Many people measure a running back’s productivity by total rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and yards per rush attempt, and by those measures, Saquon Barkley has been the NFL’s best at the position this season.
He has surpassed the 2,000-yard mark and threatened to break Eric Dickerson’s record for the most rushing yards in a single season.
However, in terms of being elusive, another running back has been the best this year, and it is one some wouldn’t expect to be at the top of that category.
“The most elusive RB this season: Bucky Irving,” PFF wrote on X.
The most elusive RB this season: Bucky Irving ?☠️
? https://t.co/NVQ6c2vmRZ pic.twitter.com/LiAWeCw8aS
— PFF (@PFF) January 3, 2025
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wasn’t named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster, but he has run for 1,033 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry and is a key reason the Buccaneers are on the verge of winning the NFC South.
He has also caught 45 passes for 397 yards and thus has established himself as a legitimate building block for the team moving forward.
Tampa Bay has had to deal with some injuries, most notably to wide receiver Chris Godwin, but it has rebounded nicely from a four-game losing streak that followed that setback.
With quarterback Baker Mayfield continuing to play at a very high level and Irving in the backfield, the future seems bright for the Bucs.
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