals and 49ers last season where he started two games. He has 23 starts in his career.

Hopefully this is something that has been taken care of and not a thing that could linger on and cost the all pro left tackle more time. We will see when Wirfs is back but for the start of the season, the Bucs are going to have to roll without him.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/9...right-knee-surgery-baker-mayfield-todd-bowles

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs defensive end in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Monday, July 7, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/9/24464330/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs specialist in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/10/24464994/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Friday, July 11, 2025
Thursday, July 10, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/12/24466267/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs safety in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Saturday, July 12, 2025
Friday, July 11, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/13/24466765/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Super Bowl champion announces retirement

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

Ndamukong Suh has officially retired from the NFL.

Ndamukong Suh has announced that he will be officially retiring from professional football. Suh was the second overall pick of the Detroit Lions in the 2010 Draft. Suh's domination of the NFL began early. As a rookie, wearing Reebok-branded NFL jerseys, Suh tallied 10 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Five seasons and 36 sacks later, Suh had become infamous for his aggressive style of play.

In 2015, Ndamukong Suh made financial headlines signing a six-year, $114 million contract with the Dolphins. Three years later, Suh landed next to Aaron Donald— Any offensive line's nightmare. The tag team of Suh and Donald helped get the Rams to the Super Bowl where LA would fall to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in a 13-3 slogger.

Two years later, Suh would be back on the Super Bowl stage again. This time, he would be suiting up alongside Brady rather than across from him. Suh, Brady, and the Bucs would go on to be crowned Super Bowl champions demolishing Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Suh (with 1.5 sacks) and the rest of Tampa's pass-rush helped lead the charge, holding the Chiefs to just nine points.

Suh returned to Tampa for a title defense in 2021— His third season as a Buc, before playing in 8 games for the Eagles the next year. Suh hasn't taken an NFL snap since 2022 and officially announced his retirement on the year anniversary of his father's passing.

July 12, 2024 was the hardest day of my life.

It’s the day I said goodbye to my father, the man who raised me, shaped me, challenged me, and believed in me before I believed in myself.

He wasn’t just a dad. He was my idol, my coach, and my anchor.
He taught me what it meant to… pic.twitter.com/WkefQaDrsQ

— Ndamukong Suh (@NdamukongSuh) July 12, 2025​

Suh is a player that has seen a varying degree of highs and lows throughout his time in the league. With his career laid to rest, he may not be remembered as a Tampa Bay Buc— Suh's career arc resembles more of a hired gun, mercenary-style athlete, however, his contributions to a championship team and one of the single greatest defensive performance in modern-NFL history should not go forgotten.

For more Bucs coverage check us out here:

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Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/1...nces-retirement-tampa-bay-bucs-buccaneers-suh

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs receiver in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Sunday, July 13, 2025
Saturday, July 12, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/14/24467370/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers unveil the original 1976 jersey for their 2025 home opener

TAMPA, FL - June 09, 2025 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2025 Asset Shoot at AdventHealth Training Center. | Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneer

These are sick.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today unveiled the return of the team’s original 1976 jersey, a revival of the iconic design worn by the franchise in its inaugural season. The team will debut The ’76 Jersey during its 50th season home opener against the New York Jets on September 21, marking the first time in nearly five decades the Buccaneers have taken the field in their complete original 1976 uniform. The jersey is exclusive to this 50th season for the Buccaneers.

The modern rendition of the 1976 jersey is a tribute to the team’s inaugural uniform design and its role in shaping the franchise’s identity. Heading into the team’s 50th season, the Buccaneers have evolved from a modest expansion team into one of the NFL’s premier franchises, achieving two Super Bowl championships, an NFC South-high seven division titles, and countless moments that have inspired generations of fans. The reintroduction of the club’s original look celebrates that legacy, honoring the players, moments, and victories that have defined 50 seasons of Buccaneers football.

