Bucs Bounce Back Early in Must-Win Clash vs. Panthers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came into Week 16 reeling from back-to-back losses, including a gut-punch of a finish against the Falcons. But thanks to a little help from the Saints, they still control their own fate in the NFC South. And with the division on the line, they wasted no time setting the tone in Carolina.
Fast Start from Mayfield and Evans
Tampa Bay’s opening drive was exactly what the doctor ordered. Baker Mayfield looked sharp out of the gate, confidently leading the offense down the field.
Once they reached the doorstep, Mayfield went to his most trusted weapon - Mike Evans. The two connected on a fade route in the back of the end zone, a textbook red-zone play that gave the Bucs a 7-3 lead early in the first quarter.
That connection has been a lifeline for the Bucs all season, and when the stakes are high, Mayfield knows where to look. Evans continues to be a problem for opposing secondaries, especially in tight spaces near the goal line.
Panthers Strike First - But Settle for Three
Carolina came out swinging on their opening possession, stringing together chunk plays that had the Bucs' defense backpedaling. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young looked poised early, and running back Rico Dowdle nearly capped the drive with a touchdown - but a stumble near the goal line forced the Panthers to settle for a 27-yard field goal.
That early stop by the Bucs' defense, bending but not breaking, was a key moment. In a game with playoff implications, red-zone execution matters - and Tampa Bay won that exchange.
Defense Finds Its Footing After Rocky Start
The Bucs' defense looked shaky early, giving up big gains and struggling to contain Carolina’s ground game. But after that opening drive, they tightened up. They came up with key stops when it mattered, especially near the goal line, and forced the Panthers to settle for three instead of seven.
That kind of resilience has been a hallmark of this defense when it’s at its best. And while they’ve had their lapses in recent weeks, they showed signs of getting back to form.
McLaughlin Adds to the Lead
In the second quarter, Tampa Bay had a chance to really seize control. They marched down to the goal line again but couldn’t punch it in this time. Still, Chase McLaughlin came on to knock through a short 23-yard field goal, extending the Bucs' lead to 10-3 with just over eight minutes left in the half.
While leaving points on the board in the red zone is never ideal, the Bucs are at least stacking successful drives - a welcome shift after two tough weeks.
Panthers Still Fighting, But Bucs Hold Edge
The Panthers, under first-year head coach Dave Canales, have shown grit all season. Bryce Young is starting to look like the franchise quarterback they hoped for, and the defense has been opportunistic. They’ve leaned on the run game to keep things balanced, and when they’re clicking, they can be dangerous.
But this is a Bucs team that knows what’s at stake. Despite recent struggles, they still have the inside track to the division title. And while the Panthers picked up a win over the Rams - something Tampa Bay couldn’t manage - this matchup is all about who shows up in the moment.
Injury Report: No Major Surprises
Tampa Bay entered this one relatively healthy, which is a luxury this late in the season. The only significant absence is cornerback Zyon McCollum, who’s on injured reserve. But overall, the defense is intact and capable of making plays against a Panthers offense that’s still finding its identity.
Looking Ahead
With the NFC South still up for grabs, every possession matters. The Bucs have the early edge, but they’ll need to maintain their focus and finish strong - something that’s eluded them in recent weeks. If they can clean up the red-zone execution and keep the defense locked in, they’ll be in prime position to control their playoff destiny heading into the final stretch.
This one’s far from over, but early signs suggest the Bucs came to play.