The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-5) edged the Arizona Cardinals (3-9) 20–17 on Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium, snapping their recent skid with a gritty, much-needed victory. It wasn’t always flashy, but the Bucs delivered when it mattered most to secure their first win since Week 8.
The Buccaneers struck with timely scoring and firm defense, building a 17–3 lead before Arizona clawed its way back into the game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, playing through a left-shoulder sprain, went 18-for-28 for 194 yards and connected with left tackle Tristan Wirfs on a tackle-eligible touchdown late in the first half. Bucs running back Bucky Irving — returning for the first time since Week 4 — added a 13-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter and finished with 61 yards on 17 carries, plus two receptions for 20 yards.
Arizona made a late push behind Jacoby Brissett, who threw for 301 yards and led two second-half touchdown drives to tighten the score. But with the Cardinals taking over at their own 9-yard line with 1:49 remaining, Tampa Bay’s defense rose to the moment. After a pair of checkdowns, the Bucs forced back-to-back incompletions, slamming the door on the comeback attempt and allowing Mayfield to kneel out the win.
Defensively, Tampa Bay delivered the difference-making plays: an Antoine Winfield Jr. interception in the first half, a forced fumble to open the second half, two sacks, and a critical fourth-down stop earlier in the fourth quarter.
The Buccaneers get set for Week 14 — and now host the New Orleans Saints in a pivotal matchup with a chance to tighten their grip on the NFC South.
The Buccaneers return to Raymond James Stadium next Sunday, December 7, to host the Saints. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM — you can hear the game on 97.9 WXTB-FM, The Mighty 98 Rock.
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