“The ‘76 Jersey represents a piece of Buccaneers history and serves as a tribute to the generations of fans and players who shaped this franchise,” said Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “As we launch into our 50th season, we’re proud to reintroduce The ‘76 Jersey and the tradition it embodies. It is a reminder that every Buccaneers fan, from the originals to the newest generation, is part of an evolving story that started in 1976 and continues being written today.”

The ‘76 Jersey captures the original design detail from the franchise’s inaugural season, featuring the iconic orange numbers with red outlines that the team only wore during that debut season. Each jersey includes a special Creamsicle 50th season patch and the iconic three‑stripe sleeve pattern – red, orange, and red – faithfully recreated from the initial design and updated for today’s NFL fit. Completing the throwback set are Creamsicle-era helmets, paired with white pants and striped socks. An added twist to the design features the words “Hey! Hey! Tampa Bay!” stitched on the inside collar – a tribute to the team’s first fight song, which debuted in 1979, marking the franchise’s breakthrough season.

This latest iteration of the signature 1976 look was a collaborative effort with Nike, the NFL’s exclusive uniform provider, to create a seamless blend of heritage and performance. The uniform incorporates Nike’s Vapor F.U.S.E. lightweight stretch-woven fabric, made from 85% recycled material, and features Nike’s Dri-FIT technology and precision laser perforations for enhanced airflow and increased comfort.

The ‘76 Jerseys are available for purchase online at shop.buccaneers.com and in person at the Buccaneers Team Store at Raymond James Stadium. The Team Store is open an hour earlier today at 10 a.m. After that, the Store is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. The team has created a dedicated page on its website – click here for The ‘76 Jersey homepage.

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/1...l-1976-jersey-for-their-2025-home-opener-jets

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Can you guess this Bucs receiver in today’s in-5 trivia game?

Think you can figure out which Bucs player we’re talking about? You’ll get five clues to figure him out in our new guessing game!

We’re back for another day of the Bucs Nation in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

Today’s Bucs Nation in-5 game​

If you can’t see the game due to Apple News or another service, click this game article.

Previous games​

Monday, July 14, 2025
Sunday, July 13, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​

NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Bucs Nation in-5 instructions​

The goal of the game is to guess the Bucs player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.

Enjoy!

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/15/24468098/sb-nation-buccaneers-daily-trivia-in-5

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

Buccaneers Quarter Century Team: Quarterbacks and Running Backs

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

We kick off our quarter century team countdown with the backs.

The first 25 years of the 21st century contained the most successful seasons in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history – a tapestry being slowly untangled from the largely painful memories of the 1970s-90s and re-weaved into one of the more illustrious and respectable amongst the NFL at-large.

While there was still a great deal of agony, embarrassment, and general discontent from the mid-aughts through most of the 2010s, Bucs Nation has two Lombardi trophies and some all-time greats with which to revel.

Let’s do our best to pull from the history books of recent past and present to form an all-quarter-century roster to rival any other’s in the NFL.

We begin on offense with the quarterbacks and the running backs.

Quarterback​

Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

1st team: Tom Brady​

There’s no debate here: Tampa’s QB1 is the GOAT.

Plenty of skepticism accompanied Brady when he migrated south after 20 years and 6 championships in New England. Was he washed? Could he operate in a brand new environment without Bill Belichick’s steady, but unceasingly obstinate hand?

Well, Tampa’s first winning season in 10 years, its first playoff appearance in 13 years, and first Super Bowl win since 2002 decidedly answered those questions.

Brady played just three seasons (50 games) with the Bucs but cemented his legacy with 14,643 yards, 108 touchdown passes, and just 33 interceptions to go along with a refreshingly positive 32-18 record. He’s the team’s single-season leader in touchdown passes (43), yards (5,316), and game-winning drives (5, twice).

