There is no question that Bucs running back Rachaad White has shown flashes of being a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. Often the first thing that comes to mind is his game in Munich, Germany against the Seahawks last season. But for as much as the Bucs expected him to build on his rookie season on the ground, perhaps there is a better way to make use of his talents.

As a check-down option for Tom Brady last season, White had 50 receptions, and this year is well on his way to surpassing that total. With how productive he was last week against the Falcons it begs the question: Does Rachaad White impact the game more as a receiving back than a running back? And is that how the Bucs should utilize his skillset going into the future?

Rachaad White Gives Bucs’ Offense Versatility

Bucs RB Rachaad White – Photo by: USA Today

Offensive coordinator Dave Canales spoke about how Rachaad White has been a reliable target for quarterback Baker Mayfield on Thursday. Reliable could even be considered an understatement, as he has nearly caught every pass thrown his way, with 22 receptions on 23 targets through six games.

“Well definitely anytime that they’re attracting attention to Mike [Evans] or to one of our other skill players, Rachaad has been a really reliable target for us there,” Canales said. “We had him on a really good opportunity in the Detroit game – speaking of the one target he did not catch. It was a really nice throw and would have been a fantastic play for him, but he does give us versatility in what we can do there.”

While the big plays have not happened in the Bucs’ run game like Canales, the offense, the team, and the fans have hoped, it was encouraging to see that yes, Rachaad White does have big-play potential.

It just may come in a different way than previously thought.

Rachaad White Is A “Real Difference Maker” In Bucs’ Passing Game

With the ball in his hands and in space, White looks like a different player. Not the one stuck in the mud hesitating in the backfield, but a player who can make guys miss. Take for instance last Sunday.

On the game’s opening drive and with the Bucs facing their first third down, Rachaad White caught a short pass on third-and-11 and headed upfield. Surely it looked as if he would be stopped short of the first down, but he made a few Falcons’ defenders miss and was elusive enough to move the chains. That was not the only play he made, either.

Bucs RB Rachaad White and Falcons S Jessie Bates III – Photo by: USA Today

White stayed involved by having 22 and 20-yard catches, the former getting the team into the red zone in the second quarter and the latter coming at the end of the third quarter. While the Bucs struggled to put points on the board and capitalize on their opportunities, one should note that it was Rachaad White who was the third-leading receiver outside of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Heading into this season, White was looking to be a 1,000-yard impact back and a playmaker. He may not eclipse that total on the ground, but can still live up to that playmaker billing.

This is best revealed through some numbers from Pro Football Focus. White is averaging 8.9 yards after catch. Just looking at the 13 receptions he has had behind the line of scrimmage, that average increases to 10.4 and illustrates just how apt he has been at getting upfield and making something out of nothing. That is a credit to his athleticism and ability to not only run routes but be shifty getting out of the backfield.

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Baker Mayfield said. “Great hands and runs routes really well, different than any running back. He’s a talented player that we’re learning as we go that he can be a weapon in the passing game.”

Left tackle Tristan Wirfs agrees.

“Rachaad is a pass-catcher –  I mean as a running back too – but even as a pass-catcher, he’s a real difference maker,” Wirfs said. “Him being able to go out and do that and getting somebody out of the backfield is great for us. Great weapon for us, and that hurdle was pretty sick too.”

Having eyes on the next game – it is rapidly approaching with the Bills next on the schedule on Thursday night. Against a Bills’ defense possessing plenty of talent in their front seven, it is a prime (pun intended) opportunity for Rachaad White to provide a spark by making big plays hauling in passes. Doing so on the ground would be an added bonus.