{"id":568002,"date":"2025-12-01T13:07:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-01T13:07:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/568002\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T13:07:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-01T13:07:11","slug":"notes-and-stats-from-the-bucs-20-17-win-over-the-cardinals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/568002\/","title":{"rendered":"Notes and stats from the Bucs 20-17 win over the Cardinals"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; The Buccaneers defeated the Cardinals, 20-17, to move to 7-5 on the season. Tampa Bay remains in sole possession of first place in the NFC South, and has held at least a share of the division lead in 71 of the last 85 weeks, dating back to the 2021 season. The Buccaneers have won each of their last three games against the Cardinals \u2013 the team\u2019s first three-game win streak over Arizona since 1989\u201392.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; Since the start of the 2023 season, the Buccaneers have the most wins (11) and the highest winning percentage (.846) of any NFL team in Weeks 13-18. They own the second-highest point differential (+122) in such games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; Tampa Bay recorded two takeaways on the day \u2013 one fumble recovery and one interception. Their 18 takeaways this season are the sixth-most in the NFL this year, as of Sunday\u2019s 1:00 p.m. ET slate of games. Tampa Bay\u2019s 11 interceptions on the season are the seventh-most.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; The Buccaneers limited Arizona to 95 yards rushing, marking their ninth game this season in which they did not allow their opponent to eclipse 100 rushing yards \u2013 tied for the most such games in the NFL this season, as of Sunday\u2019s 1:00 p.m. ET slate of games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; Tampa Bay held the Cardinals to 3-of-8 (38%) on third downs, the eighth time this season in which it\u2019s held an opponent to a 40% or fewer success rate. The eight such games are tied for the seventh-most in the NFL this year, as of Sunday\u2019s 1:00 p.m. ET slate of games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; The Buccaneers finished with two sacks on the day, one from Yaya Diaby and one from Vita Vea. Paired with the two takeaways on the day, Sunday\u2019s contest marked the fifth game this season in which the Tampa Bay recorded multiple takeaways and multiple sacks \u2013 tied for the most such performances in the NFL this year, as of Sunday\u2019s 1:00 p.m. ET slate of games.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; According to Next Gen Stats, Tampa Bay generated pressure on 53.3% of dropbacks against the Cardinals, the unit\u2019s second-highest mark of the season. Five different Buccaneers defenders generated at least four pressures. Vita Vea, Logan Hall and Elijah Roberts all generated three quick pressures (in under 2.5 seconds).<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; QB Baker Mayfield completed 18-of-28 passes (64.3%) for 194 yards and one touchdown with zero interceptions to earn a 96.4 passer rating on the day. Sunday\u2019s contest marked Mayfield\u2019s seventh game this season in which he recorded a passer rating of 96.0 or higher, tied for the sixth-most such performances by a quarterback this season. Mayfield connected with nine different Buccaneers receivers on Sunday, his most in a single game this season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; Mayfield owns a 3.8 touchdown-to-interception ratio on the season. Among passers with at least 250 attempts on the year, it\u2019s the fifth-best mark in the NFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; RB Bucky Irving led the Buccaneers in scrimmage yards in his first game back since being injured in Week 4, contributing 81 yards by way of 17 carries for 61 yards with one score and two catches for 20 yards. His rushing touchdown marked his first of the season, and his third overall scrimmage touchdown on the year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; With his 81 scrimmage yards on Sunday, Irving eclipsed the 2,000 scrimmage yards milestone in the 22nd game of his career. In doing so, he became the third player in franchise history with 2,000+ scrimmage yards in their first 25 career games (Warrick Dunn, Doug Martin). The only other running backs drafted since 2018 with 2,000+ scrimmage yards in their first 22 career games played are Saquon Barkley, Jahmyr Gibbs, Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; WR Chris Godwin Jr. led Tampa Bay in receiving yards on Sunday, bringing in three catches for 78 yards. After missing the second half of the 2024 season due to injury, Godwin\u2019s 78 receiving yards marked his most in a contest since Week 6 of the 2024 season against the New Orleans Saints.