Tom Brady to Scotty Miller touchdown at the end of the half in the 2021 NFC championship game was huge!pic.twitter.com/2p3WXGMG7p

— TB EGO (@TomBradyEgo) January 7, 2024​

Brady’s helped spark a cultural rejuvenation that has transformed the Bucs into one of the most consistent franchises in the NFL within the last five years (sixth-best overall record, four straight division titles, and five straight playoff appearances). While that wasn’t solely the TB12 Method at work, it also wouldn’t have happened without his influence.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

2nd team: Baker Mayfield​

We’re pulling from recent history once again, which does go to show how dismal Tampa’s QB situation has been for the better part of this millennium. That said, it’s impossible to deny Baker Mayfield’s accolades in his short time in the bay.

Wow, Baker Mayfield. Incredible 3-second stiff arm and conversion on Nick Bosa like keeping candy away from a child. pic.twitter.com/RvhlUxlgnx

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) November 10, 2024​

His resurgence has helped the Bucs pick up seamlessly from where the Brady era left off, as Mayfield has led a prolific offense each of the last two years (earning two offensive coordinators head coach promotions in the process). In just two years, Mayfield has totaled 8,544 yards and 69 touchdowns (the latter leads the NFL in that timeframe), as well as some barreling scrambles (541 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns).

Add in two Pro Bowl nods, and Mayfield gives the Bucs the swagger and ceiling they sorely lacked for many years.

Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Honorable Mention: Jameis Winston​

“Winning” will never be the first word that comes to mind when waxing poetic about the Jameis “eat a W” era. “Wild” is a fair descriptor, probably not as much as “wrenching,” but still fair.

The former No. 1 overall pick is the team’s all-time passing leader (19,737 yards, 121 touchdown passes), whether we like it or not, and no one can question how hard the guy played for the team during his 5 years and 70 starts. There were some fun highlight-reel plays and genuine flashes of brilliance. However, the turnovers and numbskull decisions never went away (c’mon, his last pass as a Buccaneer was literally a game-ending pick six), and that’s held true every other place he’s been.

Still, you can’t call him a total failure, and I guess that’s something. Maybe.

(FWIW, I tried to use a better Flameis highlight than below but the NFL has a strangehold on Jameis clips apparently, and they block embeds from almost every platform.)

Jameis to Breshad the sequel.

That's three scores for , two for . pic.twitter.com/YKkOT3v43U

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 15, 2019​

Running Back​

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

1st team: Doug Martin​

While it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the man formerly known as Muscle Hamster, Doug Martin is undoubtedly the team’s best pure tailback of the last two-and-a-half decades.

Martin – who played 6 seasons and 68 games with Tampa – sits at 4th on the team’s all-time rushing list with 4,633 yards and third in rushing touchdowns with 26. His rookie season stoked major excitement in 2012 when he ran for over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl nod, but two subsequent years plagued by injury stymied those hopes.

He burst back onto the scene in 2015 with another 1,400-yard year that earned him first-team All-Pro and another Pro Bowl appearance…and then the injuries tanked him again in 2016-17 before he played one last season with the Raiders.

He should’ve been more, but sadly that’s the theme for most of the team’s most prominent backs from this era.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

2nd team: Michael Pittman​

Pittman served as a key accessory on the perfectly adequate offense that helped the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory in 2002. He wasn’t as dynamic as Warrick Dunn (who absolutely would’ve earned his place on this list if not for just three seasons in red and pewter in the 2000s), but he served as an excellent foil to the team’s other offensive weaponry at the time.

A honed dual-threat option, Pittman averaged a clean 4.2 yards per carry in 6 seasons for the Bucs, totaling 3,362 rushing yards (6th all-time in franchise history) to go along with 284 receptions for 2,361 yards (4th and 3rd all-time for the franchise, respectively). His 5,723 yards from scrimmage are 7th all-time in team history.

Pittman was never THE guy, but he was arguably the most consistent contributor Tampa has seen in the backfield thus far.

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Honorable Mention: Cadillac Williams​

Another forlorn Buccaneer who got his tantalizing potential undercut by injury, the Cadillac rolled onto the scene with an Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2005 before getting stripped for parts there soon after.

