The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been without Bucky Irving for the past two weeks, but it hasn't mattered as Rachaad White has stepped up both times to push the run game in back-to-back wins.
Head coach Todd Bowles stated last week that he has two No. 1 backs, and White again proved that in the 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers, rushing for 65 yards and a touchdown from 17 carries, while also having three receptions for 21 yards to help a depleted Buccaneers receiver room.
It is always tough to get the run game going against the 49ers, but White, who averaged 3.8 yards per carry, did his best to fight fire with fire, and Baker Mayfield was pleased with what White was able to do against that defensive front.
“I thought Rachaad fought his [expletive] off,” Mayfield said. “The run game was there early and often, and Rachaad made some really good plays, tough running, tough sledding against a physical defense. That’s two weeks in a row that he’s playing really well.”
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White proving his worth amid Irving injury
White is in the final year of his rookie contract, and while the Buccaneers might have been on the fence about extending him, given Irving and Sean Tucker are on the roster, these last two weeks might have changed their mind.
Three rushing touchdowns and 106 yards show that while he might not be the highlight reel that Irving is, he can still be counted on to be that offensive hammer in the run game that allows Mayfield and the passing game to get rolling.
No, his stats aren't eye-popping, but don't underestimate the value of White's tough yards to wear down the 49ers defense, which then allowed the Buccaneers' passing game to power this team to a win.
Tampa Bay might have a contract decision to make this offseason regarding White, as he is currently proving incredibly valuable.
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