{"id":1420331,"date":"2025-12-22T13:50:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T13:50:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=nfl-news&#038;p=1420331"},"modified":"2025-12-22T13:51:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T13:51:04","slug":"game-recap-buccaneers-20-23-panthers-dec-21-2025-panthers-prevail-late","status":"publish","type":"nfl-news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/nfl\/nfl-news\/game-recap-buccaneers-20-23-panthers-dec-21-2025-panthers-prevail-late\/","title":{"rendered":"Game Recap: Buccaneers 20-23 Panthers (Dec 21, 2025) | Panthers Prevail Late"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"author-credentials\" style=\"background: #f5f5f5; padding: 15px; margin: 20px 0; border-left: 4px solid #6c00ff;\"><strong>Analysis by Andy Francis, NFL Game Analyst<\/strong><br\/>\n\n? Specialising in post-game breakdowns and player performance analysis\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 id=\"quick-recap\">\u26a1 Quick Recap: Buccaneers vs Panthers<\/h2>\n<div style=\"background: #f9f9f9; padding: 20px; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<strong>Final Score:<\/strong> Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 &#8211; Carolina Panthers 23<br\/>\n<strong>Game MVP:<\/strong> Bryce Young (QB) \u2013 29\/42, 283 yards, 2 TDs, 38 rush yards<br\/>\n<strong>Turning Point:<\/strong> Ja&#8217;Tavion Sanders&#8217; 6-yard touchdown reception with :08 left in the 3rd quarter gave Carolina a crucial lead entering the final term.<br\/>\n<strong>Key Stat:<\/strong> Panthers converted 10-of-16 third downs (62.5%), controlling the tempo and extending drives.<br\/>\n<strong>What It Means:<\/strong> Carolina leapfrogs Tampa Bay in the playoff seeding, improving to 8-7 and pushing the Buccaneers to 7-8 in the tightly contested NFC South.<br\/>\n<strong>Next Up:<\/strong> Buccaneers at Dolphins (28 Dec, 18:00) | Panthers v Seahawks (28 Dec, 18:00)\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>How Did Buccaneers vs Panthers Unfold Quarter by Quarter?<\/h2>\n\n<h3>First Quarter: Fast Buccaneers Start<\/h3>\nThe opening exchanges saw Tampa Bay seize early control. After a field goal from Carolina\u2019s Ryan Fitzgerald, the Buccaneers answered with a 10-play, 53-yard march capped by Baker Mayfield\u2019s short touchdown pass to Mike Evans from 1 yard. Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving helped set the tone with strong inside running and a key 12-yard gain.\n<div><strong>Score at end of Q1:<\/strong> Buccaneers 7, Panthers 3<\/div>\n<ul><li>Buccaneers \u2013 7 first-quarter points; 5 first downs on their key drive.<\/li><li>Panthers \u2013 56-yard opening drive, settling for three.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h3>Second Quarter: Momentum Shifts<\/h3>\nThe Panthers responded with an efficient two-minute drill just before halftime. Bryce Young\u2019s rapport with Tetairoa McMillan was on full display, highlighted by a 22-yard touchdown strike to McMillan with 12 seconds left. Earlier, each side traded field goals in a quarter featuring strong red zone defence and pressure on both quarterbacks.\n<div><strong>Score at end of Q2:<\/strong> Panthers 13, Buccaneers 10<\/div>\n<ul><li>B. Young: 15\/20, 153 passing yards, 1 TD in first half<\/li><li>McLaughlin hit from 23 yards for TB<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h3>Third Quarter: Big Plays, Big Answers<\/h3>\nTampa Bay answered after the break with a grinding, 14-play touchdown drive covering 66 yards, capped by a Sean Tucker 1-yard score. Mayfield extended the drive on third down with a 23-yard scramble. However, Carolina\u2019s attack struck late: a nine-play, 65-yard response finished with Young finding Ja&#8217;Tavion Sanders for a 6-yard touchdown reception.\n<div><strong>Score at end of Q3:<\/strong> Panthers 20, Buccaneers 17<\/div>\n<ul><li>B. Mayfield: 23-yard rush, later 26-yard scramble in Q3<\/li><li>Sanders\u2019 TD: 3rd and 5, :17 left in Q3<\/li><\/ul>\n\n<h3>Fourth Quarter: Defensive Stand and Close<\/h3>\nA tense final quarter unfolded as both sides exchanged field goals\u2014Chase McLaughlin\u2019s 50-yarder drew the sides level at 20-20, but Fitzgerald\u2019s 48-yarder swung it back to Carolina. With the clock winding down, a critical Lavonte David sack forced Carolina to settle for three, setting up the last Buccaneers drive. Mayfield drove Tampa to near midfield but was intercepted by Lathan Ransom at the Panthers\u2019 30-yard line with 42 seconds left, effectively sealing the win.\n<div><strong>Final Score:<\/strong> Panthers 23, Buccaneers 20<\/div>\n<ul><li>McLaughlin: clutch 50-yard make for TB<\/li><li>Ransom INT (00:49) clinched the outcome<\/li><\/ul>\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381364\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381449\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Sky Bet\"data-placement=\"nfl\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#132c6c\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"89\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-300x89.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"SkyBetLogo20052025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-300x89.webp 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-1024x302.webp 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-768x227.webp 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-1536x454.webp 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-400x118.webp 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-600x177.webp 600w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-203x60.webp 203w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-150x44.webp 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white-40x12.webp 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/20135042\/skybet-logo-newnew-white.webp 2032w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Sky Bet\"data-placement=\"nfl\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">Sky Bet<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Sky Bet\"data-placement=\"nfl\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Get \u00a35 Free Bet When You Place A \u00a310 Bet<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Sky Bet\"data-placement=\"nfl\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Get \u00a35 Free Bet When You Place A \u00a310 Bet<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Sky Bet\"data-placement=\"nfl\" data-rating=\"9.5\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.5<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/sky-bet-review\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Enhanced Offers<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Request A Bet Feature<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Vast selection of sports markets<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>#AD 18+ New customers only. \u00a35 minimum deposit. 