The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost for the first time since their Week 11 bye, dropping a 26-24 nail-biter to the Cowboys in Dallas on Sunday night. The Atlanta Falcons took that opportunity to squeeze past the Buccaneers in the NFC South line, with both teams now at 8-7 but the Falcons owning the head-to-head tiebreaker. The race to capture the division crown is now down to just two weeks, and the Bucs have to win one more game than Atlanta does to claim it for a fourth straight year.
Those efforts begin at home in Week 17, as the Carolina Panthers visit it Raymond James Stadium for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff on Sunday, December 29. Tampa Bay defeated the Panthers in Charlotte just four weeks ago, but it took a last-second field goal drive and a critical forced fumble in overtime to escape with the 26-23 decision. The Bucs will try to get back to .500 in home games after finishing their road slate with a 5-3 mark.
The 4-11 Panthers have been eliminated from the playoff race but have played much better after a 1-7 start to the season. They scored November wins over the Giants and Saints and then lost by just three to both the Chiefs and Bucs and by just six in Philadelphia in Week 14. Most recently, Carolina went to overtime against Arizona last Sunday and this time came away with a 36-30 win. Running back Chuba Hubbard took care of all 49 yards on the game-winning drive with a pair of 20-plus yard sprints.
Second-year quarterback Bryce Young's improved play since his return from an early-season benching has been part of the Panthers' competitiveness, but it is Hubbard who is driving the Carolina offense. He ranks sixth in the NFL with 1,195 rushing yards, is the Panthers' leading pass-catcher with 43 grabs and has scored 10 touchdowns while averaging 4.8 per tote. Carolina's defense has surrendered the most points in the NFL (29.9 per game) but is getting good work from safety Xavier Woods (three interceptions), defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson (5.5 sacks) and cornerback Jaycee Horn (13 passes defensed).
The Bucs are in must-win mode this week, as a loss to Carolina coupled with a win by Atlanta at Washington would eliminate them from both the division title hunt and the Wild Card race. Here are four major storylines and four head-to-head player battles to keep an eye on as the Bucs try to stay alive and the Panthers try to play spoiler.
TOP STORYLINES
Now or Never – As noted above, the Bucs could be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss, and even if they remained alive with a Falcons loss they would be hanging on by a thread. Tampa Bay is 20-6 in regular-season games played in December and January since 2020, and just missed improving to 21-5 in Sunday's game at Dallas. On a more positive note, a Buccaneers win over Carolina and an Atlanta loss to Washington would tilt control of the division race back into Tampa Bay's lap. In that hoped-for scenario, the Buccaneers would be back up by a game over the Falcons and would only need to beat the visiting Saints in Week 18 or have Atlanta lose at home to the Panthers. A victorious Bucs team on Sunday would even get to comfortably do some scoreboard watching because the Falcons and Commanders don't kick off until Sunday night at 8:20 p.m. ET. Prior to that, the Buccaneers will try to stay singularly focused on the task at their own hands. Said quarterback Baker Mayfield: "From here on out, [it's] obviously not the scenario we want to be in but [we] still have to take care of business. Obviously, some things have to happen but if we don't take care of business – that's the mentality. It has to start there, and [we have] got to do our job, the little details and everything included in that to try and find a way to win."
Ground Delivery – Statistically, there is one major mismatch in Sunday's game that the Buccaneers will likely need to be able to exploit to win the game. Carolina's run defense, the spine of which has been without middle-of-the-field stalwarts Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson since early in the season, is allowing a whopping 175.2 rushing yards per game. That and the 5.11 yards per carry the Panthers are giving up are both the most in the NFL. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay's rushing attack has very nearly been the best in the league since the team came back from its Week 11 bye. In the five weeks since, the Buccaneers have racked up 902 yards on the ground, second only to Philadelphia's 1,005, and their average of 5.67 yards per tote is the best in the league in that span. While rookie Bucky Irving has taken the lead in that rushing attack and is just 80 yards away from a 1,000-yard season, the Buccaneers also have two other talented backs in Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. If the Bucs manage to get their ground game going early against the Panthers' compromised defense, they could get the opportunity to cycle in all three backs and grind away the clock as much as possible.
