The Buccaneers had a costly stumble against the Cowboys last Sunday, but they appear to be back on track this weekend.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield hit wide receiver Jalen McMillian for a 10-yard touchdown with 1:11 left to play in the first half to send the Bucs into the break with a 27-7 lead over the visiting Panthers. It was Mayfield’s third touchdown pass of the afternoon and he has now thrown 37 touchdowns on the season.
Mayfield’s first two touchdown passes went to wide receiver Mike Evans, who is up to 11 touchdowns on the season. He had six catches for 48 yards and is now up to 866 yards as he tries to hit the 1,000-yard mark for the 11th straight season.
Mayfield is 16-of-20 for 225 yards and running back Bucky Irving has posted 137 yards from scrimmage against a Panthers defense that looks overmatched without linebacker Josey Jewell and cornerback Jaycee Horn on the field. Bryce Young was able to drive them for a touchdown on their first possession of the day, but they didn’t pick up another first half until there was less than a minute left in the half.
Young followed that first down up with a 40-yard bomb to Adam Thielen for a touchdown and a three-and-out on the ensuing possession allowed the Panthers to drive in position for a 53-yard Eddy Pineiro field goal try. The kick sailed wide to the left and the whole package still has the Bucs in good position to get their ninth win of the year. If they finish the job, they’ll have a chance to win the NFC South in Week 18.
