Bucky Irving Shines in Buccaneers' Overtime Win Against Panthers

The rookie running back delivered a career-best performance, helping Tampa Bay secure a key divisional victory and tie for first place in the NFC South.

Bucky Irving rushed for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, adding 33 receiving yards, to lead the Buccaneers to a 26-23 overtime win over the Panthers.
Irving's fourth-quarter dominance included 97 rushing yards, the most by a rookie in a single quarter since 2017, and a critical 43-yard run to set up a field goal.
The Buccaneers improved to 6-6, tying the Atlanta Falcons for first place in the NFC South, though the Falcons hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Tampa Bay's offense leaned heavily on its running game, with Irving and Rachaad White combining for 228 rushing yards and pivotal plays late in the game.
Irving now leads all NFL rookies in scrimmage yards (1,017) and rushing yards (732), solidifying his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.