The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) defeated the Carolina Panthers (8-9) 16–14 on Saturday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium to close out the regular season.
Baker Mayfield threw for a touchdown and finished the day leading a balanced Buccaneers attack, while kicker Chase McLaughlin accounted for nine points with three field goals. Cade Otton hauled in Mayfield’s lone touchdown, and Tampa Bay’s defense made just enough stops late to secure the victory in rainy conditions.
The Buccaneers jumped out early, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive for the third straight game when Mayfield connected with Otton for an 18-yard score. After building a 10–0 lead, Tampa Bay saw Carolina respond with a short-field touchdown following an interception. McLaughlin added a field goal before halftime to give the Bucs a 13–7 edge at the break.
Tampa Bay extended the lead to 16–7 early in the fourth quarter on a 48-yard McLaughlin field goal, but the Panthers made things interesting late. Carolina pulled within two points with 2:27 remaining, but the Buccaneers sealed the game with a key third-down completion to Otton and survived a last-second lateral attempt to end it.
The Buccaneers season came to an end on Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 19-17 on Sunday afternoon. The Buccaneers conclude the season with a 8-9 record and have missed the postseason for the first time since 2019.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES