CHARLOTTE (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — Coming off of a close loss against the Chiefs, the Panthers brought their hunger and drive for a win into Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers. Despite leading for the majority of the game, Panthers were no match against the Bucs following a heart-breaking field goal.
FINAL: 26 to 23
The Buccaneers put the first score on the board with a one-handed grab by Mike Evans in the endzone. A successful kick from Chase McLaughlin puts the Buccaneers ahead with 4:29 left in the quarter. Shortly before the start of the 2nd quarter, kicker Eddy Pineiro makes a 47-yard field goal.
After several incomplete passes, Panthers miss an FG, ending Pineiro’s 41 straight success rate. Bryce Young makes a shocking run for it, rushing 10 yards into the endzone for a touchdown. Followed by a successful FG, Panthers are up by three. But that lead is short-lived as the Bucs close the gap with a successful field goal.
Panthers miss another field goal and the ball briefly returns to the Bucs before Chau Smith-Wade intercepts a pass intended for Cade Otton. With possession back in the Panthers’ hands, Young passes to Thielen at the endzone, but it was ruled incomplete after officials reviewed it. Panthers are up three following an FB as they held into halftime.
Back from halftime, the Panthers struggle to seal the deal with another touchdown, but continue to drive a wedge between them and the Bucs with another FG. Panthers head into the final quarter ahead by six.
Shortly into the quarter, the Bucs advance with a 6-yard rush and a field goal. At 3:05, a 26-year field goal puts Bucs ahead by four. With 30 seconds left, Young passes 25 yards to Thielen for a touchdown putting them ahead with an extra point. In the last second, the Bucs make a FG sending the teams into OT.
Tampa Bay missed their FG attempt, giving the ball back to Carolina. The possession ends with a fumble, earning Bucs their first turnover in the game. Ultimately, the Bucs make their game-winning field goal.
The Panthers are away next Sunday to take on the Eagles. Tune in to FOX Charlotte at 1 p.m.