Pressure Points – One statistic that has not been a positive for the Buccaneers in recent weeks is sack differential. Over the last four games the Bucs have allowed 13 sacks of Mayfield while collecting only seven on defense. They gave up four sacks to Dallas, one of which resulted in a fumble that mercifully went out of bounds, and only got one against the Cowboys' Cooper Rush. Simply put, the Buccaneers need to get more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, whether it be sacks, quarterback hits or hurried throws, and that won't necessarily be easy against a mobile quarterback like Bryce Young this Sunday. Carolina spent big on two new guards, Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, in the offense and have given Young (and for a spell, Andy Dalton) pretty good protection. The Panthers' offense ranks 13th in the NFL in sacks allowed per pass play, at 6.40%. The Bucs' pass rush ranks 19th in getting sacks at 7.30%. Tampa Bay has been able to get pressure somewhat regularly up the middle – interior linemen Calijah Kancey (6.5) and Vita Vea (6.0) are the team's two leading sack producers – but the edge pressure has come and gone. Last week, the Bucs only sack against Dallas was split by Kancey and outside linebacker Yaya Diaby. Young had a solid game against the Bucs in Week 13, completing 26 of 46 passes for 298 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. The Bucs don't want to see a repeat of that performance and would have a much better chance of staving it off if they can get Young on the ground multiple times.
Home Cooking – The Buccaneers have never qualified for the playoffs in a season in which they had a losing record at home, and that fact will likely remain true after 2024. Tampa Bay is currently 3-4 at Raymond James Stadium this season and almost certainly will have to beat both Carolina and New Orleans (in Week 18) at home to get into the playoffs. That would leave them with a 5-4 mark to go with their fine 5-3 record away from home. The Buccaneers started the season off well in this regard, beating NFC playoff contenders Washington and Philadelphia at home in the first month (sandwiched around a home loss to Denver) but then lost their next three to Baltimore, Atlanta and San Francisco. The Denver and Baltimore games are the only ones they have lost by more than one score this season. Most recently, the Buccaneers won fairly convincing over Las Vegas on their home field in Week 14, so perhaps they re-learned to love home cooking as the holiday season approached. They need to whip up two more home wins in the next two weeks to have any shot at scheduling another game at Raymond James Stadium before the season ends.
View the top images of Tampa Bay's Week 16 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 at AT&T Stadium.
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 and Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker J.J. Russell #51 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15, Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92, and Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 and Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tackle Justin Skule #77 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26, Cornerback Jamel Dean #35, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Running Back Sean Tucker #44, and Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70, and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes a field goal during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a touchdown during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 and Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buccaneers Legend Tony Dungy before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Fans before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Ross of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13, Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 and Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ARLINGTON, TX - December 22, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys. The Bucs lost the game, 26-24. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
KEY MATCHUPS
1.Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard vs. Buccaneers LB Lavonte David
In 2023, the Panthers signed Miles Sanders, who was coming off a 1,269-yard season with the Eagles, to a big contract, presumably to be their lead back. Instead, Chuba Hubbard, a former fourth-round pick who had 1,078 rushing yards combined in his first two seasons led the way with 902 yards. This past offseason, Carolina used a second-round pick on Texas standout Jonathon Brooks, even knowing that an ACL tear in his final college season would likely keep him on the shelf through the first half of the season. Before Brooks could get into the mix, Hubbard emerged as one of the NFL's most productive backs and was rewarded with his own lucrative contract extension. Now Hubbard is producing like a top-five back in the NFL; according to NFL Next Gen Stats he has generated 282 rushing yards over expected this season, third in the league behind only MVP candidates Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. Only the Rams' Kyren Williams has been on the field more among NFL running backs, so the Bucs should expect to see a heavy does of Hubbard on Sunday. One of their best weapons against him will be rangy linebacker Lavonte David, who has strengthened his Hall of Fame resume in 2024 with another fine season. David leads the Bucs with 112 tackles, a team-high 51 of which have come on run plays. An experienced master at taking good pursuit angles to opposing backs. David also has 5.5 sacks this season and has 29 QB pressures, 19 of which occurred in under 2.5 seconds, so if Hubbard is kept in for pass protection at any point he may have to deal with David in a defensive manner, too.
