Inconsistent Panthers aim to clinch NFC South in rematch with Bucs
It's not exactly a winner-takes-all situation when the NFC South rival Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers clash for the second time in three weeks on Saturday in Tampa.
However, the Panthers can dictate their fate when it comes to qualifying for the postseason.
"We're aware of all those scenarios and it's a pretty simple path -- we've got to handle business and win the game," Panthers coach Dave Canales said. "That has got to be our focus."
The Panthers (8-8) would clinch the division with a win or a tie against the Buccaneers (7-9) or if the Atlanta Falcons defeat the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.
It's more complicated for Tampa Bay, which must beat Carolina and hope the Falcons (7-9) either lose or tie against the Saints (6-10). An Atlanta win would create a three-way tie, allowing the Panthers to advance. The Buccaneers hold the tiebreaker if they end up tied only with Carolina.
Carolina quarterback Bryce Young, whose team has alternated wins and losses over the past 10 games, isn't consumed with all the possibilities.
"Focused on the Bucs," he said.
The Panthers beat Tampa Bay 23-20 in Charlotte on Dec. 21, so every game for both teams has felt monumental in recent weeks.
"When you know it's a division opponent as well as we know the Panthers and they know us, it's truly about executing your job to the best of your ability each play," Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said. "Players have to deliver."
The Buccaneers have lost four consecutive games -- all by four or fewer points -- and have dropped seven of their past eight outings. Tampa Bay is truly in a must-win situation.
"Out of bullets, out of lives," Mayfield said.
Six of the Carolina's victories have come by three-point margins.
It definitely feels different for the Panthers as the regular season comes to an end with an important game ahead. In recent years, they played just for pride to finish the schedule.
"It's obviously more," running back Chuba Hubbard said. "We're trying to change this narrative in Carolina. We've been trying to do that for a long time, so the fact that we're one game away, you feel the energy."
Young threw for 54 yards last week in a 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, marking the lowest production of his career as a starter. He has reached the 200-yard mark only three times this season.
Carolina's rushing attack has slowed down in recent weeks. Hubbard and Rico Dowdle, who is dealing with a toe injury though he returned to practice Wednesday, had formed a strong combination.
Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles questioned his own tactics after the first matchup with the Panthers, suggesting that the 2024 season's strategy of relying heavily on rushing plays against Carolina may no longer be as effective.
Yet Mayfield has thrown at least one interception in four straight games, mostly in the second halves.
"We've just got to take care of the football better," Bowles said. "That's what has cost us."
The teams have the top two rookie receivers in the NFL, Tampa Bay's Emeka Egbuka (930 yards) and Carolina's Tetairoa McMillan (929).
Tampa Bay's defense could be in flux with cornerbacks Jamel Dean (shoulder) and Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) missing practice work this week.
For Carolina, tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (fibula), cornerback Robert Rochell (concussion) and linebacker Claudin Cherelus (calf/ankle) sat out practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.