EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers snapped a four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion Sunday, overpowering the New York Giants 30-7 at MetLife Stadium. The victory lifted Tampa Bay to 5-6 on the season, keeping them within striking distance of the NFC South-leading Atlanta Falcons.
Running back Bucky Irving headlined the Buccaneers’ performance, amassing 151 all-purpose yards and a touchdown on 18 touches. Irving’s 87 rushing yards included a season-long 56-yard burst that showcased his ability to evade tacklers and fight for extra yardage. He also caught six passes for 64 yards, demonstrating his versatility in a breakout performance.
“This was a complete team win,” Irving said. “We’ve been grinding through some tough games, but today, everything clicked.”
Quarterback Baker Mayfield turned in one of his most efficient performances of the season, completing 24 of 30 passes for 294 yards. While he didn’t throw for a touchdown, Mayfield contributed with his legs, scoring a 10-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter to cap a dominant first-half effort. Mayfield’s steady hand and ability to extend plays kept the offense on schedule throughout the game.
“He’s a gamer,” head coach Todd Bowles said of Mayfield. “He managed the game, made plays when we needed them, and led this team to a much-needed win.”
Tampa Bay’s ground attack was historically potent, with four different players—Irving, Mayfield, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker—finding the end zone. It marked the first time in franchise history that four players scored rushing touchdowns in the same game.
The Buccaneers’ defense was equally dominant, holding the Giants to just 45 yards of offense in the first half and limiting them to 3-of-12 on third down for the game. Defensive lineman Calijah Kancey and veteran linebacker Lavonte David were key contributors, each recording a sack. David also forced a fumble in the red zone, tying him for second among active players in career forced fumbles.
“We knew we had to set the tone early,” David said. “The energy was there from the first snap, and we just fed off each other.”
The Giants (2-9), led by rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito, struggled to find any rhythm offensively. New York managed just 245 total yards and didn’t score until the fourth quarter, when Devin Singletary punched in a 1-yard touchdown run after DeVito was stopped short of the end zone on a scramble.
Mike Evans returned from a hamstring injury to provide a reliable target for Mayfield, catching five passes for 68 yards. His presence helped stretch the Giants’ defense and opened opportunities for other playmakers like tight end Cade Otton and receiver Rakim Jarrett, each of whom contributed explosive plays.
With the win, the Buccaneers remain in contention for the NFC South title, sitting one game behind the Falcons. Tampa Bay’s offense has now surpassed 400 yards in five games this season, ranking among the league’s best in explosive plays and efficiency.
“This is who we are when we’re clicking,” Bowles said. “We’re not done yet.”
The Buccaneers will look to build on this momentum when they host the Carolina Panthers next week. For now, Sunday’s victory offers a glimpse of a team finding its stride at the right time.
