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Bucs Fall 20-17 in Miami, Setting Up Week 18 NFC South Decider

Tampa Bay must beat Carolina at home to secure the division, though a three‑way 8-9 tie would give the title to the Panthers.

Overview

  • The loss drops Tampa Bay to 7-9 with four straight defeats and seven losses in its last eight after a 5-1 start.
  • Baker Mayfield threw two interceptions and lost a fourth‑quarter fumble as a late rally fell short, with Mike Evans scoring in the final minute.
  • Todd Bowles said the team must “erase” the loss, accept coaching and execution accountability, and stop self‑inflicted mistakes.
  • Veteran linebacker Lavonte David addressed the locker room postgame, and Mayfield pledged to have the group ready for the home finale.
  • The division path is narrow: a win over Carolina clinches in a two‑team tie, but a three‑club 8-9 finish with Atlanta would hand the NFC South to the Panthers.