Nagging injuries dinged him his first two years before suffering a devastating patellar tendon rupture in 2007 – an injury which, at the time, was difficult to repair and even more difficult to rehab from. Williams fought back and returned to action the following year, 14 months post-injury, but once again endured the cruel hand of fate with a torn patellar tendon in his other knee.

Despite the adversity, the team stuck with him, and he became the first known NFL player to recover from such an injury in both knees. He nearly won Comeback Player of the Year if it wasn’t for another player coming back from a season-ending knee injury (Tom Brady), as Williams logged 1,040 total yards and 7 touchdowns.

Unfortunately, he was supplanted the following season by the more dynamic LeGarrette Blount, and that’s when his time in Tampa came to an end. While it wasn’t a ride off into the sunset, Williams played well in his limited opportunities, and he remained a fan favorite and inspiration as someone who refused to give up despite his body breaking down.

He finished fifth all-time in team rushing yards (3,677 yards) and 10th in yards from scrimmage (4,586).

Fullback​

Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

1st team: Mike Alstott​

There is, and never will be, another fullback like the A-Train.

An all-time franchise great and fan favorite, he loomed as the original One Who Knocks: a harbinger of gridiron doom and destruction who reaped the souls of hopeless defenders large and small for more than a decade in red and pewter.

Whether it was defiantly plundering Washington’s goal line or ruthlessly railroading the entire Cleveland defense twice over with extreme prejudice, Alstott holds the rare distinction of getting his highlight reel reposted on Instagram on any day of the week for no reason, yet every true fanatic will stop their scroll and gawk at his hard-nosed glory every single time. His medieval, pauldron-like shoulder pads, neckroll thicker than a rhinoceros hide, and thighs that could be mistaken as belonging to a minotaur all created a mythic aura not since replicated in any respectable fashion since he retired in 2007.

Alstott remains second place in total touchdowns (71, most among running backs), second in rushing yards (5,088), and fourth all-time in scrimmage yards (7,372) for the team. A six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, Alstott will maybe one day get his due and receive a serious discussion about his Hall of Fame legitimacy in a modern age of fullback play that is a far cry from his halcyon reign.

Until then, Bucs’ faithful, young and old, will continue to rep the iconic No. 40 and blow the whistle for the A-Train. Choo choo, and without further ado...here’s a highlight reel. Enjoy your Wednesday!

The greatest football highlights:

MIKE ALSTOTT RUNNING PEOPLE OVER pic.twitter.com/DMU2328sVC

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 21, 2024​

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Share some of your favorite memories in the chat, Bucs Nation! What stories and moments stand out to you all when thinking about the above-mentioned players?

Stay tuned for Thursday when we do wide receivers and tight ends.

Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/2025/7/1...g-backs-tom-brady-mike-alstott-baker-mayfield

 

[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]

The good, the bad, and the brilliant: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rushing attack

Welcome to the good, the bad, and the brilliant. In this series, we will break down what a good, bad, and brilliant season would look like for different facets of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ organization. Last season, the team’s ability to run the ball was a big part of their success. The Bucs were able to let their backfield carry their offense— 2024 was the first time in 10 years Tampa Bay consistently had that ability in their back pocket. Heading into 2025, what would constitute a good season for Tampa’s run game? Conversely, what might leave fans disappointed? What would be a brilliant campaign for a running game that was near tops in the league a season ago? Introducing the good, the bad, and the brilliant: Featuring the Buccaneers’ rushing attack.

Tampa Bay’s rushing attack: The Good​

The Tampa Bay Bucs’ run game is in a very new position, in comparison to years previous. The Buccaneers spent the better portion of the last decade operating as a truly horrendous rushing offense. Save for a spectacular, short-lived run by Leonard Fournette, Tampa’s rushing attack was consistently abysmal. 2024 served as a reset. Tampa’s offense found its footing on the ground and became a truly great running offense. A year ago, Tampa’s ground game wracked up the fourth-most yards in the league— 2,536, averaging 5.2 yards per rush (One of only three teams in the league to average more than five yards per attempt). Along with the 2,536 yards, came the team’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2015 when prime Doug Martin surpassed the mark.

