The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have relied on the run game over the course of their history. When they have success as an offense, the running game is usually behind it. From Warrick Dunn to Cadillac Williams to now Bucky Irving, all of them have been pivotal to the team’s success.
Now, in 2026, the latter, back in Irving, is being paired with a new free agent signing of Kenneth Gainwell. The pair now is getting praise from Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton as he ranks the top 10 running back duos around the league. For the Bucs, they came in at the 10 spot in those rankings heading into the 2026 season, but one division rival is coming in higher.
Moton ranked the New Orleans Saints duo of Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. as the third-best duo in the league. He explained them being so much higher, writing, “The New Orleans Saints duo would be No. 1 in the rankings if Alvin Kamara had less extensive recent injury history and a clear short-term future with the team. The Saints are still working through their options with the 10th-year veteran, who’s in the final term of his current deal. Though for now, Kamara is slated to be the Saints’ No. 2 running back after the team signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $47 million deal. As a two-man backfield, Etienne and Kamara could be the league’s top tandem in scrimmage yards if the latter stays healthy. “
The Bucs were ranked at 10th overall, so they have some work to do.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs division rival credited with having one of the best RB duos
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
