The Tampa Bay Buccaneers pulled off a dramatic 26-23 overtime win against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, propelled by Chase McLaughlin’s 30-yard game-winning field goal. The victory vaulted the Bucs (6-6) into a first-place tie in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons, setting the stage for a compelling stretch run in the division.
Bucs running back Bucky Irving delivered a career-best performance, rushing for 152 yards and a touchdown. His dynamic runs helped Tampa Bay control the tempo, including a crucial 38-yard burst in overtime that positioned McLaughlin for his fourth field goal of the game.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield continued his dominance against his former team, completing 21 of 33 passes for 235 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Mayfield’s most memorable moment came in the third quarter, when he connected with Mike Evans for a spectacular 1-yard touchdown. Evans, who finished with five catches for 118 yards, made a remarkable one-handed grab, further cementing his status as Mayfield’s go-to target.
Mayfield is now 4-0 against the Panthers since they cut him in 2022, adding another layer of drama to his ongoing success story in Tampa Bay.
Panthers rookie quarterback Bryce Young showed flashes of brilliance, throwing for 298 yards and a touchdown. With just 30 seconds left in regulation, he orchestrated a 60-yard drive, capping it off with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Adam Thielen to give Carolina a brief 23-20 lead.
However, Young’s hopes of a game-winning drive in overtime were dashed when Chuba Hubbard fumbled after a one-handed catch by Thielen had moved the Panthers into Tampa Bay territory. Young’s decision not to attempt recovering the fumble echoed memories of Cam Newton’s infamous play in Super Bowl 50, leaving Panthers fans questioning the team’s fortunes once again.
Carolina kicker Eddy Pineiro entered the game as the most accurate kicker in NFL history but endured a nightmare second quarter, missing field goals from 38 and 45 yards. The missed kicks loomed large, as the Panthers (3-9) suffered their seventh consecutive losing season.
Hubbard’s overtime fumble added to Carolina’s misery, with a dejected Hubbard sitting alone on the bench long after the final whistle.
The Buccaneers will look to build on their momentum as they host the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday, while the Panthers face a daunting road trip to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles.
For Tampa Bay, the win keeps their playoff hopes alive, while Carolina’s season continues to spiral in frustration and heartbreak.
