The Tampa Bay Buccaneers inched closer to a fourth straight NFC South title and fifth consecutive postseason berth with a 48-14 domination of the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers inched closer to a fourth straight NFC South title and fifth consecutive postseason berth with a 48-14 domination of the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
Baker Mayfield had his first five-touchdown pass performance since joining the Bucs before last season and totaled 359 yards in the process.
It’s the fifth win in the last six attempts for Tampa Bay, with the only hiccup being the inexplicable 26-24 loss to the Cowboys in Arlington last week. The Buccaneers move to a half-game lead over the Falcons – who play the Commanders Sunday night – for the NFC South lead.
Atlanta holds the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series over the Bucs this year. A Falcons loss on Sunday Night means the Buccaneers just need to beat the Saints on Sunday to clinch their fourth-straight division crown and fifth postseason appearance in five seasons.
Mayfield hit Mike Evans for two touchdowns as Tampa Bay scored on five straight possessions in the first half on its way to a 27-7 lead. Jalen McMillan had a pair of touchdown catches and J.J. Russell recovered and returned a blocked punt for a score in the third quarter.
Bucky Irving continued his impressive rookie campaign with 197 yards from scrimmage with 120 yards rushing and 77 more through the air. That puts the former Oregon Duck at 1,033 yards rushing on the year.
Mayfield moves to 4-0 against his former team since being released two years ago as he completed 27 of 32 passes with no interceptions.
Carolina was without leading rusher Chubba Hubbard who was put on injured reserve on Saturday. With virtually no rushing attack, Bryce Young went 14-of-28 passing for 203 yards and was sacked five times.
Up next, the Bucs face the Saints on Sunday with the NFC South title potentially on the line.
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