Once again, the NFC South division title will go to the four participating teams, meaning a team win Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Leaders entering Week 17 – It was decisive on Sunday.
Baker Mayfield was up to the task.
Mayfield delivered five touchdown passes, including two to his trusted receiver Mike Evansto lead the Bucs over the Carolina Panthers, 48-14, at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield returns the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Nathan Ray Sibick-Imagine)
The Bucs improved to 9-7 this season, and they will be watching “Sunday Night Football” with interest as the Atlanta Falcons, who sit behind them in the division at 8-7, are on the road against the Bucs. Washington leaders.
Mayfield was having one of those days when it seemed that no matter where the ball should be to his receivers, he delivered it with pinpoint accuracy and power.
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He was 27 of 32 through the air for 359 yards with the five touchdown passes that started right away when Evans capped the opening drive with a quick drive into the end zone for six points. Evans had eight catches for 97 yards to lead the Bucs through the air.
But Mayfield also found rookie wideout Jalen McMillan for two touchdowns in the second half, as he continues to prove in the back half of the season that his quarterback can be trusted in his inaugural season. He had five catches for 51 yards with the two scores.
Finally, Payne Durham, one of the tight ends picking up the slack for the injured Cade Otton, found paid dirt with one of his catches on the day.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Kim Clement Neitzel-Imagine)
No one could get down to earth for the Bucs, but Bucky Irving led the offense there with 113 yards on 20 carries to set the tone.
The day also featured some special teams magic as the Bucs blocked a Panthers punt that JJ Russell caught and ran back for a touchdown as part of Tampa Bay's 21-0 second-half rout of their division rival.
Bryce Young and the Panthers initially matched the Bucs' firepower to start the game, as Adam Thielen caught a touchdown pass on their opening drive to make it a 7-7 ballgame. Thielen would get another from Young later in the game as part of his 110-yard day.
But Tampa Bay's defense turned things around in the second half and stopped any attempt by the Panthers to get back into the game.
Overall, Young finished 15 of 28 through the air for 203 yards with a touchdown to Thielen.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield runs back against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Kim Clement Neitzel-Imagine)
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The Bucs head into Week 18 to face a depleted New Orleans Saints team, and are hoping the Falcons can pick up a loss somewhere in the next two weeks with Atlanta holding the season's tiebreaker over them.
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