The Tampa Bay Buccaneers stayed firmly in the NFC playoff hunt on Sunday, grinding out a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13. Behind timely defense, efficient offense, and a few big-play swings, the Bucs improved their positioning as December football heats up.

Baker Mayfield delivered a steady performance, completing 18 of 28 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown. Chris Godwin paced the receiving corps with 78 yards, while rookie Bucky Irving anchored the rushing attack with 61 yards and a key touchdown. But more than anything, Tampa Bay’s defense set the tone early and often.

After an opening-drive punt that did include a 25-yard burst from Godwin off a Mayfield scramble, Tampa Bay’s defense instantly flipped momentum. On the Cardinals’ first possession, cornerback Jamel Dean deflected a Jacoby Brissett pass that safety Antoine Winfield Jr. snagged at the Tampa Bay 9-yard line, returning it to the 14.

Despite the gift, the Bucs’ offense couldn’t capitalize. A would-be 21-yard gain by Emeka Egbuka was erased by an offensive holding penalty, and Mayfield was sacked on third down by Montez Sweat, forcing Tampa Bay to punt the ball back.

Tampa Bay’s offense soon found rhythm, marching 63 yards in 10 plays thanks to a 31-yard strike from Mayfield to Godwin. But after a dropped pass in the end zone on third-and-seven, the Bucs settled for a 25-yard Chase McLaughlin field goal and a 3-0 lead.

The defense responded with one of its most impressive sequences of the season: a sack by Yaya Diaby on first down and a thundering eight-yard third-down sack by Vita Vea to force a three-and-out.

On the next drive, Tampa Bay overcame multiple setbacks, including an offensive pass interference that wiped out a touchdown. On fourth down, Mayfield connected with Sterling Shepard to keep the drive alive. Irving and Rachaad White powered the ball to the goal line, and after another holding penalty wiped out an Irving score, the Bucs dug deep.

Tristan Wirfs—yes, the All-Pro left tackle—leaked out after a chip block, hauling in a two-yard touchdown pass from Mayfield for the first score of his NFL career. The unexpected moment gave Tampa Bay a 10-0 advantage.

Arizona trimmed the lead to 10-3 before halftime with Chad Ryland’s booming 52-yard field goal.

The Bucs opened the second half with another defensive highlight. Logan Hall knocked the ball loose from Emari Demercado, and Tykee Smith scooped it up, returning the fumble to the Tampa Bay 40. But another stalled drive forced yet another punt.

Tampa Bay’s next possession, however, delivered fireworks. A 23-yard grab by Egbuka and a 22-yard hitch to Godwin set up Irving’s 13-yard touchdown run, pushing the lead to 17-3.

Arizona punched back quickly with a six-play, 72-yard touchdown drive capped by Brissett’s 15-yard strike to Elijah Knight, cutting the deficit to 17-10. The Bucs responded with a 57-yard field goal by McLaughlin after a stagnant series extended the lead to 20-10.

Brissett engineered another impressive drive late, hitting Trey McBride for a 15-yard touchdown after earlier gains of 20 yards by McBride and 10 by Michael Wilson. Suddenly, it was a 20-17 game with pressure mounting.

With less than a minute left, Tampa Bay’s defense delivered the final blow. On fourth-and-two, linebacker SirVocea Dennis blanketed Wilson and forced an incompletion, sealing the Bucs’ narrow win.

The Buccaneers did not play flawless football—penalties wiped out big gains, drives repeatedly stalled, and the offense missed opportunities early. But they made the necessary plays on both sides of the ball, especially in critical moments.

Mayfield’s efficiency, Godwin’s consistent production, Irving’s burst, and a defense that repeatedly came up with sacks and turnovers proved just enough to fend off the Cardinals.

At 20-17, the margin was slim. But the win was significant.

Tampa Bay walks away from Week 13 with momentum, confidence, and a victory that keeps them very much alive in the postseason chase.