Buccaneers Defeat Panthers 26-23 in Overtime: Baker Mayfield and Strong O-Line Lead the Way
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a thrilling 26-23 overtime victory against the Carolina Panthers in a pivotal Week 13 matchup at Bank of America Stadium. Despite facing a 16-10 deficit going into the fourth quarter, the Bucs found their rhythm, turning the game around with a dominant performance in the running game. Their win, driven by a powerful offensive line and some key contributions from running back Bucky Irving, lifted them into a tie for first place in the NFC South.
Throughout the game, the Bucs struggled with consistency on offense, especially in the early stages. After a solid victory over the New York Giants just a week earlier, it was clear that the Buccaneers would need to dig deep to overcome a feisty Panthers team. As the game progressed, their offensive line imposed its will, paving the way for a 236-yard rushing performance that ultimately led to their success.
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Baker Mayfield, who had a tough game at times, praised his offensive line for their tenacity, especially with Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs returning from injury. Mayfield highlighted the resilience of the line, noting that while some players struggled early, they ultimately came together to deliver when it mattered most. The pivotal moment came in overtime when Rachaad White broke off a 38-yard run, setting up Chase McLaughlin’s game-winning 30-yard field goal. Mayfield reflected on the performance of the offensive line, mentioning how well they blocked for Irving, whose impressive 152-yard outing helped ignite the offense.
Irving’s standout performance was a game-changer. He accounted for 185 yards from scrimmage, including a critical 28-yard rush early in the fourth quarter, setting up his own six-yard touchdown run. After a quick three-and-out from Carolina, Irving continued to shine, breaking off a 60-yard run to position the Bucs for another field goal, giving them a brief three-point lead. Mayfield praised Irving’s contributions, calling him a “stud” and emphasizing how crucial his explosive play was in keeping the team alive in the game.
Despite Carolina’s late-game heroics, including a 60-yard touchdown drive capped by Adam Thielen’s catch, the Buccaneers never lost faith. With only 30 seconds left after Carolina’s score, Mayfield led the offense with quick passes to set up a potential game-winning drive. It was the ground game, however, that continued to drive them forward, with Irving and White both contributing to key plays that set up McLaughlin’s clutch field goal.
The victory was also sparked by some key defensive plays, including a forced fumble by Anthony Nelson in overtime, which set the stage for the Bucs’ final offensive drive. This all-around team effort resulted in a hard-earned win that kept Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes alive and well.
Now tied for first place in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons, the Buccaneers will look to continue their momentum as they head into Week 14, facing the Las Vegas Raiders at home. The Bucs’ ability to adjust and rely on their run game when it counted most will be key as they push for a postseason spot.
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