Overview
- Tampa Bay fell to 7-9 with a 20-17 loss at Miami, yet a home win over Carolina in Week 18 still keeps a division title within reach.
- The Buccaneers clinch with a victory plus at least one Falcons loss; a two-way tie with Carolina favors Tampa Bay, but a three-way tie at 8-9 would give the Panthers the division.
- Baker Mayfield committed two interceptions and a fourth-quarter fumble and has thrown picks in four straight games, with the Bucs 0-8 this season when he is intercepted.
- Todd Bowles said the team is “shooting ourselves in the foot” and must “erase it,” while veterans such as Lavonte David and Mike Evans voiced urgency after the defeat.
- Breakdowns extended beyond offense, including a 63-yard touchdown allowed, a blocked 55-yard field goal, and a costly kickoff return, underscoring repeated defensive and special teams lapses.