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Bucs 48, Panthers 14 – Bucs Defeat the Carolina Panthers in Week 17

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3 days ago

January 1, 2025

Bucs 48, Panthers 14 - Bucs Defeat the Carolina Panthers in Week 17

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers, 48-14. Tampa Bay eclipsed 500 internet yards of offense for the third time this season – probably the most within the NFL. The three such video games are tied for the second-most in a single season in NFL historical past (trailing solely the 2020 Cowboys with 4). Baker Mayfield accomplished 27 of 32 makes an attempt for 359 yards and 5 touchdowns for a 153.0 quarterback score. He concluded the ballgame with the identical variety of incompletions (5) as landing passes in a prolific outing. Bucky Irving eclipsed the 1,000-yard speeding marker on the season and topped 100 yards speeding within the recreation with 77 yards receiving. Mike Evans led the Bucs with 97 receiving yards and two touchdowns, whereas receiver Jalen McMillan additionally tallied two touchdowns and 51 yards. Zyon McCollum led the crew in tackles and the Bucs’ protection sacked Bryce Younger 5 instances.

The Buccaneers capped off their opening six-play, 70-yard drive with a two-yard Mike Evans landing. Rookie Bucky Irving totaled 28 speeding yards on the scoring drive and Baker Mayfield hit Payne Durham down the center of the sphere for a 31-yard achieve, which arrange the Bucs on the two-yard-line they usually cashed in with seven. The Panthers responded with a six-play, 70-yard drive of their very own that culminated in an Adam Thielen 17-yard landing.

Tampa Bay’s second drive resulted in a Chase McLaughlin 27-yard discipline aim, offering a 10-7 benefit following a sack of Baker Mayfield on third down. McLaughlin hit a 37-yarder early within the second quarter after a third-down incompletion, making it 13-7. The Bucs then drove down the sphere with Irving because the catalyst. He picked up 34 yards on a run as Tristan Wirfs bought to the second degree because the lead blocker. Irving rapidly labored upfield after which gained 42 yards off a fast cross from Mayfield. He rapidly accelerated north and introduced the Bucs to the one-yard line as Buck-Y chants rang out inside Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay cashed in as Evans utilized his signature transfer on a classic back-shoulder landing catch off a fade.

With just below two minutes to play earlier than the half, the Bucs prolonged their lead, 27-7 as Mayfield hit Jalen McMillan crossing over the again of the top zone on a 10-yard landing. McMillan’s 4 straight video games with a landing seize is tied for the fourth-longest streak by a rookie in NFL historical past. On that drive, Irving surpassed the 1,000-yard speeding marker with a six-yard rush, turning into the primary Tampa Bay participant to perform the feat since Doug Martin in 2015. The Bucs completed the primary two frames with 337 whole internet yards, together with 122 speeding and 20 first downs. With 5:48 on the clock within the third, Mayfield threw his fourth landing cross, this one to tight finish Payne Durham. Durham was left vast open within the again nook of the top zone on a nook route to present Tampa Bay a 34-14 lead.

Late within the third body, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka blocked the Panthers’ punt, and it was recovered by J.J. Russell on the Carolina 23 and returned for a landing, giving the Bucs a 41-14 cushion. To start the fourth quarter, Mayfield related with McMillan on his fifth landing cross of the day and the rookie receiver hopped into the top zone to present Tampa Bay a dominant 48-14 lead.

To conclude the primary quarter, Calijah Kancey looped inside and went unblocked via the A-gap for a 10-yard sack on Bryce Younger, which pressured a punt and fast three-and-out. Early within the third quarter, the Bucs registered sacks on back-to-back performs, which arrange third-and-24 and an ensuing punt. The primary knockdown went to Yaya Diaby, who was relentless in pursuit, and the following went to Anthony Nelson for a lack of 4 yards. Halfway via the fourth quarter, each Chris Braswell (-10) and Logan Corridor (-9) sacked Younger on back-to-back performs, which pressured a turnover on downs.