The Carolina Panthers walked out of their locker room Sunday encouraged by what they had accomplished, while fully aware that their work is not finished.
Carolina knocked off Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first time, earning a 23–20 victory that gave the Panthers sole possession of first place in the NFC South with two games remaining. The win moved Carolina to 8–7 and positioned the franchise for its first division title in nearly a decade, though another showdown with Tampa Bay could still decide the race.
The Panthers can clinch the NFC South next Sunday with a win over Seattle and a Buccaneers loss to Miami. If Tampa Bay wins, Carolina would need to defeat the Bucs again in the regular-season finale to end Tampa Bay’s four-year run as division champions and snap a seven-year playoff drought.
Quarterback Bryce Young again delivered in the biggest moments. Young threw for 191 yards and two touchdowns, including a critical 6-yard score to Ja’Tavion Sanders late in the third quarter after evading pressure in the pocket. Of Young’s 14 career wins as a starter, 12 have now come on game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime.
The Panthers’ defense sealed the outcome in the final minute. Rookie safety Lathan Ransom intercepted Mayfield with 42 seconds remaining, halting Tampa Bay’s final drive and redeeming himself a week after a costly penalty contributed to Carolina’s loss at New Orleans.
Mayfield, who had been unbeaten against Carolina entering the game, finished 18 of 26 for 145 yards with a touchdown pass to Mike Evans on the Buccaneers’ opening drive. Tampa Bay struggled to find consistency afterward, losing its third straight game and falling to 7–8 despite the return of injured receivers Evans and Jalen McMillan.
Carolina showed resilience following last week’s heartbreaking loss, responding with a composed and physical performance. The Panthers have now won four straight games following a defeat, a trend that underscores their growth late in the season.
Injuries
Buccaneers linebacker Anthony Nelson exited in the first half with a knee injury.
For Carolina, left tackle Ickey Ekwonu was ruled out before the game with a knee injury suffered the previous week.
Up Next
The Buccaneers travel to Miami on Sunday.
The Panthers return home to host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
