The matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Bucs) and the Carolina Panthers always brings excitement. In the 2024 season, they met twice with very different outcomes. In this article we’ll look at those games, dive into the player stats, highlight big moments, and show what it all means in clear, easy to understand language.
Two Key Games: A Tight One and a Blowout
Game 1 (Dec 1, 2024): Panthers 23 – Buccaneers 26 (OT)
In this early December game, the Bucs edged out the Panthers in overtime 26–23.
The Panthers held the lead late thanks to a touchdown pass.
The Bucs tied it with a long field goal at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.
In overtime the Bucs made a defensive play which led to a field goal.
This game showed how closely matched the teams were at that time.
Game 2 (Dec 29, 2024): Buccaneers 48 – Panthers 14
Later in December the Bucs dominated. They won 48–14 at home.
The Bucs piled up 551 total yards of offense.
The Panthers managed only 204 total yards.
That kind of margin showed that the Bucs had found their rhythm and the Panthers were struggling.
Stand Out Player Stats
Here are some of the players who made big impacts in these games.
For the Buccaneers
- Baker Mayfield (QB): In the Dec 29 game he completed 27 of 32 passes for 359 yards and 5 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 153.0.
- Mike Evans (WR): Mike had 8 receptions for 97 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Bucky Irving (RB): He rushed for 113 yards in the blowout win.
- On the December 1 game, the Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin nailed a last second 51 yard field goal to tie the game and then again in overtime to win it.
For the Panthers
- In the blowout, the Panthers QB Bryce Young threw for 203 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Their rushing game was very weak, only 39 yards in that Dec 29 game.
The lack of a strong run game and limited offense made it hard for them to keep up.
Big Plays That Shaped the Games
Dec 1 Game
- The Panthers were leading very late thanks to a touchdown pass to Adam Thielen.
- The Bucs countered with a goal line drive and kicker McLaughlin’s long field goal to tie.
- In overtime, a turnover by the Panthers gave the Bucs the chance and they finished it off with a field goal.
Dec 29 Game
- The Bucs came out strong, scored early and never let the Panthers get back in.
- They held the Panthers to negative yardage or minimal gains in key sequences.
- The Bucs special teams and defense also produced with a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
What This Means for the Teams
For the Buccaneers
- The blowout win showed their potential when all parts, offense, defense, special teams, clicked.
- Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans and Bucky Irving all showed high level play.
- They strengthened their position in the NFC South division playoff race.
For the Panthers
- The close first game indicates they can compete, but the second game exposed big weaknesses.
- Their rushing attack was almost absent in the second game.
- They will need to fix both offense and defense if they want to turn things around.
Key Take Away Stats in One Place
| Team | Total Yards | Rushing Yards | Passing Yards | Turnovers Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buccaneers (Dec 29) | 551 | 202 | 359 by Mayfield | 0 |
| Panthers (Dec 29) | 204 | 39 | 203 by Young | Multiple, including special teams breakdowns |
These numbers show the balance and dominance of the Bucs in that second game and the struggles of the Panthers.
Why These Games Matter
- They are intra division games, so they count for more than usual, impact standings, playoff chances, and momentum.
- Player stats give a window into who is performing under pressure.
- The contrast between the two games in one season shows how a team can improve or falter quickly.
Final Thoughts
The series between these two teams in 2024 gives a good story. First, a tight game where the Bucs just edged the Panthers. Then, a dominant win where the Bucs showed their full strength. For fans, analysts and anyone following the NFL, these games show how momentum, execution and key player performances matter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- When did the Buccaneers and Panthers play each other in 2024?
They played on December 1st and December 29th, 2024. - Who won the game on December 29, 2024 and by how much?
The Buccaneers won 48–14. - How many passing yards did Baker Mayfield have in the Dec 29 game?
He threw for 359 yards. - Which Buccaneers player rushed for over 100 yards in the Dec 29 game?
Bucky Irving rushed for 113 yards. - What was the rushing yardage for the Panthers in that blowout game?
They managed only 39 rushing yards. - How did the December 1 game end?
It was tied at 23–23 at the end of regulation and the Buccaneers won in overtime 26–23. - Why was the Dec 29 game important for the Buccaneers?
It helped them in the NFC South playoff race and showed their strong form. - Who caught the key touchdown for the Panthers in the Dec 29 game?
Adam Thielen caught touchdowns from Bryce Young. - Was there any unusual event in the Dec 29 game?
Yes, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown helped the Buccaneers momentum. - What should the Panthers focus on improving after these games?
They need to improve their rushing attack, avoid turnovers, and tighten defense especially against strong offense teams.
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