Published October 25, 2026 02:27 PM
Baker Mayfield is back, and apparently, so are the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay crushed the Panthers in the first half, forcing three turnovers and scoring in every phase. The Bucs lead 33-6 at halftime.
Mayfield didn’t do much, but he didn’t need to with the Panthers self-destructing.
Bryce Young lost a fumble on a strip-sack by Al-Quadin Muhammad that Calijah Kancey returned 32 yards for a touchdown; Panthers wide receiver David Moore muffed a punt that Ko Kieft recovered for the Bucs at the Carolina 18, and Chase McLaughlin kicked a 22-yard field goal after Tampa Bay stalled at the Carolina 4; and Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum intercepted Young just before the half, with his 18-yard return setting up Tampa Bay at the Carolina 32.
Tez Johnson scored on an 18-yard reception from Mayfield with four seconds left in the first half. It was Mayfield’s 200th career touchdown throw.
Even when things went right for Young and Carolina, they went so wrong.
The Panthers scored their only points on a 50-yard reception by tight end Darren Waller, but Ryan Fitzgerald’s PAT attempt was blocked by Tykee Smith. McCollum returned it for a defensive 2-point conversion.
It is the first defensive 2-point conversion in the NFL this season after teams combined for two all of last season.
The Bucs have 196 yards, and Mayfield is only 5-of-9 for 49 yards and a touchdown. Bucky Irving has 18 carries for 84 yards and two touchdowns.
The Panthers have 114 yards, with Young 7-of-11 for 95 yards with a touchdown and an interception.