“Off The Charts”
November 30th, 2025
Winning in the postseason requires talent.
There are no smoke and mirrors come January.
The Bucs lost last year in the playoffs because two rookies on offense screwed up and Jayden Daniels had more juice than Calijah Kancey late in the game.
Today against the Cardinals, the Bucs got back Bucky Irving after a long injury recovery with a mental breakdown of some form sprinkled in. Fans were reminded in a hurry of how dangerous Irving can be. When he’s on, he’s one of the best in the game.
“Huge to have Buck back,” Baker Mayfield told the Buccaneers Radio Network after the game.
The franchise quarterback went on to boast how valuable it is to have three healthy running backs again — young guys with diverse and dangerous skill sets. But Bucky, Mayfield said, is on another level.
“Bucky’s explosive play potential obviously shows,” Mayfield said. “Off the charts.”
The Bucs’ head coach had good news on Irving, too.
“He looked quick. He took care of the football, No. 1,” Todd Bowles said after the game, adding Irving had “no ill-effects” from hits on healed shoulder.
Buckyball returned for the first time this season, Joe believes. Prior to today, Irving had 7 red zone carries for 0 combined yards. That changed in a hurry in the win against the Cardinals.
Irving racked up 61 rushing yards on 17 carries, including an 18-yard touchdown run. Irving also added 2 catches for 20 yards. Those numbers are nothing special, but his elite movement was there, and at times Irving found yards that weren’t there.