Buccaneers Start New Running Back

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had a historically ineffectual run game through nine games of the regular season, and they're finally adjusting their strategy. The team opened their Week 10 contest against the Seattle Seahawks in Munich, Germany with rookie running back Rachaad White taking the first snaps instead of typical starter Leonard Fournette.

Bucs rookie RB Rachaad White started ahead of Leonard Fournette today against the Seahawks.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 13, 2022

Fournette had expressed frustration with his lack of carries on the Bucs, so an increased role for White likely will only add to his consternation. Both players saw plenty of touches in the first half, with Fournette running the ball 12 times to White's nine attempts. Fournette has narrowly outgained White on a per-carry basis this season, rushing for 3.3 yards per attempt to White's 3.1. 

Those two averages speak to the larger problems of the Bucs' run game. Through nine games, the team has averaged a paltry 60.8 yards per game and 3.0 yards per rush through nine weeks, last in the league in both categories.

White initially joined the Bucs as their 91st overall pick in this year's draft.  An explosive runner and receiver out of Arizona State, White rushed for 1000 yards and added another 456 yards through the air during his final college season. 

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