Carolina Panthers (3-9) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-6): 23-26 after overtime
After being the hero of a match which also ended in overtime in Munich, Panthers runner Chuba Hubbard unfortunately puts on the opposite costume in this divisional meeting against the Buccaneers. A match which lacked rhythm, but which had its share of suspense.
The runner is guilty of a fatal loss of ball while his team was in position to hit the winning field goal in overtime. He therefore gives another chance to Chase McLaughlin. The Buccaneers kicker does not miss a second time to give a precious victory in the quest for the NFC South division.
Another young player who could have become the hero is Bryce Young. The quarterback thought he would give his team the victory with 36 seconds left in the game. But that was without counting on the resilience of Baker Mayfield and his teammates to win the extension.
This victory bears the mark of the Bucky Irving – Mike Evans duo. The rookie runner beats his career record by surpassing 100 yards for the first time. The receiver proves that he is still one of the best receivers in the league with his first performance of the season over 100 yards.
Panthers in rhythm
After a timid start and an injured referee, the game unraveled. The Buccaneers strike first, with a magnificent reception for a touchdown from Mike Evans (8 REC, 118 yards, TD). His first touchdown since returning from injury. After that, Todd Bowles' team stalled, and couldn't find any rhythm.
Unlike the Panthers, who had a convincing first period. Bryce Young (26/46, 315 yards, 2 TDs) is solid, finds solutions, and even allows himself to give his team the advantage with a running touchdown. Unfortunately, he is not helped by his kicker Eddy Pineiro, who misses 2 field goals, and who should have given a greater advantage at halftime. The quarterback could (should) also have been awarded a touchdown pass for Adam Thielen (8 REC, 99 yards, TD), unfortunately refused.
The impression is therefore better on the side of the Panthers than the Buccaneers. But, there is only 3 points difference at half-time in favor of the locals (13-10).
Bucky Irving, the Buccaneers' bright spot
The stars at the start of the second half are… the punters. Allow me to introduce them to you! Their names are Trenton Gill for the Buccaneers, and Johnny Hekker for the Panthers. Quickly, Baker Mayfield (21/33, 235 yards, TD, 2 INT) takes over the highlight of the show, but not for good reasons.
After a first interception in the first period, the former Panthers quarterback threw a second in the direction of Xavier Woods after being taken out for treatment. Unfortunately, Dave Canales' players do not take advantage of it, and are content to add one more field goal.
Already performing well in the first act, Bucky Irving (25 races, 185 yards, TD) does it again in the second, with added efficiency. The rookie scores his 6th touchdown of the season. When he comes out, don't count on his replacement Rachaad White (11 carries, 76 yards) to finish the job he started. The runner is stopped 1 yard from the touchdown, and forces Tampa Bay to settle for 3 points to widen the gap.
Now a substitute, White will make up for it in overtime with a decisive 38-yard run, leading to Chase McLaughlin's game-winning field goal. However, Bryce Young struggled throughout the entire match despite another spectacular reception from Adam Thielen during overtime.
In vain.
