Panthers take enormous step toward ending playoff drought with thrilling win over Bucs

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The Carolina Panthers took a major step to ending their playoff drought with a huge 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Panthers kicker Ryan Fitzgerald nailed the go-ahead 48-yard field goal with 2:20 left in the game. Then, Panthers safety Lathan Ransom intercepted a pass by Baker Mayfield to seal the victory. The gritty Carolina win pushed them to the top of the NFC South division with two weeks left in the season.

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Panthers safety Lathan Ransom celebrates after an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Bryce Young stepped up for the Panthers when they needed him the most.

He fired a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan right before halftime. The Panthers had a three-point lead going into the locker room. In the third quarter, Young found Ja’Tavion Sanders for a 6-yard score to go up three points again.

The Buccaneers tied the game with 11:24 to go in the fourth quarter with a 50-yard Chase McLaughlin field goal. But it seemed like the Panthers had an answer for almost everything Tampa Bay threw at them.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan celebrates after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina’s defense held Mayfield to just 145 passing yards – among the lowest total he’s tallied this season. He had one touchdown pass to Mike Evans but the crucial interception to Ransom was the ultimate setback in