At a Glance
- Tampa Bay edges Carolina 16-14 in game, keeping hopes alive as the Saints-Falcons result on Sunday decides their fate.
- The win keeps the Buccaneers in the race for a fifth straight NFC South title.
- A Saints victory or tie over Atlanta on Sunday will determine the Bucs’ playoff chances.
- Why it matters: The outcome of the Saints-Falcons game is the final piece in the Buccaneers’ quest for a division title and a playoff berth.
In a rain-shrouded Saturday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged the Carolina Panthers 16-14, a win that keeps their playoff hopes alive as the outcome of the New Orleans Saints–Atlanta Falcons game on Sunday becomes the deciding factor.
Game Recap
Baker Mayfield connected on a 20-yard touchdown to Cade Otton early, giving the Bucs a 7-0 lead before the Panthers answered with a touchdown and a field-goal.
Chase McLaughlin’s three field-goals and a late 48-yard kick pushed the score to 16-14, but a blocked attempt and a 2:27-left touchdown by Bryce Young narrowed the margin.
Playoff Implications
The win keeps Tampa Bay in the race for a fifth straight NFC South title, but they still need New Orleans to beat or tie Atlanta on Sunday.
The Buccaneers hold a two-team tiebreaker over the Panthers, while Carolina holds a three-team tiebreaker if Atlanta finishes 8-9.
Key Players & Injuries
Lavonte David admitted the odd feeling of rooting for the Saints:
Lavonte David said:
> “I never thought I’d see a day where I’m rooting for the Saints,”
Mayfield, who had 0-8 in games where he threw an interception, said a tie still gets them in:
Baker Mayfield said:
> “A tie still gets us in,” Mayfield said with a smirk.
Bucs coach Todd Bowles plans to watch the game at home, while some players might have a watch party.
Bowles praised the team’s effort:
Todd Bowles said:
> “It was a gutsy performance,” Bowles said.
Panthers coach Dave Canales said:
Dave Canales said:
> “We’ll all be on the edge of our seats,” Canales said.
Gene Deckerhoff, the voice of the Buccaneers for 37 years, is retiring after the season.
Injuries:
- DT Bobby Brown III left with a concussion.
- LB Anthony Walker ankle.
- CB Jamel Dean shoulder.
- OLB Anthony Nelson knee.
- DT Calijah Kancey pectoral.
Records
| Team | Record |
|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 8-9 |
| New Orleans Saints | 6-10 |
| Atlanta Falcons | 7-9 |
| Carolina Panthers | 8-9 |
Key Takeaways
- The Buccaneers’ 16-14 win keeps their playoff hopes alive.
- The Saints-Falcons result on Sunday is the decisive factor for the Bucs.
- Injuries to key defensive players could impact the Bucs’ next game.
The rain-shrouded victory gives the Buccaneers a fighting chance, but the final outcome still hinges on the outcome of the Saints-Falcons matchup.
