The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came out victorious in a 48-14 decision over the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Quarterback Baker Mayfield dealt with precision, throwing the same number of touchdowns as he did incompletions (five) in the division clash. Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan each registered a pair of touchdowns and Bucky Irving eclipsed the 100-yard rushing marker and 1,000 rushing milestone on the year. Defensively, Todd Bowles dialed up mixed pressures and coverages, notably on third down, and five different players recorded sacks on Bryce Young in the Week 17 pounding of the Panthers.
Offensive Onslaught
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put up points on their first five possessions and the club generated 551 net yards of offense in the thrilling win, their second-most in a game in 2024 and the sixth-most in a single game in franchise history.
The Buccaneers amassed 202 rushing yards against Carolina, their fourth game this season with over 200 yards on the ground – the fourth-most such performances by any team in 2024. Tampa Bay's seven straight games with over 100 yards on the ground is the second-longest active streak in the NFL, trailing only Philadelphia (16). Bucky Irving produced a season-high 190 yards from scrimmage including 20 carries for 113 yards and four receptions for a season-high 77 receiving yards. With his 113 yards on the ground, Irving eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing milestone, becoming the first Tampa Bay player to accomplish the feat since Doug Martin in 2015. Irving became the first Bucs' rookie to reach that feat since Martin in 2012.
He had back-to-back explosive plays in the second quarter, which set up the second touchdown of the day for Mike Evans. On Irving's 34-yard run, Graham Barton and Tristan Wirfs pulled on a counter gap play and Evans executed a key block to seal the outside. Irving utilized a lethal stutter-step and got north. On the ensuing play, Irving picked up 42 yards on a delayed screen. Baker Mayfield faked the play action then hit Irving on the screen and he turned upfield. Irving ran with sensational vision, decisiveness and elusiveness in the Week 17 clash. He picked up a season-high 111 yards after contact, leaving defenders reeling with short-area quickness. Irving identified optimal running lanes and quickly accelerated through creases.
Mayfield completed 27 of 32 passes (84.4%) for 359 yards and a career-high-tying five touchdowns compared to zero interceptions to earn a passer rating of 153.0 – his highest-mark this season and the second-highest figure of his career. Mayfield's 84.4% completion percentage is tied for his fourth-highest mark in a game in his career. He played with precision in the pocket and layered the football to multiple targets. Mayfield was patient in his progression and put his arm strength on full display. He had 11 straight completions coming out of the half and led a master class against a division foe. Whether placing the ball in the hands of Payne Durham versus a two-high shell before the safeties came down or hitting Evans on an in-breaker to give him the opportunity for yards after the catch, Mayfield let it rip in the must-win matchup.
Mike Evans accumulated a team-high eight receptions for a team-best 97 yards and two receiving touchdowns. With his performance, Evans surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Largent (819) for the 36th-most receptions in NFL history, and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famers Tim Brown and Don Hutson (105) for the 21st-most total touchdowns in NFL history. On his opening-drive touchdown, Evans achieved inside leverage. He faked like he was going to work outside for a fade route and once the defensive back took the bait, Evans went inside on a slant for the score, providing the Bucs with a 7-0 lead. His second touchdown in the second quarter came on a back-shoulder grab on a fade – the bread and butter of the future Hall of Fame receiver.
Jalen McMillan continued his scoring streak, bringing in five catches for 51 yards and two touchdowns. McMillan has logged four straight games with at least one score, collecting six touchdown receptions during that stretch. His four straight games with a receiving touchdown is tied for the fourth-longest streak by a rookie in NFL history. On his first touchdown of the day in the second quarter, McMillan was not the primary target but he continued working to make himself available and Mayfield found him in the back of the end zone for a 27-7 advantage.
Defensive Pressure
The Buccaneers tallied 5.0 sacks in Sunday's win, tied for their second-most in a game this season. Tampa Bay received 1.0 sack from five different players, tied for its most number of players with at least 1.0 sack in a game since the start of the 2014 season, including Calijah Kancey, Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Logan Hall and Chris Braswell Jr.
Tampa Bay limited Carolina to 39 rushing yards on the day, their third consecutive game holding their opponent to fewer than 40 yards on the ground. The three-game stretch is the longest-such streak by any team since the 2013 Detroit Lions from Weeks 10-13. Tampa Bay's 102 rushing yards allowed over their last three games is the lowest total allowed by a team across a three-game stretch since the same 2013 Lions team. The Buccaneers have held opponents to fewer than 100 rushing yards in seven consecutive games, not only the longest active streak in the NFL, but also the longest such streak by any team this season. Carolina was shutout in the second half after a few coverage busts led to large gains for Adam Thielen and a pair of touchdowns for the Panthers' top pass-catcher in the first half.
Special Teams Highlight
To ice the game with a 41-14 lead, Joe-Tryon Shoyinka blocked the Panthers' punt, taking it off the foot of Johnny Hekker. J.J. Russell recovered the football and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. It represented Tampa Bay's first blocked punt returned for a touchdown since Nov. 11, 2012, against San Diego.
