Bucky Irving looks like a top 5 running back, Sean Tucker needs reps

The Buccaneers just put together a franchise record rushing performance, and Bucky Irving was at the center of it. Tampa Bay rushed for 324 yards in Sunday's 16-0 win over Atlanta, with Irving and Kenneth Gainwell each surpassing 100 yards. It was the kind of afternoon that showed how much the running game can carry this offense, particularly when the passing attack isn't functioning.Irving finished with a career-high 170 yards on 27 carries, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt and scoring a touchdown. His production wasn't simply a result of Tampa Bay winning the battle up front. Irving consistently created additional yards with his vision, lateral movement, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He sees creases quickly, gets through them with very little wasted movement, and has the acceleration to turn a successful run into an explosive play. His ability to create after contact and contribute as a receiver makes him difficult to account for, regardless of the personnel Tampa Bay puts on the field. There is a legitimate argument for Irving as a top-five running back based on his play over the last 5 weeks, with well over 500 yards and 5 touchdowns. Gainwell shouldn't get lost in the conversation, either. He rushed for a career-high 140 yards on 25 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. His 28-yard run, which included a hurdle over a defender, was one of the afternoon's highlights. Gainwell gave Tampa Bay another productive option and showed he can handle a meaningful workload when called upon.However, the Buccaneers also need to consider what those workloads mean over a full season. Irving handled 27 carries, and Gainwell had another 25. Those are substantial workloads, especially for a team that will need its running backs available and explosive as the schedule progresses. That's where Sean Tucker should come in. He doesn't need to take significant opportunities away from Irving or Gainwell, but giving him a few touches each game would make sense. Tucker has shown he can run with a physical style and make plays with limited opportunities. There is little reason to keep him completely out of the rotation when the offense can distribute the workload. Irving should remain the priority, and Gainwell has earned his role. But keeping both fresh matters more than maximizing their touches in every individual game.This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucky Irving looks like a top 5 running back, Sean Tucker needs reps