The Buccaneers have the blessing and curse of a deep backfield. While depth is never a bad thing, it can force a play caller to divvy up touches with greater regularity. Last year, Bucky Irving went for over 1,000 yards on the ground as he commandeered a majority of the team’s touches in the run game, however, is it possible that Rachaad White, or Sean tucker (both who have been proven as capable runners) steal reps away from Irving, leaving him slightly beneath the century mark? Certainly. Individual statistics do not exclusively determine the overall success of the group. If that is the case, and Bucky Irving finishes with a lower yardage total than he did as a rookie, but the Buccaneers remain fairly consistent rushing as a team, that statistical regression for it’s lead man is palatable. Tampa Bay’s focus should be on ensuring that last season is not an outlier. 2024 has to become norm— Put it on repeat, run it back, and you have yourself a good season for the Buccaneers’ rushing attack.

Tampa Bay’s rushing attack: The Bad​

The Buccaneers managed to retain all 11 offensive starters from last season. They will enter 2025 with the same staple of backs— All three returning for another season in the red and pewter. Only one thing has changed— The man calling the plays. After an awkward exit, there will be no more Liam Coen in Tampa Bay. Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker are still talented and ready to run behind an offensive line that has both skill and cohesion. The challenge for Tampa will be managing to maintain the success they had under Liam Coen, without Liam Coen. That, in part, will fall on new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, however, it would be a steep standard to expect a first-time play caller to step in and mimic the exceptional job Tampa Bay fans were treated to a year ago. It falls on coaching, but it also falls on the players.

The Buccaneers went out of their way this offseason to ensure the team’s offense was even more talented than the already talented unit from 2024. The group may even be over-talented at the expense of other elements of the team. That extreme level of first-rate ability has to pick up the slack (if there is any) between Coen and Grizzard. Tampa Bay’s backfield has a trio of backs who, regardless of who is calling plays, must not allow the team’s rushing attack to revert to what it has been. A bad season for Tampa’s rushing attack is regression— No Coen, no problem needs to be mantra.

Tampa Bay’s rushing attack: The Brilliant​

‘The brilliance’ for the Tampa Bay Bucs’ rushing attack is simple— Keep it up, but better. The Bucs’ rushing attack from a season ago was already fantastic and if it picks up exactly where it left off Bucs’ fans will have nothing to complain about. Bucky Irving putting a second good season on his resumé— avoiding a sophomore slump, Rachaad White continuing to be a phenomenal change-of-pace and third-down back, while Sean Tucker remains reliable in spirts. For the Buccaneers, last season was brilliant— at the time, but it also resets the bar.

With all the same faces, 2024 becoming the norm would be a good. Brilliance, for the Buccaneers’ rushing attack, must revolve around a step forward. Last season, the Buccaneers’ offense had 12 fumbles —credit a chunk of those to Baker Mayfield— however, 12 was good (or bad) for second-most in the league. Most notably, both Bucky Irving’s fumble against the Atlanta Falcons and Rachaad White’s against the Dallas Cowboys played a huge parts in Tampa suffering defeat in those games, respectively— Each coming late in the fourth quarter, when the Buccaneers’ offense was in control of the outcome of the game. Ball security, though it did not involve the running back room, was a crucial element in ending the Buccaneers’ postseason run as well.

The 2025 Tampa Bay Bucs are in position to compete for a championship. Nothing takes a way a team’s chance to win games quicker than turning the ball over. Late in games, when the Buccaneers are pitted against their toughest opponents, they need to know that they can turn around and hand the ball to Bucky Irving to close out games. They need to know if they’re in a two-minute drill with the game hanging in the balance, they can check it down to Rachaad White and keep the drive alive. There is little room for growth when you’re already near the head of the class, however, staying at the top of the league in yardage, while dodging turnovers in critical moments is that growth— The difference between good and brilliant.

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Source: https://www.bucsnation.com/general/...brilliant-tampa-bay-buccaneers-rushing-attack