Overview
- Several pivotal rulings went against Carolina, including an erased 31-yard Tetairoa McMillan catch for offensive pass interference, a defensive PI on Nick Scott, an incorrect backward-pass outcome, and an uncalled helmet removal.
- Referee Brad Allen said the covering official saw McMillan create separation more than one yard downfield on the OPI and addressed the backward-pass sequence that was blown dead.
- Dave Canales declined to blame officiating, citing a sputtering offense that went 1-for-8 on third down, rushed 14 times for 19 yards, and committed two turnovers.
- Canales defended calling a red-zone flea-flicker in rainy conditions that ended with Rico Dowdle slipping and fumbling at the Tampa Bay 20, a swing play in a two-point defeat.
- Bryce Young threw for 266 yards with two touchdowns and an interception and accepted responsibility on the botched flea-flicker, while Carolina now needs an Atlanta win or tie against New Orleans to claim the division.