TAMPA, Fla. – It wasn’t always pretty, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers found a way to grind out a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, fueled by a stout defensive showing and an unlikely offensive hero.
While Baker Mayfield was efficient—completing 18 of 28 passes for 194 yards—the highlight of the day belonged to All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs.
Capping off a 10-play drive, Wirfs sold a chip block before slipping out to haul in a two-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield.
It was the lineman’s first career score and gave Tampa Bay a 10-0 lead they wouldn’t relinquish, despite a late Arizona rally.
The Bucs’ defense set the tone early. Antoine Winfield Jr. picked off a deflected Jacoby Brissett pass deep in Tampa territory to stifle the Cardinals’ opening threat. Later, with the game on the line in the final minute, linebacker SirVocea Dennis sealed the win by forcing an incompletion on a critical fourth-and-two.
Tampa Bay’s offense had its stumbling blocks, including multiple penalties that nullified big gains and touchdowns. However, the ground game found traction with Bucky Irving, who rushed for 61 yards and a 13-yard score.
Chris Godwin anchored the receiving corps with 78 yards, including several key conversions that kept drives alive.
Special teams also proved vital, with Chase McLaughlin drilling a 57-yard field goal to extend the lead in the second half. The Cardinals fought back with touchdown passes to Bam Knight and Trey McBride, but Tampa Bay’s defense held firm when it mattered most.
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