Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving had a career night at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Caroline on Dec. 1, 2024. Credit: Photo via Buccaneers
There were a lot of lowlights in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 26-23 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday afternoon—and some massive highlights, too.

Running back Bucky Irving had a career night, with 152 yards rushing and a touchdown. Irving’s counterpart Rachaad White didn’t have a career night, but did turn in what might have been the play of the game: a clutch, 38-yard rush in overtime to set up a game-winning chip shot for Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin (who also hit a 51-yard, last-second, game-tying field goal in regulation).

And if it wasn’t for Bucs linebacker Anthony Nelson stripping the ball away from Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard in the previous drive in overtime, Mr. White might’ve never had the chance to cook

Around the division both the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons lost, meaning every team in the NFC South lost, except the Bucs. At 6-6, Tampa Bay is now in prime position to continue its strong play against weak opponents.

That’s the good stuff—but there was a lot to groan about.

Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield had two interceptions, both inexcusable and confusingly bad.

Tampa Bay’s new punter Trenton Gill also gave the Panthers excellent field position at their own 40 to set up what could’ve been a game-winning drive by failing to have his kickoff attempt reach the return zone.

Todd Bowles’ defense also allowed Carolina quarterback Bryce Young to have a solid night, as the second-year man had 298 yards, a career high.

So a lot of ugly, but brighter days could be ahead.

Young might have had a career night via pass yards, but he also had to throw it 48 times, and the defense still only allowed 23 points on the road. The Panthers were also limited to 78 yards rushing for the night; that’s run-of-the-mill for the old Bics, but this unit has struggled against the run so far this year, and ranks in the bottom 10 in estimated points added per rushing attempt.

Plus starting slot corner Tykee Smith and safety Jordan Whitehead weren’t on the field to help the defense.

The 2-10 Raiders come to Raymond James Stadium on Sunday to face off against the Bucs at 1 p.m.

Fire those cannons, the Bucs have everything in place to make a run at another division title.

Tickets to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Las Vegas Raiders at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Sunday, Dec. 8 are still available and start at $108.
Follow @ctbrantley12 on Twitter and listen to him on the RBLR Bucs podcast.

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This article appears in Nov 28 – Dec 4, 2024.