The Buccaneers are still in the race for the playoffs. The task was not the most difficult. The Panthers pretended to hang on in the first half before completely collapsing. Baker Mayfield (27/32, 359 yards, 5 TDs) was imperial. Mike Evans (97 yards, 2 TDs) and Jalen McMillan (51 yards, 2 TDs) dominated the air. Bucky Irving was once again in the oven and the mill with 190 yards in total.
There are no big lessons to be learned from such a debacle for the Panthers. Bryce Young (15/28, 203 yards, 2 TDs) was rather effective in the first half. He was well supported by Adam Thielen (110 yards, 2TD). But it's hard to hope for anything without Chuba Hubbard and a defense that had an open house. See you next year.
Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving and Mike Evans vs. Bryce Young and Adam Thielen
The Buccaneers strike from the start. Bucky Irving is sharp, Baker Mayfield precise. He ends the possession with a pass to Mike Evans for the touchdown. The Panthers respond well. Bryce Young connects with his favorite receiver, the indestructible Adam Thielen for the equalizer. Tampa immediately returns to the red zone but Carolina's defense limits the damage to three points.
On the next possession, Calijah Chancey catches Bryce Young and the Panthers have to punt. The defense alternates between the good and the bad. Despite penalties, she again conceded only three points. However, the attack does not succeed and punts again, unlike the Bucs. Irving sets fire to the ground, in the air and Evans scores again. Jalen McMillan and Adam Thielen once again punctuate a rich first half offensively. 27-14 for Tampa after a last missed kick attempt by Eddy Pineiro at 53 yards.
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers finish off the Panthers
The Panthers start this second half with a punt. The Bucs step on the pedal and Baker Mayfield throws his fourth touchdown. It's the turn of his tight end Payne Durham to make his contribution. Then Joe Tryon blocks another punt attempt. JJ Russell picks up the leather and scores six new points. A torrential rain comes and darkens the meeting a little more for the Panthers.
After yet another clearance, Baker Mayfield offers a double to Jalen McMillan after going all the way up the field. Carolina fails on the fourth attempt and Tampa starts the replacements. Kyle Trask and Sean Tucker win some first downs and it was over. Tampa Bay is still alive in the playoff race.
