It took a while, but the Bucs were able to pull away with a strong fourth quarter and overtime thanks to the performance of both offense and defense. They finished the game after starting slowly, allowing Bryce Young and the Panthers to be more physically impressive.
Having had some early advantage, they should have won the game, meaning our findings will be more critical than normal.
Baker Mayfield and the offense took some time to get going, but Bucky Irving had a strong showing with a new career-high in rushing yards. On defense, they made plays when necessary, but that doesn't excuse the slow start. At some point it will come down to the coaching on the sideline of this team and their ability to be underwhelming.
Here are our takeaways from the Bucs' game against the Panthers.
Baker Mayfield needs to slow down a bit
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Luke Goedeke (67) tries to tackle Carolina Panthers linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (7) as quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Baker Mayfield has always played football at a million miles per hour and generally achieved good results. Against the Panthers, it allowed the Panthers to stay in the game longer than they should have and ultimately allowed them to win. Mayfield needs to slow down the pace and Liam Coen needs to help him make plays. Otherwise it will become more and more of a burden.
Bucky Irving is the future of this offense
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) runs downfield in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Bucky Irving stepped up to take over the Bucs' running back position in 2024. After a slow start with a limited role, he made the most of every opportunity. He is physical and agile in space, and that could lead to him becoming the centerpiece of this Bucs offense in the future. He not only deserves the chance to prove he can do this, he deserves it.
Where is Antoine Winfield Jr.?
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) scores a touchdown while Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
No forced turnovers and just two sacks on the year makes me wonder: Where is Antoine Winfield Jr.? In May, he received a much-deserved contract extension that will see him make over $100 million. He needs to find the way to become a defensive playmaker again; Otherwise, this defense will be doomed to failure in the long run.
The pass rush needs to become a factor for the defense
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) drops back to be chased by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (94) during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The pass rush has shown that it can be a factor for the Bucs on the defensive side of the ball several times this year. However, what keeps happening is that the pass rush disappears for a week or two, creating more pressure on the secondary. Not being able to wreak havoc against the Panthers is a devastating performance from this defense.
Is Todd Bowles the right coach for this team?
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles greets tight end Payne Durham (87) as he comes off the field during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The team wins, but does it show progress toward a Super Bowl? This franchise has a history of good coaches who sometimes struggle to take the next step toward a Super Bowl; Perhaps Bowles is a modern-day Tony Dungy in this sense.
