Some people can’t catch a break sometimes. If you’re the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday could be another long day in what’s been a disastrous 2024 season.
We wouldn’t blame Raiders fans if they’ve lost interest in tuning in to see the Silver and Black. Even more so when they could be in for a game where they might get gashed—we’re referring to Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie standout Bucky Irving. A fourth-round selection, Irving has really made a name for himself as of late. In his last three games, Irving has proven to be an integral offensive weapon with each progressing week.
Just look at his rushing yard totals in the last three contests and the respective opponents: 73 (49ers), 88 (Giants), and 152 (Panthers). On top of that, he’s proving to be a dual threat as well. Statistically speaking, he’s amassed 111 receiving yards during that run.
As far as facing the Raiders, Irving is all set to go and is feeling good; at least he said as much while speaking to the media this week. However, he has not been participating in practice this week due to back and hip issues. Given the Bucs’ control over their fate, it would be a significant setback if Irving were to miss this game.
The Raiders defense could be in for a long day against Bucky Irving…
Either way, we know Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham will have his unit ready for Sunday’s action. In terms of run defense, the Raiders are actually quite stout—they’ve surrendered 1,377 rushing yards, which is actually ninth in the NFL; the 11 touchdowns given up rank 11th, funny enough. Conversely, the unit is surrendering just north of four yards per rushing attempt (4.3) this season.
Graham is fully aware of what Irving and the rest of the Bucs’ run game will bring on Sunday while giving the NFC Offensive Player of the Week his flowers.
“The biggest thing with both of their backs is that they’re both pretty dynamic. They get their yards in the run game. Again, we always talk about off-schedule plays with the quarterback. If there’s a two-yard gain there, they can make it into a 50-yard gain real quick by testing your leverage and your pursuit angles as you’re trying to chase these guys down. So, both of the backs to me have good vision.”
Additionally, Graham provided some insight into potential strategies to slow down Irving.
“They have really good contact balance in terms of when they’re getting hit. So for me, it’s really just about we’ve got to do a good job of setting the edge like we always talk about. Playing with power on the inside, and then your pursuit angles have to be right.”
If Graham’s boys can contain the edges, Irving could end up feasting, which only helps to open things up. At that point, Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield would get the ball downfield. The Raiders could potentially lose control at that point.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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