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Bucs Collapse: Mayfield's Interception Seals Loss to Panthers
22 Dec
Summary
- Buccaneers lost to Panthers, falling to 7-8 on the season.
- A late-game interception by Baker Mayfield sealed the 23-20 defeat.
- Coach and QB cited miscommunication as the cause of the critical error.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' playoff aspirations took a hit as they fell to 7-8 on the season following a narrow 23-20 loss to the Carolina Panthers. This defeat, their third consecutive, allowed the Panthers to claim the top spot in the NFC South. The game's outcome was decided by a costly interception thrown by Buccaneers' quarterback Baker Mayfield late in the fourth quarter.
With less than a minute remaining and trailing by three points, Mayfield attempted a pass to receiver Mike Evans near midfield. However, the throw was intercepted, effectively ending the Buccaneers' chances of tying or winning the game. Mayfield explained the play, stating it was a split-second decision where timing and trust in his receiver were paramount, but the execution did not align.
Coach Todd Bowles characterized the interception as a "comms issue" between Mayfield and Evans, noting a disconnect in their actions on the crucial play. The Buccaneers will look to regroup as they face the Miami Dolphins in Week 17, followed by a rematch against the Panthers in Week 18, aiming to rebound from this recent losing streak.
