On December 29, 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers delivered a commanding performance against the Carolina Panthers, securing a 48-14 victory. This game was pivotal for both teams, with the Buccaneers aiming to strengthen their playoff position and the Panthers seeking to end their season on a high note.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Highlights
Quarterback Baker Mayfield showcased exceptional precision, completing 27 32 passes for 359 yards and five touchdowns, tying his career high. His ability to distribute the ball effectively kept the Panthers’ defense on their heels throughout the game.
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Wide receiver Mike Evans continued his consistent performance with eight receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. This game brought him closer to his 11th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, a milestone he would achieve in the following week.
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Rookie running back Bucky Irving made a significant impact, rushing for 113 yards on 20 carries. This achievement marked him as the first Buccaneers rookie to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a season since Doug Martin in 2012.
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Carolina Panthers’ Performance
The Panthers’ offense struggled against the Buccaneers’ formidable defense. Quarterback Bryce Young completed 15 of 28 passes for 203 yards, including two touchdown passes to Adam Thielen. Thielen was a bright spot for the Panthers, recording five receptions for 110 yards and both of the team’s touchdowns.
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However, the Panthers’ rushing attack was stifled, managing only 39 yards on the ground. The absence of the leading rusher, Chuba Hubbard, who had been placed on injured reserve before the game, significantly impacted their ground game.
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Defensive and Special Teams Contributions
The Buccaneers’ defense was relentless, sacking Bryce Young five times and limiting the Panthers to a mere 204 total offensive yards. Linebacker J.J. Russell contributed to the scoring with a 23-yard return of a blocked punt for a touchdown in the third quarter, further extending the Buccaneers’ lead.
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Also read: carolina panthers vs tampa bay buccaneers match player stats
Game Summary
The Buccaneers dominated time of possession, controlling the ball for over 41 minutes compared to the Panthers’ 18 minutes and 49 seconds. Tampa Bay’s offense was efficient, converting five of eight red zone opportunities into touchdowns. In contrast, the Panthers struggled to sustain drives, achieving only 13 first downs against the Buccaneers’ 33.
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This decisive victory improved the Buccaneers’ record to 9-7, keeping them in contention for the NFC South division title. With this loss, the Panthers fell to 4-12, concluding a challenging season.
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In summary, the December 29, 2024, matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers showcased Tampa Bay’s offensive prowess and defensive strength. Key performances from Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Bucky Irving highlighted the Buccaneers’ dominance, while the Panthers faced significant challenges on both sides.
