Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield seems pretty happy to have running back Bucky Irving back, especially after his 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter Sunday against the Cardinals. ©Luis SantanaRick Stroud, Times staffMon, December 1, 2025 at 12:47 AM UTC·6 min readIt was one thing for the Bucs to finally be back in the winning column, but even better for them to see glimpses of who they still can become.
In what was a nerve-racking 20-17 escape against the Cardinals that snapped a three-game losing streak, the signs of health and hope were everywhere.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementChris Godwin looked like Chris Godwin again, catching in traffic, breaking tackles and throwing key blocks in only his second start since a fibula injury. It wasn’t just that he and Bucky Irving returned to the field, the long journey ended for the Bucs running back in the end zone.
Gather ’round for the tale of how Tristan Wirfs found the end zone
Even though they needed a defensive stand to make a two-score lead hold up in the final nine minutes or so of the game, Sunday wasn’t as much about the present as the possibilities.
“Starting with Bucky, just the explosive play ability,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said. “Just having him back out there. He gets a lot of attention whether he gets the ball or not. The play is never over. It doesn’t have to be blocked up perfectly. When you have three healthy backs, they kind of rotate in and feed off each other, so it’s great.
“Chris looks really good. I think he looks better this time around coming back than he did earlier in the year. Just classic Chris, being in the right spot at the right time. Understands what we’re trying to get done. Does all the right things. He’s willing to go block and make a difference. Just a consummate professional and we’re really lucky to have him and happy to have him back.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSimeon Rice takes his place in the Bucs’ Ring of Honor
Irving’s production Sunday in limited snaps won’t blow anyone away. He had 61 yards rushing on 17 carries and caught two passes for 20 yards. But watching him follow the block of pulling right tackle Luke Goedeke and explode for a 13-yard touchdown run was confirmation of what the Bucs’ run game has been missing.
Irving confessed he struggled mentally to deal with foot and shoulder injuries that forced him to miss seven games. After Sunday’s touchdown, Irving ran along the back of the end zone before throwing the football as far a he could into the south end zone.
“Like I always say, I don’t take this game for granted,” Irving said. “Every chance that I get to be out there and compete with my guys, I’m going to give it my all because I love what I do every day.”
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGodwin made a forgettable return last week in the Bucs’ loss to the Rams and had only two catches for 9 yards.
But Sunday, he was explosive, running through tackles, making contested catches and setting up the first score with a 36-yard reception.
“Chris Godwin looked like old Chris,” head coach Todd Bowles said. “He got his feet wet last week and this week he was rolling. It was great to see Bucky back out today. He gives us another element as well and both of them so it with their play.”
Considering the Bucs couldn’t put away a two-score lead against a 3-9 team like the Cardinals may be cause for concern.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe defense frustrated Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Their first drive ended at the Tampa Bay 20-yard line with Antoine Winfield Jr.’s interception. Tykee Smith recovered a fumble by Cardinals running back Zonovan Knight to start the second half. Brissett also was sacked twice.
Chase McLaughlin’s 57-yard field goal gave the Bucs a 20-10 lead with just under nine minutes to play and that should’ve been that. The offense still is a little disjointed.
Heck, all you need to know is that Tristan Wirfs caught Mayfield’s only TD pass Sunday to give the Bucs a 7-0 lead on a tackle-eligible play.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Guys were locked in today,” Mayfield said. “Obviously, we didn’t make enough plays. We would’ve loved to have ended it on our own terms, but the defense and special teams played a hell of game and kept us in there for the long haul. We ended up winning. It doesn’t have to be pretty.”
Godwin was just happy to feel like himself again. “Being back out there, getting to make some plays and contribute to a win, I’m grateful for. I’m still working to get back to the form I’m accustomed to, but each week I take more and more steps in that direction.”
Wirfs, who had his own injury battle and missed the first four games recovering from knee surgery, knows the price Godwin paid to return to the playing field.
“I couldn’t imagine what it felt like for those two, especially Chris,” Wirfs said of Irving and Godwin. “What he’s gone through. That’s a big journey for him…I’m super proud of him. Like we all saw the work he put in. Nobody else sees it. We see it every day.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I did a little bit of rehab coming into the season this year and I was like, ‘I’m sick of this.’ Bucky did it for a little while. Super happy for him, too. But what Chris did to get back out there and get back in the end zone, I’m getting goosebumps talking about it.”
The Bucs (7-5) still have a long way to go to hold their slim lead over the Panthers (7-6), who upset the Rams 31-28 in Carolina. Tampa Bay plays the Panthers twice in the final three weeks of the season.
Mayfield gutted out Sunday’s win with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder that may be one hit away from putting him on the sideline. Ben Bredeson (hamstring) and outside linebacker Haason Reddick (knee/ankle) were back.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut this one will be remembered not only for how Godwin and Irving played, but what is to come.
Up next
vs. Saints, 1 Sunday, Raymond James Stadium TV/radio: CBS; 97.9-FM
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