After loss, Panthers take solace in facing Bucs for NFC South - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and other players began telling teammates to move on to next week's likely winner-take-all NFC South showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before coach Dave Canales addressed Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

The message wasn't about blowing an opportunity to clinch the division with the Bucs losing to the Miami Dolphins 20-17 — but about the opportunity ahead.

«The reality of our situation is all that matters is next week,'' defensive back Nick Scott said. „I know we said it all year, but we've actually got one game left and it's for everything.''

Despite failing to win consecutive games since mid-October, the 8-8 Panthers can clinch the NFC South title with either a victory or tie next weekend at Tampa's Raymond James Stadium.

The 7-9 Bucs, who have lost four straight games and seven of their past eight, can claim their fifth straight division title with a win that would leave both teams at 8-9.

“We know what's ahead of us,'' Canales said. „It's clearly defined.''

Guard Austin Corbett emphasized the joy that comes with simply being in playoff contention heading into the regular-season finale.

“I just constantly remind guys, just have fun,'' Corbett said. „As stressful as football is, as much as it hurts the body, it's the most fun you're going to have in this life, I guarantee it.'

“That's the message [Canales] constantly preaches. It's all about us. It's always going to be about us, and that's not going to change. And here we are in Week 18… the moment of it's all about us.''

The Panthers haven't had a winning season or made the playoffs since 2017. They can do both with a victory over a Tampa team they defeated 23-20 on Dec. 21 at Bank of