Bucs edge Panthers 16-14 in soggy season finale at Raymond James

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers outlasted the Carolina Panthers 16-14 on Saturday in a rainy finale that hinged on defense, key third-down plays and a late clock-killing conversion. The victory left Tampa Bay at 8-9 for the season, matching Carolina’s record and closing the regular season with a narrow home win that mattered to regional fans who travel from Hernando County and surrounding communities.

Tampa Bay seized control early with a five-and-a-half-minute opening drive that ended with an 18-yard touchdown catch by tight end Cade Otton, who finished with seven receptions for 94 yards and the game’s lone touchdown. The Bucs carried a 10-0 lead after the first quarter and leaned on a physical defense for the remainder of the contest.

Quarterback Baker Mayfield’s only turnover came early in the second quarter when an interception gave the Panthers a short-field opportunity; Carolina converted that chance into a quick, three-play touchdown to Tommy Tremble with less than 11 minutes remaining before halftime. The Bucs’ defense answered with three turnovers of its own. An interception shortly before the break set up a 36-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin as time expired in the half, trimming the margin and preserving momentum.

The game’s decisive sequence unfolded late in the fourth quarter after linebacker Lavonte David recovered a fumble with under 11 minutes left, sparking a nearly six-minute drive that consumed clock and set up the Bucs to protect a narrow lead. Otton’s critical 20-yard third-down conversion late in the game allowed Tampa Bay to run down the clock to just 18 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the victory. Head coach Todd Bowles’ unit delivered the turnovers and tackles that kept the Panthers at bay; David also tied franchise tackle records during the contest.

Reflecting on Otton’s role in the drive, Mayfield said, "Cade did a good job getting over there quick for me to give it to him and he took care of the rest."

Beyond the final score, the game was notable locally as the final stadium broadcast for longtime announcer Gene Deckerhoff, an end-of-era moment for Tampa Bay sports fans who include many from Hernando County. For local businesses that host NFL crowds, bars, restaurants and transportation services, the conclusion of the season closes a cycle of game-day traffic that supports weekend revenue through January.

Statistically, Tampa Bay’s edge came from defensive playmaking and timely special teams execution: three forced turnovers, a late 36-yard field goal and a single offensive touchdown paired with management of the clock in the fourth quarter. With the regular season concluded, the Bucs and their nearby fan base now turn to the off-season, where performance trends and roster decisions will shape whether Raymond James returns as a postseason destination next year.