Painful fumble for Bucky Irving – JoeBucsFan.com

There’s a lot of blame for the Bucs’ loss tonight, but one has to be directed at electric rookie running back Bucky Irving.

The Bucs were looking to end the game when Irving was knocked out of his arms at the Falcons’ 25-yard line with 2:50 left and the Bucs leading 30-27. The fumble came at the end of a 7-yard run on first down.

The Falcons went four-and-out on their next drive, but Tampa Bay’s offense never recovered. Or did someone decide to pull the plug?

Regardless, Irving’s fumble was a devastating blow to the Bucs’ overtime loss. If he doesn’t fumble, the Bucs are in prime position to get a first down, force the Falcons into timeouts and at least score a field goal or perhaps tie the game.

It was Irving’s first fumble of the season and Joe believes Irving didn’t have a fumble in the preseason either.

Irving finished the night with 9 rushes for 44 yards and 2 catches for 12 yards. He has 44 carries for 247 yards this season, an average of 5.6 yards per carry.

Joe hopes Irving’s confidence isn’t affected. He still has 10 long days until he’s back on the field against the Saints’ tough defense.