“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.
November 30th, 2025 at 4:44 pm
The healthier the team can get, the better we will play. Simple as that.
November 30th, 2025 at 4:45 pm
If we had Dave or Liam we would be in a better spot
Out team is oozing with talent
Once again I love Todd, he’s a great dude, but his defense is not up to Par, and talent is not the issue
Busted coverages, no pass rush, backup QBs having great days, I’m over it man
November 30th, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Good to have him back, gotta keep grinding.
November 30th, 2025 at 4:47 pm
What I would say to Mr. Irving is that all of us who lived through our 20s had some point of mental health breakdown so you’re not alone. Hang in there, brother.
November 30th, 2025 at 4:47 pm
Barely beating the cards, panthers beating the rams after they embarrassed you… Thats very telling
November 30th, 2025 at 4:48 pm
LFG! Welcome back Young Buc
November 30th, 2025 at 4:48 pm
Bucky looked good. Just wish we weren’t running on first down the whole game – gain of 2 and a cloud of dust. Also, thought he was gonna be on a pitch count. Wasting Tucker and pushing Buck coming off injuries. Dumb. One of my first, but many upcoming criticisms of Grizz.
November 30th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
Joe, would you like to amend the “ mental breakdown” reference? I think it would be wise..
November 30th, 2025 at 4:49 pm
Why is it we won and I still feel lousy about my Bucs? Two words.. NO DEFENSE.
November 30th, 2025 at 4:50 pm
player of game riley dixon they guy bowles wanted to make scapegoat
November 30th, 2025 at 4:51 pm
Ducks like water
November 30th, 2025 at 4:59 pm
So happy to see Bucky out there. Looking great!
November 30th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
Defense still can’t stop anything. I place the blame squarely on the head coach!
November 30th, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Hey MikeJohnson, watching Cards gain 6+ yards every first down was almost as frustrating as watching Grizz do his Byron Leftwhich impersonation running the ball on every first down – and gaining 2 yds a clip. Setting up 2nd and medium and 3rd and long. WR’s not getting open. No imagination on O. He gets point for the TD to Wirfs. Other than that, I’d send him back to Yale.
November 30th, 2025 at 5:05 pm
Not an impressive win. Still the Buccaneers had two touchdowns nullified by penalties. Godwin looked really good and Bucky brand new energy to the office. Cardinals are not a bad team. They play in the toughest division in the NFC They have lost five games by less than four points.
November 30th, 2025 at 5:06 pm
Defense did just enough to win.
Watch the game tomorrow and count the missed tackles. There were a lot of them.
November 30th, 2025 at 5:07 pm
Mental breakdown?……where is the evidence of that?
ST had a halfway decent game and Chase comes through again.
Dixon had a very good day punting and we covered most kicks….but can’t seem to run any back.