Football fans, buckle up! Few rivalries in the NFL spark as much excitement as the clash between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These NFC South foes consistently deliver nail-biting games, jaw-dropping plays, and stats that leave you wondering: who really dominated the field? Today, we explore the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats from their most recent encounters, dig into their historical battles, and spotlight the players who shaped the outcomes. Ready to relive the action? Let’s jump in!
How Did This Rivalry Begin? A Quick History Lesson
The Panthers and Buccaneers first locked horns in 1995, when Carolina joined the NFL as an expansion team. Since then, their matchups have fueled a fierce divisional rivalry. As of March 2025, the Panthers hold a slight edge in the all-time series with a 25-24 record. Games between these two often swing on clutch moments—think overtime heroics or last-second field goals. Curious about how their latest battles stack up? We’ll break down the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats from the 2024 season to see who’s reigning supreme.
What Happened in Their Latest Showdowns?
The 2024 NFL season gave us two thrilling chapters of this rivalry—Week 13 and Week 17. Both games showcased high-octane offenses, gritty defenses, and standout performances. Let’s dissect the scores and the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats to uncover the story behind the numbers.
Week 13: Buccaneers Edge Out Panthers 26-23 (December 1, 2024)
This overtime thriller kept fans on the edge of their seats! The Buccaneers snatched victory with a game-winning field goal from Chase McLaughlin. Tampa Bay’s rushing attack overwhelmed Carolina’s defense, racking up 236 yards. Meanwhile, the Panthers fought back with a late touchdown pass that forced overtime. Who stood out in the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats?
- Baker Mayfield (TB) threw for 235 yards and a touchdown but tossed two interceptions. His scrappy 10-yard scramble late in regulation set up the tying kick.
- Bucky Irving (TB) erupted for 152 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries, proving he’s a rookie to watch.
- Bryce Young (CAR) completed 26 of 46 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown, showing poise under pressure.
- Adam Thielen (CAR) hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass, finishing with 99 yards on eight catches.
Tampa Bay’s defense limited Carolina’s run game to just 78 yards, but Young’s late-game heroics nearly flipped the script. What could’ve changed the outcome?
Week 17: Buccaneers Crush Panthers 48-14 (December 28, 2024)
Fast forward to Week 17, and the Bucs turned the tables with a blowout! Baker Mayfield unleashed a five-touchdown masterpiece, while Carolina’s defense struggled to keep up. The Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats from this game reveal a one-sided affair.
- Baker Mayfield (TB) went 27-for-32, amassing 359 yards and five touchdowns—pure dominance!
- Bucky Irving (TB) added 113 rushing yards and 77 receiving yards, cementing his breakout season.
- Bryce Young (CAR) managed 227 yards and two touchdowns but took five sacks as Tampa’s defense swarmed.
- Adam Thielen (CAR) scored twice, grabbing 85 yards on five receptions— a bright spot in a tough loss.
A blocked punt returned for a touchdown by J.J. Russell sealed Carolina’s fate. How did the Panthers let this one slip so badly?
Who Are the Stars Behind the Stats? Player Bios
The Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats wouldn’t shine without the players driving the action. Here’s a closer look at the key performers from these games, complete with their bios in a handy table.
| Player | Team | Position | Age | Height | College | 2024 Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baker Mayfield | TB | QB | 29 | 6’1” | Oklahoma | Threw for 594 yards and 6 TDs across both games, showcasing resilience and precision. |
| Bucky Irving | TB | RB | 22 | 5’10” | Oregon | Racked up 265 rushing yards and 110 receiving yards, emerging as a dual-threat star. |
| Bryce Young | CAR | QB | 23 | 5’10” | Alabama | Posted 525 yards and 3 TDs, proving he’s growing into Carolina’s franchise QB. |
| Adam Thielen | CAR | WR | 34 | 6’2” | Minnesota State | Caught 13 passes for 184 yards and 3 TDs, defying age with clutch plays. |
| Mike Evans | TB | WR | 31 | 6’5” | Texas A&M | Gained over 100 yards in Week 13, a reliable target for Mayfield’s big throws. |
| Chuba Hubbard | CAR | RB | 25 | 6’1” | Oklahoma State | Managed 78 yards in Week 13 but faded in Week 17 against Tampa’s stout defense. |
These athletes brought their A-game, but who stole the spotlight in the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats? Baker and Bucky seem to have Tampa’s number, while Thielen and Young keep Carolina in the fight.
What Do the Numbers Tell Us? Key Stats Breakdown
Stats don’t lie—they paint a vivid picture of each game. Let’s zoom in on the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats across critical categories.
Passing: Mayfield vs. Young
Mayfield’s efficiency in Week 17 (84.4% completion rate) crushed Young’s solid but less explosive efforts. Young’s 298 yards in Week 13 showed promise, but his five sacks in Week 17 highlight Carolina’s shaky offensive line. Who’s got the edge in the clutch?
Rushing: Irving’s Rise
Bucky Irving torched the Panthers for 265 rushing yards over two games, averaging over 6 yards per carry. Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard couldn’t keep pace, managing just 3.7 yards per attempt in Week 13. Does Tampa own the ground game?
Receiving: Thielen Shines
Adam Thielen’s three touchdowns across both games outshone Mike Evans’ single 100-yard outing. Tampa’s passing attack spread the wealth in Week 17, but Thielen’s consistency kept Carolina competitive. Who’s the real difference-maker?
Defense: Sacks and Stops
Tampa sacked Young six times total, while Carolina only got to Mayfield four times in Week 13. The Bucs’ red-zone defense also stifled Carolina, allowing just one touchdown in four trips in Week 13. Which defense bends but doesn’t break?
Why Do These Games Matter?
Beyond the Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats, these matchups shape the NFC South race. Tampa’s Week 17 rout kept their playoff hopes alive, while Carolina’s late-season struggles spotlighted areas for growth. Fans love the drama—every yard, every tackle fuels the rivalry’s fire. What’s next for these teams in 2025?
Where Can You Dig Deeper?
Want more Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats? Check out NFL.com, ESPN.com, or the teams’ official sites for play-by-play breakdowns. Search the game dates—December 1 and December 28, 2024—for the latest updates. Curious about a specific play? X posts from fans and analysts often catch what the box score misses!
What’s Your Take?
Did Baker Mayfield’s arm or Bucky Irving’s legs steal the show? Can Bryce Young and Adam Thielen turn the tide next time? The Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers match player stats give us plenty to chew on. Drop your thoughts below—let’s keep the football fever alive!
