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Rookies stepping up at right time for surging Buccaneers

TAMPA, Fla. -- Bad back, bad hip and all, Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving needed only 15 carries to rush for 117 yards in the Bucs' 40-17 victory at the Los Angeles Chargers, the league's top-ranked scoring defense.

For fellow rookie Jalen McMillan, a wide receiver, it was needing to hit the reset button after the Week 11 bye, and it has culminated in three touchdowns over the past two weeks, including the leadoff score against the Chargers.

Of course both of them can thank rookie center Graham Barton -- the 26th overall pick in this year's draft for his blocking efforts.