The Tampa Bay Buccaneers delivered a statement win defeating the Carolina Panthers 48-14 at Raymond James Stadium.
Behind a record-tying performance from quarterback Baker Mayfield and a strong showing from rookie running back Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay remains firmly in the NFC South race.
Mayfield led an explosive first half, throwing three touchdown passes to set the tone early. He finished the game with 27 completions on 32 attempts for 359 passing yards and five touchdowns.
The performance tied Tom Brady’s 2021 record for the most games in a single season (8) with three or more touchdown passes in franchise history.
Rookie Bucky Irving added to the offensive firepower, surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing milestone. Irving is the first Buccaneer to hit the mark since Doug Martin in 2015 and the first rookie to do so since Martin in 2012. Tampa Bay’s offense amassed 551 total yards, including 202 on the ground, while converting 10 of 14 third downs.
Late in the third quarter, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka blocked a Carolina punt, which J.J. Russell returned 23 yards for a touchdown. It was the Buccaneers’ first blocked punt touchdown since 2012 and solidified Tampa Bay’s dominance.