​The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may enter the 2026 season with one of the more underrated running back rooms in the NFL, and recent praise from Pro Football Focus (PFF) underscores just how valuable the group could become. In a breakdown of the league’s best pass-catchers under pressure during the 2025 season, PFF highlighted Bucky Irving and new Buccaneers running back Kenneth Gainwell for their ability to give quarterbacks a reliable option when defenses are creating chaos. For Tampa Bay, the recognition signals that its backfield can provide far more than mere ground production.
Irving, who dealt with injuries during the 2025 campaign, still demonstrated why the Buccaneers are excited about his future. Even with time missed, he proved to be one of the NFL’s most dangerous receiving backs when given opportunities. His knack for making defenders miss in space and turning short passes into explosive plays gives Baker Mayfield another weapon in the passing game. While Irving became known for his vision and explosiveness as a runner in his rookie season, his impact as a receiver could prove just as important moving forward. As defenses increasingly focus on curbing big plays, having a running back who can consistently create after the catch is a major advantage.
The Buccaneers also added Gainwell, who brings a different skill set to the backfield. During his time with the Steelers, Gainwell earned praise for his reliability as a pass catcher, particularly in situations where quarterbacks faced pressure. His ability to win matchups against linebackers and provide a dependable outlet could make him a valuable asset in Tampa Bay’s offensive mix. With Rachaad White’s departure prompting a reshaping of the backfield, the Irving-Gainwell combination offers substantial versatility. One back brings explosive playmaking ability, while the other provides experience and consistency as a receiving threat.
As Tampa Bay looks to lean on a younger offensive core, the running back duo could become a central pillar of the team’s plans. If both players stay healthy, the Buccaneers could field one of the league’s most dangerous backfields for creating mismatches in the passing game. This overarching assessment aligns with PFF’s recognition of Irving and Gainwell as standouts under pressure, reinforcing that Tampa Bay’s backfield has potential to elevate the entire offense beyond traditional rushing metrics.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Both Bucs RB praised for their work under pressure by PFF for better SEO.