Buccaneers Edge Panthers 16-14 in Rain-Soaked Finale

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinched a narrow 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium.

The game, played in rainy conditions saw the Buccaneers take an early 10-0 lead in the first quarter, only to see the Panthers narrow the gap to 13-7 at halftime.

Key Moments 

Key moments included quarterback Baker Mayfield’s 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cade Otton, giving the Buccaneers a 7-0 lead on their opening drive. Kicker Chase McLaughlin added three field goals, including a 48-yard kick in the fourth quarter. The Panthers mounted a comeback, scoring a touchdown on an 8-yard pass from Bryce Young to Jalen Coker with 2:27 left, but a fumble on a flea-flicker play, recovered by Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David, thwarted their final drive.

All Eyes on Atlanta 

The win preserves Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes, as they now need the New Orleans Saints to beat the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to clinch the NFC South title. The Buccaneers and Panthers both finished the regular season with 8-9 records, setting up a decisive Saints-Falcons matchup that will determine the division champion.

Postgame reactions were mixed, with some fans celebrating the victory while others criticized the officiating, pointing to several controversial calls throughout the game. The Buccaneers will now wait to see if they can secure a postseason berth based on the outcome of Sunday’s game.