The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally gave their fans a reason to exhale on Sunday, snapping a three-game losing streak with a narrow win over the Arizona Cardinals. It wasn’t pretty - and let’s be honest, beating a struggling Cardinals team by just three points won’t make any highlight reels - but in the NFL, a win is a win. And for the Bucs, this one carried serious weight.
With the NFC South still very much up for grabs, this victory keeps Tampa Bay in control of its own destiny. A loss would’ve dropped them into second place in the division, but instead, they’re just three wins away from locking up a fifth straight NFC South title. That’s the kind of momentum shift that can change the tone of a season.
Let’s break down the key players who stepped up and made sure the Bucs walked out of Week 13 with a much-needed W.
Antoine Winfield Jr., S - The Playmaker Who Keeps Delivering
Antoine Winfield Jr. continues to be the heartbeat of this Buccaneers defense, and once again, he wasted no time making an impact. On Arizona’s opening drive, the Cardinals were moving the ball with ease and looked poised to put early points on the board. But Winfield had other plans.
After a deflection by cornerback Jamel Dean, Winfield came down with a red-zone interception that flipped the script. In a game decided by just three points, that takeaway was massive - a true momentum-changer. It’s the kind of play we’ve come to expect from Winfield, who has a knack for delivering in the biggest moments.
He’s not just a safety - he’s a tone-setter, a closer, and arguably the most clutch player on this defense. Week after week, he finds ways to swing games, and Sunday was no exception.
Chase McLaughlin, K - Quietly Clutch
Kickers often fly under the radar until they miss, but Chase McLaughlin is making sure people take notice - for all the right reasons.
He was perfect on the day, going 2-for-2 on field goals and hitting both extra points. But it was his 57-yard bomb in the fourth quarter that really stood out.
That kick extended Tampa Bay’s lead to 10 and ultimately proved to be the difference. Miss that, and suddenly Arizona has a chance to tie it up late.
McLaughlin’s consistency from long range has been a game-changer. He’s now 9-for-9 on field goals of 50+ yards this season - a new franchise record. That kind of reliability is rare, and it gives the Bucs a weapon that most teams can’t match.
Baker Mayfield, QB - Grit Over Glamour
Baker Mayfield didn’t light up the stat sheet, but his performance was exactly what the Bucs needed. Just a week removed from a sprained shoulder, Mayfield gutted it out and gave his team a steady hand under center.
He threw for 194 yards and a touchdown, and while his receivers didn’t always help him out - drops were an issue - Mayfield stayed composed. He also added 27 rushing yards, including a critical 21-yard scramble on third down that kept the team’s first touchdown drive alive.
More importantly, he protected the football. No turnovers, no unnecessary risks - just smart, efficient football. In a game where every possession mattered, Mayfield’s poise and decision-making helped keep the Bucs in control.
Final Word
This wasn’t a statement win, but it was a necessary one. The Buccaneers still have plenty to clean up, but they showed resilience, made key plays when it mattered most, and kept their playoff hopes alive.
With the NFC South still wide open, Tampa Bay’s margin for error remains slim - but if players like Winfield, McLaughlin, and Mayfield keep showing up like this, they’ve got a real shot at finishing strong.