Bucs RB Credits O-Line in Debut

Of the highlights from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Saturday's preseason opener, the revitalization of the team's run game stood atop the list.

The Bucs did not have their complete cast of starters on the field at any time. Regardless, some of those anticipated contributors and players jockeying for a roster spot demonstrated significant systemic turnaround in that phase of the offense as Tampa Bay finished with 136 rushing yards.

One of those players fighting for his place is Sean Tucker. The second-year running back starred in Saturday night's victory, totaling 68 yards (a team high) on 10 carries. One of those attempts was a 26-yard scamper, the longest of the game by a significant margin.

Besides Tucker, rookies Bucky Irving and DJ Williams both shined in their shared action. Irving projects the solidified spot on the team, but both performances showcased the validity of the new-look running game.

But Tucker focused attention to the Bucs' offensive line, crediting the group for its part in the impressive ground game.

"It feels good for us as a room that we have a lot of confidence in our guys up front which leans back on us to be able to perform at the best of our ability, get yards and score touchdowns," Tucker said Monday.

Against the Bengals, that unit included rookie Graham Barton who earned some praise from the running back. But as Tucker mentions, Barton and the entire line played a part in that success.

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While much of the attention has gone to Baker Mayfield and the skilled position players adapting to the new system under Liam Coen, those changes trickle down and impact many areas of an offense. Through one dress rehearsal, there is a lot to like about these changes.

The next step will be sustainability. It is not certain when the Bucs' entire starting crew will get their first run in the preseason. But until then and through that time, Tampa Bay will need to carry over the impressive play from its first game and into the season.