Matthew Berry isn't particularly high on Bucky Irving entering the 2026 season, and while his reasoning comes from a fantasy football perspective, some of the numbers behind it raise a more important question for the Buccaneers. Irving's second season looked nothing like his breakout rookie year. After rushing for 1,122 yards, eight touchdowns and averaging 5.4 yards per carry in 2024, he finished last season with 588 yards and one rushing touchdown in 10 games while averaging just 3.4 yards per attempt.
Berry also pointed to a more concerning number. Irving averaged just 2.3 yards after contact per attempt, the lowest among running backs with at least 100 carries, while only five percent of his attempts gained 10 or more yards. Irving's ability
to create yards beyond what the blockers provided made him special as a rookie. He consistently made the first defender miss and turned ordinary runs into explosive plays. But Irving missed seven games with shoulder and foot injuries and eventually underwent offseason shoulder surgery. Tampa Bay's offensive line was also hit hard by injuries, with the starting five never playing a snap together. Irving was still productive as a receiver, catching 30 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns despite playing only 10 games.
The addition of Kenneth Gainwell shouldn't be viewed as a sign that the Bucs have lost confidence in Irving either. Gainwell gives Tampa Bay an experienced receiving option who can reduce Irving's workload after he dealt with injuries last season. He also brings legitimate production after totaling 1,023 yards from scrimmage for Pittsburgh in 2025. If Irving's yards per carry and ability to create after contact rebound behind a healthier offensive line, last season will look much more like an injury-related setback.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Matthew Berry is down on Bucky Irving, should the Bucs be worried too?
