Overview
- The Buccaneers overwhelmed the Carolina Panthers 43-13 on Sunday, riding a season-high 258 rushing yards led by Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker.
- Baker Mayfield returned from a dislocated right thumb and was used sparingly, completing 7 of 11 passes for 64 yards and one touchdown as Tampa Bay leaned on the run.
- Tampa Bay’s defense and special teams forced four turnovers, recorded five sacks on Bryce Young, returned a fumble for a touchdown and converted a blocked extra point into two points.
- The victory moved the Bucs to 2-5 and narrowed the NFC South gap with Carolina and Atlanta while underscoring Tampa Bay’s 0-4 home record as a lingering concern.
- The team hosts the Falcons next, a matchup that will show whether the run-first formula can be repeated and whether the passing game and injured players such as Chris Godwin can be more productive going forward.