Tampa Bay Buccaneers Edge Carolina Panthers 16-14 in Rainy Week 18 NFL Action
In a tightly contested Week 18 NFL game played in rainy conditions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 16-14. Baker Mayfield contributed a touchdown pass to Cade Otton, while kicker Chase McLaughlin was instrumental with three field goals. The Buccaneers improved their record to 8-9, matched by the Panthers, as both teams looked ahead to the postseason scenarios.
Tampa Bay's chances of making the playoffs now hinge on the New Orleans Saints either beating or tying the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to clinch the NFC South division title. Should the Falcons secure a win, the Panthers would claim their first division championship since 2015 under head coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton.
Regarding tiebreakers, Tampa Bay holds a two-team advantage over Carolina, but the Panthers would hold a three-team tiebreaker over the Buccaneers if Atlanta finishes the season 8-9. During the game, Mayfield threw his ninth interception in the past eight contests, breaking a streak where Tampa Bay had been 0-8 in games featuring Mayfield interceptions before this matchup.
A notable defensive highlight was Rozeboom's interception that set up a Panthers touchdown drive culminating in a pass from Bryce Young to Jalen Coker, narrowing the score to 16-14. Mayfield extended a crucial drive with significant completions to Otton, but the Buccaneers' late possession ended on a fumble during a final lateral attempt.
Off the field, this season marks the end of an era as Gene Deckerhoff will retire as the Buccaneers’ radio announcer. Additionally, veterans Mike Evans and Lavonte David could have played their final games for Tampa Bay due to potential retirement plans.
