Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dominate Panthers, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came out swinging in Week 17, dominating the Carolina Panthers with a 48-14 victory. This win was crucial for the Buccaneers, who needed to finish the season with two wins to keep their playoff hopes alive. Quarterback Baker Mayfield led the charge, completing over 80% of his passes for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Mike Evans also had a standout performance, catching two of Mayfield’s touchdown passes as he aims for his 11th straight season of 1,000 receiving yards.

The Buccaneers’ running game was also firing on all cylinders, with rookie Bucky Irving leading the way with 113 yards on 20 carries. The team was particularly efficient on third down, converting 10 of 14 attempts. This strong offensive performance earned high grades from Pro Football Focus for several key players, including Mayfield, Evans, and tight ends Payne Durham, Devin Culp, and Ko Kieft.

While the win over the Panthers was a step in the right direction, the Buccaneers still needed help from other teams to secure a playoff spot. Fortunately for them, the Atlanta Falcons’ loss to the Commanders greatly improved their chances. With one game left in the regular season, the Buccaneers are now in a strong position to make a push for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. Stay tuned to BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they head into the final week of the 2024 season.