Panthers Stay in Control of NFC South After Clutch Win Over Bucs
With two weeks left in the regular season, the Carolina Panthers have put themselves in the driver’s seat in the NFC South - and they did it with grit, resilience, and a little redemption.
Safety Lathan Ransom, who drew a costly penalty just a week ago, flipped the script in dramatic fashion on Sunday. With 42 seconds left and the Buccaneers threatening, Ransom jumped a pass from Baker Mayfield to seal a 23-20 win for Carolina. It was the kind of play that doesn’t just win you games - it can define a season.
The victory pushes the Panthers ahead of the Bucs in a divisional race that’s been wide open all year. And while the road ahead isn’t easy - Carolina hosts the Seahawks next week while the Bucs face the Dolphins - this Panthers team has made a habit of defying expectations. Sunday marked their seventh win as an underdog, and at this point, counting them out feels like a mistake.
Bryce Young Comes Up Big When It Matters Most
Bryce Young didn’t just manage Sunday’s game - he took control of it. The second-year quarterback delivered one of his most composed performances of the season, tossing two touchdowns without turning the ball over and adding 20 yards on the ground. But it was his poise in the clutch that stood out.
With the game hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, Young uncorked a beautiful 34-yard strike to rookie wideout Jalen Coker - a throw that set up Ryan FitzPatrick’s go-ahead field goal. Earlier in the second half, Young showed off his escapability, dodging pressure to find tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders for a touchdown.
This was the version of Bryce Young Panthers fans have been waiting to see - confident, creative, and in command.
Rookies Rising: McMillan, Coker, Sanders Shine
Carolina’s rookie class continues to show why the front office bet big on young talent. First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan hauled in six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, inching closer to the 1,000-yard mark in what’s been a breakout season. His route-running and physicality have made him a go-to option in critical moments.
Jalen Coker’s deep ball reception was the biggest play of the game, and Ja’Tavion Sanders' touchdown catch highlighted just how dangerous he can be when Young is buying time outside the pocket.
This young core isn’t just showing flashes - they’re becoming foundational pieces.
Bucs Falter Again as Pressure Mounts
Tampa Bay had their chances. They won the time-of-possession battle, ran more plays, and yet still came up short. Eight penalties, shaky pass protection, and a lack of big plays in the passing game told the story of another frustrating outing.
Mayfield was under duress all afternoon. While the Panthers only got home for two sacks, the pressure was constant and disruptive. Tampa’s offensive rhythm never fully materialized, and once again, they couldn’t close out a winnable game.
The Bucs have now dropped six of their last seven, and with two games left - against Miami and a Week 18 rematch with Carolina - their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. If they can’t right the ship quickly, it’s fair to wonder what kind of changes could be coming to Tampa heading into 2026.
What’s Next
The Panthers are surging at just the right time. They’ve got momentum, a confident young quarterback, and a defense that’s learning how to close. The NFC South is still up for grabs, but Carolina’s not just surviving - they’re starting to believe.
Week 18 looms large, but if the Panthers can handle their business next week, that finale against the Bucs might be the knockout punch.