Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers returned from their bye week rejuvenated and focused, breaking a four-game losing streak with an emphatic 30-7 win over the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Bucs (5-6) showcased a balanced and spirited performance in all three phases of the game.
Mayfield Leads by Example
Quarterback Baker Mayfield delivered a standout performance, orchestrating four touchdown drives and completing passes to 11 different targets — tying a franchise record set by Tom Brady in 2020. Despite battling injuries earlier in the season, Mayfield displayed grit and leadership, even hurdling into the end zone for a touchdown and mimicking Giants QB Tommy DeVito’s celebration.
“I love Baker, man,” said running back Bucky Irving. He’s a guy that wants to win football games. He’s competitive. Them the type of guys you want around you.”
Mayfield also raced downfield to throw a key block on a 56-yard run by Irving, earning praise from teammates for his all-out effort. “He just invigorates the entire team,” said cornerback Zyon McCollum.
Ground Game Finds Its Stride
The Bucs’ rushing attack, a weak spot last season, looked revitalized. They tallied 156 rushing yards, with four different players scoring rushing touchdowns. Bucky Irving led the charge with 151 total yards from scrimmage, including 48 rushing yards over expected, according to Next Gen Stats.
“Bucky made some unbelievable plays,” Mayfield said. “Sean obviously played well, but then Rachaad [White’s] screen in man coverage — being able to make a guy miss and get down there in the red zone — that’s a really good play. So, all three of those guys did some special things today. So, we’re going to continue to lean on them.”
Sean Tucker, the team’s most powerful downhill runner, saw early goal-line opportunities, while Vita Vea made an impact as a blocker, helping convert a crucial fourth down on the opening drive.
Defense Steps Up
On the defensive side, the Bucs fielded their healthiest squad in weeks. Both starting cornerbacks — Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum — were back in action for the first time since Week 6, solidifying the secondary.
The return of safety Mike Edwards, claimed off waivers during the bye, bolstered the defense. His presence allowed defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to utilize creative blitz packages and improve coverage in the middle of the field. Edwards played a key role in two sacks and stepped up when starter Jordan Whitehead left with a pectoral injury.
“It all starts with Mike Edwards,” Bowles said. “Mike allows us to do certain things. He allows Antoine [Winfield Jr.] to be Antoine and Jordan to be Jordan. He allowed the backers to free up some things for us and I guess the D-line to tail off when you know you got a safety valve back then I can see a lot of things. So it really helped us and I know it doesn’t look like it helped us because he was in the back, but he really helped us up front and let those guys go.”
The Bucs didn’t allow a passing touchdown for the first time since Week 3 and recorded four sacks, including contributions from Vea, Calijah Kancey, Anthony Nelson, and Antoine Winfield Jr. Lavonte David forced a fumble that Kancey recovered, capping a dominant day for the defense.
Momentum and a Favorable Schedule
The Bucs’ victory marked a much-needed confidence boost as they look to close the gap on the division-leading Atlanta Falcons (6-5). With the easiest remaining schedule in the NFL, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index, Tampa Bay has a real shot at climbing back into playoff contention.
Next up, the Bucs face the Carolina Panthers (3-8) on Sunday, a game they must win to maintain momentum.
“We’re hoping [the win over the Giants] builds confidence,” said Mayfield, who engineered four touchdown drives. “We have belief that we’re still sitting and controlling our own destiny. But it’s not just going to happen. So, we have to take it one week at a time. And you find the recipe for success within your work week — the focus and how we came out and started fast. You try to emulate that week after week and continue to build it.”
As the Bucs focus on building consistency, they’ll rely on the formula that worked against the Giants: a balanced offense, a stout defense, and mental toughness. “The guys focused on the little things,” Bowles said. “For the most part we executed on both sides of the football. Still like to have finished the game a little better, but they came back mentally tougher, and they came back ready to play.”
With renewed energy and key players returning to form, the Buccaneers are poised to make their final push for the playoffs.
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This report used information from ESPN.
