Tampa Bay Buccaneers rout Carolina Panthers 43-13

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a dominant 43-13 victory over the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium, marking their second win of the season. The game featured the return of Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, who had missed three games due to a dislocated right thumb. While Mayfield completed only 7 of 11 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown, the Buccaneers' offense was primarily driven by a powerful rushing attack that totaled 258 yards.

Running back Bucky Irving led the ground game with 106 yards and two touchdowns, supported by significant contributions from Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker. The Buccaneers' defense and special teams also played pivotal roles, forcing four turnovers from Panthers quarterback Bryce Young. Notable defensive plays included a strip-sack by Al-Quadin Muhammad that was returned 32 yards for a touchdown by Calijah Kancey, and a blocked extra point returned for two points by Zyon McCollum.

The loss leaves the Panthers with a 3-3 record, following a period of recent success. Panthers head coach Dave Canales attributed the defensive collapse to execution errors rather than play-calling, noting that the team struggled to fill gaps and contain the Buccaneers' run game.