The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to get a stop inside the two-minute warning to secure a 20-17 victory over the visiting Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium. The win snapped the Bucs' three-game losing skid and improved the team's record to 7-5, keeping Tampa Bay in first place of the NFC South despite the Carolina Panthers' 31-28 upset over the Rams. Baker Mayfield threw a two-yard touchdown pass to left tackle Tristan Wirfs and Bucky Irving scored on a 13-yard run to provide Tampa Bay with a 17-3 lead in the third quarter. The Bucs were able to overcome miscues, missed tackles, drops and penalties for a tally in the win column at home in Week 13.
Offensive Outlook
Overall, Baker Mayfield completed 18 of 28 passes for 194 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. Mayfield played despite a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder that he suffered against the Rams a week earlier, and rallied the team. He even showcased his trademark moxie on a few scrambles – making sure to not take any big hits - including a critical 21-yard dash in the second quarter that converted a third-and-three on the Bucs' first touchdown of the afternoon. Cade Otton secured a stalk block in space to clear the path for Mayfield so the Bucs could keep the drive alive. The possession culminated in unorthodox fashion as Mayfield threw a two-yard touchdown pass to left tackle Tristan Wirfs. The Bucs reported Wirfs as eligible and the play worked to perfection. Budda Baker ran to the right, Wirfs sold the block on a chip-and-release, then leaked out as Mayfield delivered the pass on his numbers.
Bucky Irving returned to action after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries and gave the Bucs' offense a jolt of electricity with 81 yards from scrimmage. He showcased his explosion, ability to create what is not there and quick acceleration following lateral jump cuts, including his 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, spurred by key blocks from Luke Goedeke and Chris Godwin Jr. Godwin, who returned from a long absence in Week 12, played a larger role against the Cardinals, nabbing three catches for 78 yards. He displayed his yards-after-catch ability and posted a 31-yard gain in the second quarter from a congested release, generating separation from Garrett Wilson.
Defensive Rundown
Jacoby Brissett threw for 301 yards on 40 attempts but was intercepted in the red zone on Arizona's first drive. Jamel Dean deflected the pass and Antoine Winfield Jr. snagged the football, killing the Cardinals' momentum on a promising march down the field. In addition, he took two third-down sacks, one by Vita Vea and Yaya Diaby. His go-to, notably over the middle of the field, was tight end Trey McBride, who caught eight passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Bam Knight finished with 62 rushing yards, and 36 receiving yards, including a 15-yard touchdown catch in the third. On the scoring play, Brissett rolled out to the left and threw across his body to the right, finding Knight wide open in the end zone.
In the third quarter, Logan Hall forced a fumble by Knight that was recovered by Tykee Smith. Winfield also posted seven tackles and a quarterback hit, while SirVocea Dennis led the defense with 10 tackles and a quarterback hit, in addition to his fourth-down pass breakup on the Cardinals' final drive.
