Panthers Take Enormous Step Toward Ending Playoff Drought with Thrilling Win Over Buccaneers
The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 in a thrilling NFL game played Sunday, December 21, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ryan Fitzgerald kicked a 48-yard field goal with 2:20 left in the game to give the Panthers the lead. The victory was sealed when Lathan Ransom intercepted Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed 21 of 32 passes for 191 yards and threw two touchdown passes, including a 22-yard touchdown to Tetairoa McMillan just before halftime. Ja'Tavion Sanders added a 6-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter.
The Buccaneers' Chase McLaughlin kicked a 50-yard field goal to tie the game at 20-20 with 11:24 remaining in the fourth quarter. Baker Mayfield finished with 145 passing yards, one touchdown to Mike Evans, and one interception to Ransom.
Tetairoa McMillan led the Panthers in receptions with six catches for 73 yards. The Panthers’ defense stifled Mayfield, holding him to 145 passing yards. Defensive players Christian Rozeboom and Derrick Brown each recorded a sack, while Nick Scott and Rozeboom both notched 10 tackles.
With this win, the Panthers sit atop the NFC South with two weeks left in the regular season. Although they have not yet clinched a playoff berth, upcoming rematches against the Buccaneers in Week 17 and Week 18 will be crucial.
