Buccaneers rises to challenge during 5-game winning streak (The Associated Press)

[HotOffTheWire]

Gerald McCoy summed up the mind-set of the suddenly stingy Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. The streaking Bucs (8-5) have been as effective as anyone in shutting down opposing offenses during a five-game winning streak that has propelled the team into contention for its first playoff berth in nine years. Jameis Winston's leadership and progress as a second-year quarterback has commanded most of the attention during the surge, however the play of the McCoy-led defense has been just as important.

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