The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium, 23-20, putting Carolina atop the NFC South. Ryan Fitzgerald's 48-yard field goal with just over two minutes left in regulation provided the Panthers with a three-point cushion and the Bucs' comeback bid was halted by a turnover. Miscommunication between Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans led to a Lathan Ransom interception with 42 seconds left in the Week 16 division clash, punctuating the win for the Panthers.
Offensive Overview
The Buccaneers operated out of a run-heavy script against the Panthers and found success, generating 169 yards on the ground and averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The passing game struggled down the stretch as Baker Mayfield was often under pressure. Overall, Mayfield threw for 145 yards on 18-of-26 attempts, with most coming in the fourth quarter as the Bucs' rallied from behind. The lone completion of more than 13 yards through the air was a 40-yard catch by Emeka Egbuka on a deep over. Mayfield climbed the pocket and heaved the football to the first-year player. However, the drive eventually stalled and the Bucs fell outside of field goal range.
Bucky Irving led the rushing attack with 71 yards on 19 carries and Sean Tucker scored on a one-yard run in the third quarter that gave Tampa Bay a 17-13 lead. Tristan Wirfs sealed the edge on the scoring play and Tucker bounced outside and walked into the end zone untouched. Rachaad White contributed 45 yards on five totes, including a 39-yarder in the second quarter. White stuck his foot in the ground, cut inside then maneuvered outside, exploding across midfield which led to Chase McLaughlin's 23-yard field goal. Mayfield scrambled four times for 49 yards in the game, including a 26-yarder in the fourth quarter as the pocket collapsed to ignite the final drive. Evans gave the Bucs their first lead of the day, hauling in a back-shoulder catch on the fade in a one-on-one with Mike Jackson during the first quarter.
Defensive Outlook
Tampa Bay's defense held the Panthers to 275 total yards and 16 first downs but the momentum shifted just before the half mark. Tetairoa McMillan made it look like he was going to run inside, then got outside leverage on Jamel Dean and got behind the Bucs' corner for a 23-yard touchdown catch on a fade versus the zero blitz. Overall, Bryce Young completed 21 of 32 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns.
Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis led the Bucs' defense with 10 and eight tackles, respectively, and each recorded a sack. Rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish produced five tackles and had two passes defensed, including one in the end zone working against McMillan with physicality. Tampa Bay was unable to achieve consistent pressure on Young and when the unit was able to get into the backfield, Young escaped using his legs to find an open target downfield.
