In a decisive victory, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers topped the Carolina Panthers 23-6 in Week 12 of the 2026 season. The win solidifies Tampa Bay's position in the playoff race, while the Panthers continue to struggle as the season progresses. Brock Purdy led the offensive charge for the Buccaneers with 187 passing yards, effectively managing the game and distributing the ball to his playmakers. Rico Dowdle was a standout in the backfield, rushing for 105 yards, while David Njoku emerged as a key target, hauling in 82 receiving yards. Their combined efforts kept the Panthers' defense on its heels throughout the contest. Defensively, the Buccaneers were formidable, with Drue Tranquill leading the team with eight total tackles, ensuring that Carolina's offense was consistently stifled. The turning point came when Riley Moss intercepted a pass, shifting momentum firmly in Tampa Bay's favor and allowing them to control the pace of the game. Despite a strong effort from the Panthers' Trey Hendrickson, who recorded two sacks, Tampa Bay’s defensive unit proved too much to handle, ultimately securing the victory.