Adam SchultzSun, November 30, 2025 at 9:52 PM UTC·1 min readBuccaneers' Baker Mayfield has perfect message after ugly Cardinals win originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got themselves back on the winner's list in Week 14, but it wasn't easy in a 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMoving to 7-5, the Buccaneers have steadied the ship in what was Bucky Irving's return, but it was far from a good-looking affair.
Still, at this time of the year, and considering Tampa Bay's recent form, coupled with the Carolina Panthers' form surge as they beat the Los Angeles Rams, it is all about stacking wins.
And Baker Mayfield isn't interested in style points.
"I think guys were locked in today," Mayfield said. "Offensively, didn't make enough plays, would have loved to have ended on our terms, defense and special teams played a hell of a game today, kept us in there for the long haul, ended up winning, doesn't have to be pretty."
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Irving has superb return vs. Cardinals
Ok, superb might be a little strong, but given how long he has been out for, simply getting through the game healthy was the top priority, and Bucky did.
Bucky rushed for 61 yards and a touchdown from his 17 carries, while also being an option in the passing game, having two catches for 20 yards.
Getting Bucky back into the swing of things is a big deal for the Buccaneers, and with the franchise still dealing with injuries, they have now gotten Chris Godwin and Irving back in the past couple of weeks.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd against the Cardinals, it was the perfect scenario.
The Buccaneers got the win, Irving returned (and scored), and perhaps more importantly, he got through unscathed.
More Buccaneers news:
When are Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan coming back? Injury updates, return timelines for Bucs WRs
Are Bucky Irving, Baker Mayfield playing today? Injury updates, start or sit advice for Week 13
Baker Mayfield injury update is major news for Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13
