Carolina Panthers To Stupid To Tank Right !!
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers game recap: Everything we know
Unfortunately for the Carolina Panthers, there was no reaping to be had in Sunday’s NFC South showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In fact, it was the other quarterback who took some souls this afternoon.
Here’s everything we know from the Week 17 slaying . . .
Final score: Buccaneers 48, Panthers 14
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Keys to the game
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Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield sliced up Carolina’s battered defense. The former No. 1 overall pick (and Panther) completed 27 of his 32 throws for 359 yards, five touchdowns and a sparkling 153.0 passer rating.
Mayfield’s field day was set up by some complementary football from his running back, Bucky Irving. The rookie, who rushed for a career-high 152 yards against Carolina back in Week 13, tallied 113 yards on 20 carries.
Although Panthers quarterback Bryce Young flashed at times, specifically when he connected with wide receiver Adam Thielen for a pair of beautiful touchdown throws, the offense was clearly hurting from the absence of running back Chuba Hubbard. Carolina rushed for just 39 yards and, as a unit, converted on only two of their nine third-down attempts.
It was over when . . .
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The last shred of hope for the Panthers sat with the opening possession out of the break, where they were facing a 27-14 deficit. But that shred was promptly disposed after the touch stalled following a five-play, 12-yard drive.
That gave the ball back to Baker and the Bucs—who trekked downfield on a 10-play, 94-yard trip to the end zone. Mayfield found tight end Payne Durham for a 5-yard touchdown at the 5:48 mark of the third quarter to extend Tampa Bay’s lead to 34-14.
Players of the game
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WR Adam Thielen: five receptions, 110 yards, two touchdowns
QB Bryce Young: 15-for-28, 203 yards, two touchdowns
ILB Jacoby Windmon: 10 tackles, 0.5 sack
What’s next?
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The Panthers (4-12) will close up their 2024 season with a visit to see the Atlanta Falcons (8-7) in Week 18.