Baker Mayfield’s impressive performance has the Buccaneers leading 27-14 at halftime against the Panthers, showcasing his strong passing game.
Tampa: The Buccaneers had a rough game against the Cowboys last week, but they seem to have bounced back nicely this time around.
Baker Mayfield connected with Jalen McMillian for a 10-yard touchdown just before halftime, putting the Bucs ahead 27-7 against the Panthers. That was Mayfield’s third touchdown pass of the day, bringing his season total to 37.
His first two touchdowns went to Mike Evans, who’s having a solid season with 11 touchdowns so far. Evans caught six passes for 48 yards and is closing in on 1,000 yards for the 11th consecutive year.
Mayfield completed 16 of 20 passes for 225 yards, while running back Bucky Irving added 137 yards from scrimmage. The Panthers’ defense struggled without key players like Josey Jewell and Jaycee Horn. Bryce Young managed to get them a touchdown early on, but they didn’t really threaten again until late in the half.
Young did connect with Adam Thielen for a 40-yard touchdown, but a missed field goal attempt by Eddy Pineiro kept the Panthers from closing the gap. The Bucs are looking good for their ninth win of the season, and if they keep it up, they could clinch the NFC South in Week 18.