Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Back Bucky Irving has been named a finalist for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Year. He is one of six finalists alongside Washington Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels, New York Giants Wide Receiver Malik Nabers, Denver Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix, Las Vegas Raiders Tight End Brock Bowers, and Jacksonville Jaguars Wide Receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Irving had a great rookie campaign finishing with 1,122 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns. He was 10th in the league in rushing yards during the regular season. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went as Irving went this season. When he played well the team won and when he played poorly they lost. He averaged nearly a yard more per carry in wins compared to losses.
Irving and the Buccaneers went head-to-head with another finalist, Washington’s Jayden Daniels, in the Wild Card Round. Irving had 17 carries for 77 yards in the 23-20 loss. Will Irving be named Rookie of the Year later this month?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season Summary
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Irving was one of the driving forces behind a Buccaneers offense that was one of the league’s best during the regular season. They were third in yards per game and fourth in points per game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also had a career season with the Buccaneers this year. He was second in passing yards and tied for second in passing touchdowns. The dynamic duo of Mayfield and Irving helped propel the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their fifth consecutive playoff berth.
Final Thoughts
While Irving is not the favorite to be named NFL Rookie of the Year, that does not undercut his tremendous rookie season. Daniels is a huge favorite to win the award. Daniels will need to represent well for the finalists as he is the only remaining rookie in the NFL Playoffs.
He will face the toughest test of his young career as he goes on the road to face the Detroit Lions on Saturday night. Irving will look to build upon his great rookie season for a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that is one of the league’s best.