- Buccaneers WR Mike Evans vs. Panthers CB Jaycee Horn
Yes, Mike Evans likes playing against the Panthers. A month ago in Charlotte he rang up eight catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, marking the seventh time in his career he has finished a game against the division rivals with 96 or more yards. He has also scored 12 times in 20 games versus Carolina. Evans' touchdown at Carolina in Week 13 came on one of his patented end zone fade routes, but this one was particularly impressive given the acrobatic one-handed catch and toe-tap that was required. The Buccaneers' main motivation on Sunday will be to get the win, of course, but they wouldn't mind if that win included another prolific performance by Evans against Carolina, as he needs 182 receiving yards over the last two weeks to reach 1,000 and extend his NFL record to 11 such seasons to begin a career. One of the men looking to keep Evans in check will be fourth-year cornerback Jaycee Horn. Horn has experienced awful injury luck early in his career, missing 14 games in 2021 and 11 in 2023, but he's already appeared in a career-high 15 games this season and has played well. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, leading into Carolina's Week 15 game, he had forced a tight window throw on 54.5% of his targets, the third-highest percentage in the league. Horn had also allowed just 2.3 yards per target when playing man coverage, the fewest among any cornerback with at least 20 such targets in 2024. He has filled up his stat line this season, with 68 tackles, 2.0 sacks, five tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, one interception and 13 passes defensed.
- Panthers G Robert Hunt vs. Buccaneers DL Calijah Kancey
As noted above, Carolina dipped into free agency to solidify an offensive line that had been a trouble spot in recent years, particularly between the tackles. Robert Hunt left the Dolphins for a big deal in Carolina, becoming the third-highest paid guard in the league, and has started all 15 games at right guard so far. According to Pro Football Focus, Hunt has allowed 4.0 sacks this season and has a run-blocking grade of 73.0 to rank 24th among all NFL guards. Hunt's blocking has helped power Carolina's run game to the 16th most yards per game this season, at 112.3. The Panthers also rank 11th in yards per carry, at 4.59. Calijah Kancey moves around the Bucs' defensive front a bit but has seen a higher percentage of snaps to the right of the opposing center, so he should have plenty of interaction with the Panthers' 6-6, 323-pound mauler. Kancey leads the Buccaneers with 6.5 sacks despite missing the first five games of the season with a calf injury, and he seems to be getting stronger as the season progresses. Last Sunday in Dallas he played all but three of the team's defensive snaps and shared a sack with Yaya Diaby. Kancey has an explosive first step and a toolkit of pass rush moves that he constantly works to make deeper. He and Vita Vea have keyed a front-line defense that has been nearly impenetrable against the run in recent weeks. The Bucs allowed just 31 rushing yards in a Week 15 win at the Los Angeles Chargers and 32 more on Sunday night in Dallas, marking the first time in franchise history the team's defense has held two consecutive opponents under 35 rushing yards.
- Buccaneers G Cody Mauch vs. Panthers DT Shy Tuttle
A second-round pick in 2023 who made the switch from left tackle in college to right guard in the pros, Mauch made a point of adding bulk and strength after an inconsistent rookie season and the results have been impressive. In addition, as Mauch noted earlier this week, he has finally committed to muscle memory the techniques of playing on the right side instead of the left, largely in terms of hand placement, and that has helped him progress as well. Mauch has played 100% of the Buccaneers' offensive snaps this season and has contributed to an attack that ranks third in yards per game, fifth in scoring, seventh in rushing yards per game and third in yards per carry. Shy Tuttle, who has started all 30 games in which he has played since coming over in an intra-divisional move from New Orleans in 2023, should see a lot of Mauch. Tuttle's pre-snap location heat map on NFL NGS shows him playing most of his snaps on the side of the line occupied by Mauch and right tackle Luke Goedeke. Tuttle does not have a sack this year and has just 4.5 in six NFL seasons but may play a key role in trying to slow down Bucky Irving and company. The level of difficulty for Tuttle and the rest of the Panthers' defensive front went up significantly when Derrick Brown was lost to injury, and Tuttle's PFF run-blocking grade this season has been subpar. However, he is a high-motor player who brings maximum effort on every snap.