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; WR Emeka Egbuka tallied a team-high four catches for 42 yards in Sunday\u2019s contest, extending his team-leading season totals to 52 catches for 791 yards and six touchdown catches. Through Sunday\u2019s 1:00 p.m. ET slate of games, he ranks tied for first among all rookies in touchdown catches, second in receiving yards, and third in receptions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; T Tristan Wirfs brought in a two-yard receiving touchdown from Baker Mayfield, marking his first career reception and his first touchdown of any kind. Wirfs became the fifth offensive lineman in franchise history to record a touchdown reception, joining Leonard Wester, Donald Penn, Randall McDaniel and Ron Heller. He is the first offensive lineman in the NFL to record a touchdown catch this year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; TE Payne Durham recorded his first catch of the season, an 11-yard gain.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; LB SirVocea Dennis led Tampa Bay with 10 tackles \u2013 his third game with double-digit tackles this season \u2013 and added one quarterback hit on the day. He was the nearest defender on the team\u2019s final defensive play of the day, a pass breakup, which secured the victory for Tampa Bay.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; S Antoine Winfield Jr. notched an interception in Sunday\u2019s game, marking his second pick of the season and the ninth of his career. Winfield Jr. added seven tackles and one quarterback hit on the day.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; NT Vita Vea finished with two tackles (one for loss), three quarterback hits and 1.0 sack. With his sack, he increased his season total to 3.5 sacks and his career total to 34.0. In doing so, he surpassed Jason Pierre-Paul and Brad Culpepper (33.0) for sole possession of the ninth-most sacks in franchise history.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; OLB Yaya Diaby also tallied two tackles on the day (one for loss), two quarterback hits and 1.0 sack. His sack increased his season total to 6.0 and his career total to 13.0. Diaby has recorded sacks in consecutive games for the second time this season, joining Weeks 6-7.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; Diaby\u2019s 18.0 career sacks are the third-most by a Buccaneers player through his first 46 games played, trailing only Warren Sapp (22.5) and Stylez G. White (19.5).<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; DL Logan Hall recorded his first career forced fumble, which was recovered by Tykee Smith to mark his second fumble recovery on the season. Smith is the only player in the NFL this year to have 75+ tackles, three-or-more takeaways, and multiple sacks.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; K Chase McLaughlin went 2-for-2 on field goal tries on the day, connecting successfully from 25 yards and 57 yards out. McLaughlin is a perfect 9-for-9 on field goal tries from 50+ yards away this season, and his nine such makes are the most in the NFL as of Sunday\u2019s 1:00 p.m. ET slate of games. McLaughlin is the fourth kicker since 2000 \u2013 and the first since Dallas\u2019 Brandon Aubrey in 2023 \u2013 to have at least nine attempts of 50+ yards in a season and record a 100% success rate.<\/p>\n<p class=\"duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _1nfb3k4i _16w9vov1 _16w9vov0 ls9zuh1\">&#8211; P Riley Dixon punted five times for a 48.0 gross average and a 46.8 net average, including pinning three punts inside the Arizona 20-yard line and two inside the Arizona 10-yard line. His 46.8 net average was his third-highest mark in a game this season, and the highest in game in which he punted at least four times. Through Sunday\u2019s 1:00 p.m. ET slate of games, Dixon\u2019s 20 punts downed inside the opponent 20-yard line are tied for the fifth-most in the NFL, while his eight punts downed inside the opponent 10-yard line are tied for the sixth-most.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"&#8211; The Buccaneers defeated the Cardinals, 20-17, to move to 7-5 on the season. Tampa Bay remains in&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":568003,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2078],"tags":[375,390,2604,1327,7,6,64674],"class_list":{"0":"post-568002","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arizona-cardinals","8":"tag-arizona","9":"tag-arizona-cardinals","10":"tag-arizonacardinals","11":"tag-cardinals","12":"tag-football","13":"tag-nfl","14":"tag-tampa-bay-buccaneers-game-information"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nfl\/115644468177159596","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/568002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=568002"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/568002\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/568003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=568002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=568002"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=568002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}