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.
Overtime was pretty much the maximum for Bucs fans, but despite it all, this team showed they weren't going to give up.
This moral victory is something the team will hold on to when we look back. The team was heavily favored early in the game and won in the fourth period, but the defense gave in when a stop was enough. They made up for it with a forced fumble in overtime that gave them the win, but without it they're in more trouble than they can get out of at that point.
With that in mind, here are the grades from the Bucs' Week 13 performance.
Quarterbacks
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) warms up before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Degree: b
Baker Mayfield made some glaring errors with turnovers against the Panthers on Sunday. The turnovers were mostly forgotten as he led the team with a drive late in the fourth period to give the team the lead and then a drive to tie the game in overtime. He would then do it again over time to lead them to a win, so the final three trips would earn a higher grade than first thought.
Running backs
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
Degree: A+
A career day from Bucky Irving, capped off by Rachaad White putting the team in scoring position in overtime, gives this group a perfect grade. Irving and White will be expected throughout the league. For Irving in particular, he will be the future of the offense in terms of play.
Wide receivers and tight ends
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a touchdown while Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn (8) defends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Degree: A
118 receiving yards from Mike Evans and big catches from Sterling Shepard reminded everyone what this group can do. Evans was injured most of the year, but he looked as good against the Panthers as he has all year. Evans' quest for another 1,000-yard season is still alive.
Offensive line
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell (47) in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Degree: b
Four sacks, eight tackles for a loss and seven quarterback hits mean this offensive line hasn't performed particularly well. The running backs' performance masked a tough day for the offensive line, as the Panthers' pressure caused havoc in the backfield all game long.
Defensive line
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
Degree: C+
Bryce Young was under pressure but was never really in danger of being taken down. Calijah Kancey caught him once, but the group as a whole struggled when they shouldn't have. This group's constant inconsistencies will eventually doom this team.
Linebackers
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) with the ball while Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker JJ Russell (51) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Degree: C
Lavonte David was his usual Hall of Fame self, but the group struggled with injuries that hampered performance. David was more reliable than ever, and Carolina's running backs made some big plays in the final stages of the game, especially on third down.
Secondary
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
Degree: D
Bryce Young played the best game of his career, and it was against the Bucs secondary. They are a real liability on this team and even though they have the easiest schedule in the NFC to end the year, they will be playing in a lot of closer games than they should be, starting with the Raiders next week.
