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The Carolina Panthers took a major step toward ending their playoff drought with a huge 23-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald made the 48-yard field goal with 2:20 left in the game. Then Panthers safety Lathan Ransom intercepted a Baker Mayfield pass to seal the victory. Carolina’s decisive victory propelled them to the top of the NFC South division with two weeks remaining in the season.
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Carolina Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after and interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Bryce Young stepped up for the Panthers when they needed him most.
He threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan just before halftime. The Panthers had a three-point lead entering the locker room. In the third quarter, Young found Ja’Tavion Sanders for a 6-yard score to go up three points.
The Buccaneers tied the game with 11:24 left in the fourth quarter with a 50-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin. But it seemed like the Panthers had an answer to almost everything Tampa Bay threw at them.
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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina’s defense held Mayfield to just 145 passing yards – one of his lowest totals this season. He threw a touchdown pass to Mike Evans, but the crucial interception to Ransom was the ultimate setback of the game.
Young finished 21 of 32 with 191 passing yards and two touchdown passes. He didn’t turn the ball over. McMillan led the team with six catches for 73 yards.
Carolina defenders Nick Scott and Christian Rozeboom each had 10 tackles. Rozeboom and Derrick Brown each had a sack.
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The Panthers aren’t in the playoffs yet and could get some help with a win in Week 17 and a Buccaneers loss. The two teams will meet once again in Week 18. Carolina hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017 and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2015.
