The Tampa Bay Buccaneers snapped their three-game losing streak with a gritty 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals as Todd Bowles' team finally got back in the winner's circle.
But while the win was just what the doctor ordered, so too was the return of running back Bucky Irving, along with having receiver Chris Godwin continue his progress towards being 100 percent healthy.
Irving would have 61 rushing yards and a touchdown from his 17 attempts, along with 20 receiving yards, and Godwin was back to his best, posting 78 yards from his three catches, with the offense getting some serious juice from the duo.
And Bowles was pleased with how the pair fared against Arizona.
"Chris Godwin looked like old Chris, got his feet wet last week, and this week, he was rolling," Bowles said. "He was in a good groove, great to see Bucky out there, gives us another element as well. Both of them showed it, and put it on display."
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Buccaneers face battle for NFC South
If the Buccaneers didn't know before Week 14 that they are in a dog fight for the division, after Sunday, they'll definitely know.
The Carolina Panthers, who are hot on the heels of Tampa Bay, pulled off a monster upset, beating the Los Angeles Rams 31-28, and at 7-6, are right there with the 7-5 Buccaneers.
Oh, and the two teams still have to play each other twice, so the division is far from being over, but with the Buccaneers having both Godwin and Irving now starting to heat up, that's come at the perfect time.
And with each passing week, the duo will only get better, which should bode well for Tampa Bay's NFC South chances.
More Buccaneers news:
- When are Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan coming back? Injury updates, return timelines for Bucs WRs
- Are Bucky Irving, Baker Mayfield playing today? Injury updates, start or sit advice for Week 13
- Baker Mayfield injury update is major news for Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13
- What Bucky Irving injury news means for fantasy football start-sit decisions on Buccaneers RB depth chart with Sean Tucker, Rachaad White