Overview
- The Buccaneers overwhelmed the Carolina Panthers in a 43–13 win on Sunday as Baker Mayfield returned from a dislocated right thumb after missing three games.
- Mayfield played a limited role in the offense, completing 7 of 11 passes for 64 yards and one touchdown while the team intentionally leaned on the run to protect his hand.
- Tampa Bay rushed for a season-high 258 yards with Bucky Irving carrying 24 times for 106 yards and two TDs and Kenneth Gainwell adding 88 yards on 14 carries.
- The defense and special teams created game-changing moments, producing four turnovers, five sacks, a 32-yard fumble-return touchdown by Calijah Kancey, a recovered muffed punt and a blocked extra point turned into two points.
- The victory moves Tampa Bay to 2–5, tightens the NFC South behind Carolina, and gives the Bucs momentum and a clearer game plan to test at home against the Falcons next week.