Buccaneers at Panthers

Franchise Hub Beat · 1h ago

In a decisive Week 18 showdown, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers topped the Carolina Panthers with a final score of 38-20, securing their playoff positioning in the 2028 season. With the stakes high, the Buccaneers demonstrated their dominance on both sides of the ball, leaving no doubt about their readiness for the postseason.

Baker Mayfield led the charge for Tampa Bay, throwing for an impressive 397 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his precision and ability to stretch the field. Ted Hurst III was his favorite target, racking up 134 receiving yards, while Jadan Baugh contributed a solid ground game with 71 rushing yards, helping to keep the Panthers' defense on its heels throughout the contest.

Defensively, the Buccaneers made key plays to disrupt the Panthers' rhythm, with Owen Pappoe recording a crucial sack. The game turned in Tampa Bay's favor during the second quarter when they scored two quick touchdowns, building a lead that Carolina struggled to overcome. Despite a strong performance from Erick Hunter, who tallied 15 tackles for the Panthers, the Buccaneers' offensive firepower proved too much to handle.