Panthers Defeat Buccaneers 23–20 in Sunday Thriller

The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered this unusual late-season confrontation with identical records of 7–7. Both teams are engaged in a fierce struggle to remain in contention for the NFC playoffs. For the first time this season, Tampa Bay had its entire receiving core healthy, featuring talents such as Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, rookie Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan all on the field simultaneously.

However, despite facing a formidable offense, Bryce Young and the Panthers executed just a few more crucial plays, securing a narrow 23–20 victory. With this win, Carolina improved to 8–7, while Tampa Bay fell to 7–8.

Bryce Young and Panthers Start Fast

Carolina initiated the game with an assertive opening drive. Bryce Young effectively utilized the short passing game, connecting with Rico Dowdle and first-round rookie Tetairoa McMillan, pushing the ball close to midfield. The Panthers then resorted to a clever trick play, handing the ball to cornerback Jaycee Horn on a jet sweep, resulting in an impressive 25-yard run down the right sideline.

Dowdle subsequently powered through for a tough run to reach the Buccaneers’ 13-yard line, but the drive ultimately stalled in the red zone. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald successfully converted a field goal from 27 yards, granting Carolina an early 3–0 advantage.

Tampa Bay responded with determination, showcasing the strength of its offense. Bucky Irving ran tenaciously between the tackles, while Baker Mayfield distributed the ball efficiently to Evans, Godwin, and McMillan. Irving executed a powerful 12-yard run, bringing Tampa to the edge of the end zone, where Mayfield concluded the drive with a quick touchdown pass to Evans in the flat. With the extra point, the Buccaneers took a 7–3 lead, demonstrating the potential threat of their fully healthy receiving group.

Tetairoa McMillan’s Late-Half Heroics

In the second quarter, Rachaad White ignited Tampa Bay’s momentum with a remarkable 39-yard run, followed by a penalty on Carolina that advanced the ball even further. Although the Panthers ultimately held strong in the red zone, Chase McLaughlin successfully converted a 23-yard field goal, extending Tampa’s lead to 10–3.

Carolina swiftly retaliated with another successful field goal by Fitzgerald, but they saved their best effort for the closing moments of the half. In the final minute, Young deftly distributed passes among McMillan, Dowdle, and Jalen Coker, judiciously using all three timeouts. With a mere 12 seconds remaining, Young retreated before unleashing a deep throw down the left sideline. McMillan, having beaten single coverage, made an impressive catch, resulting in a 22-yard touchdown.

Thus, the Panthers headed into halftime with a 13–10 lead, showcasing McMillan as a legitimate number one receiver.

Bucs Lean on Depth, Panthers Answer Back

Tampa Bay commenced the third quarter with a methodical and prolonged drive. Irving and White relentlessly powered through the opposing defense, while Mayfield secured a vital first down with a notable 23-yard scramble. Approaching the goal line, the Buccaneers employed strategic motion and additional linemen to bewilder the defense, leading to swift back Sean Tucker bouncing outside for a 1-yard touchdown run, placing Tampa back in front at 17–13.

Young remained composed under pressure, utilizing his mobility to escape defenders while connecting with McMillan and tight end Tommy Tremble on short passes. Chuba Hubbard and Dowdle continued to chip away on the ground game. With just 17 seconds left in the third quarter, Young found running back Jalen Sanders on a short pass to the left side for a 6-yard touchdown, allowing Carolina to regain a 20–17 lead.

Egbuka’s Big Play and the Final Stand

In the opening of the fourth quarter, the depth of Tampa Bay’s receiver group was again on display. Mayfield targeted Jalen McMillan for a short gain before launching a deep pass over the middle to Egbuka that covered an impressive 40 yards to reach the Carolina 49-yard line. Although the Panthers’ defense stiffened, McLaughlin successfully converted a 50-yard field goal, tying the game at 20–20.

Carolina responded with a measured drive. Young connected with Coker on a deep throw down the right sideline for 34 yards and mixed in runs by Dowdle and Hubbard. When Tampa finally managed a stop, Fitzgerald maintained his perfect track record by making a 48-yard field goal, propelling the Panthers ahead 23–20 with just over two minutes left in the game.

With a healthy receiving corps, Tampa still held the opportunity to secure a win and remain above .500. Mayfield completed passes to Evans and tight end Cade Otton, advancing the team into Carolina territory. However, with under a minute left, he attempted to force another pass to Evans over the middle. Instead, Panthers safety Lathan Ransom expertly intercepted the ball at the Carolina 30.

Young took a knee, allowing the Panthers to run out the clock. Carolina’s victory brought their record to 8–7, preserving their playoff aspirations, while the Buccaneers fell to 7–8 and faced a dwindling amount of time to turn their season around, even with their entire receiving lineup finally available.