What happened to the Buccaneers in their game against the Panthers?

The Buccaneers lost to the Panthers 23-20 due to a late-game interception by Baker Mayfield.

Who leads the NFC South after the Buccaneers' loss?

The Carolina Panthers have taken over the lead in the NFC South after defeating the Buccaneers.

What caused the critical interception for the Buccaneers?

Both Baker Mayfield and coach Todd Bowles indicated a miscommunication between the quarterback and receiver Mike Evans was the cause.

Home / Sports / Bucs Collapse: Mayfield's Interception Seals Loss to Panthers

Bucs Collapse: Mayfield's Interception Seals Loss to Panthers

22 Dec, 2025

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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.

Bucs Collapse: Mayfield's Interception Seals Loss to Panthers

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.