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Further T&amp;Cs apply.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<h2>Who Were the Standout Players in Buccaneers vs Panthers?<\/h2>\n\n<h3>Carolina Panthers Standouts<\/h3>\n<div class=\"player-analysis\">\n<strong>Bryce Young (QB)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Performance:<\/strong> 29\/42 passing, 283 yards, 2 TDs; 8 carries, 38 yards rushing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Moment:<\/strong> 22-yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillan (:12, Q2) and off-script runs in the fourth quarter<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Extended drives repeatedly on third down, combining poise with dual-threat ability<\/li>\n<li><strong>Betting Note:<\/strong> Young consistently exceeds his pass attempts and rushing props in close contests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"player-analysis\">\n<strong>Tetairoa McMillan (WR)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Performance:<\/strong> 10 receptions on 13 targets, 108 yards, 1 TD<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Moment:<\/strong> 22-yard TD reception late in the first half; several key third-down catches (3 conversions)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Provided a reliable intermediate target, exploiting soft intermediate coverage from TB corners<\/li>\n<li><strong>Betting Note:<\/strong> McMillan\u2019s reception\/yardage props have value against zone-heavy teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"player-analysis\">\n<strong>Ryan Fitzgerald (K)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Performance:<\/strong> 3\/3 field goals (27, 41, 48 yds), 2\/2 PAT<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Moment:<\/strong> Ice-cold 48-yard make for the game-winner with 2:24 left<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Capitalised on red zone stops with perfect accuracy<\/li>\n<li><strong>Betting Note:<\/strong> Panthers\u2019 reliance on field goals boosts Fitzgerald\u2019s fantasy and real-point props<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Tampa Bay Buccaneers Standouts<\/h3>\n<div class=\"player-analysis\">\n<strong>Baker Mayfield (QB)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Performance:<\/strong> 21\/29 passing, 194 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 6 carries, 62 yards rushing<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Moment:<\/strong> 23-yard scramble (Q3) on third down, and a late 26-yard dash (2:00, Q4) setting up a final opportunity<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Created with feet when the pass rush pressured, but final interception proved decisive<\/li>\n<li><strong>Betting Note:<\/strong> Mayfield\u2019s rushing yardage props offer upside where the pass protection is leaky<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"player-analysis\">\n<strong>Mike Evans (WR)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Performance:<\/strong> 7 receptions, 82 yards, 1 TD<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Moment:<\/strong> Opening drive\u2019s 12-yard catch and the first-quarter touchdown (1-yard)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Remained Mayfield\u2019s most reliable red-zone and short yardage weapon, but bracketed heavily after halftime<\/li>\n<li><strong>Betting Note:<\/strong> TD scorer props always relevant; volume against single-high teams<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"player-analysis\">\n<strong>Lavonte David (LB)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Performance:<\/strong> 10 tackles (6 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit<\/li>\n<li><strong>Key Moment:<\/strong> Critical sack of Bryce Young in Q4 that forced a field goal keeping TB within a score<\/li>\n<li><strong>Impact:<\/strong> Anchored run defence and keyed multiple third-down stops<\/li>\n<li><strong>Betting Note:<\/strong> Tackle and TFL props often undervalued against run-heavy oppositions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>What Were the Turning Points in Buccaneers vs Panthers?<\/h2>\n<h3>Turning Point #1: Sanders&#8217; 6-yard Touchdown (Q3)<\/h3>\n<p>With just eight seconds left in the third quarter and the score tied at 17, Bryce Young zipped a 6-yard pass to tight end Ja&#8217;Tavion Sanders. This play capped a 65-yard drive and shifted momentum, allowing Carolina to enter the fourth ahead. The Panthers\u2019 drive featured two third-down conversions and an explosive Young scramble, highlighting his composure in pressure moments.<\/p>\n<h3>Turning Point #2: Lavonte David\u2019s Sack (Q4, 9:36)<\/h3>\n<p>With Carolina in plus territory and driving for a possible touchdown, Lavonte David sacked Young for a 9-yard loss. This forced a field goal, keeping the Buccaneers within three and extending hope for a comeback. David&#8217;s timing and awareness on the blitz were crucial.<\/p>\n<h3>Turning Point #3: Mayfield\u2019s Fourth Quarter Interception (0:49)<\/h3>\n<p>On 2nd-and-9 with 49 seconds in the game, positioned near midfield, Mayfield fired a short left pass that was intercepted at the Carolina 30 by safety Lathan Ransom. The pick thwarted the Bucs&#8217; comeback aspirations and allowed Carolina to kneel out the clock.<\/p>\n<h3>Turning Point #4: Panthers\u2019 Red Zone Efficiency<\/h3>\n<p>Carolina converted two of three red zone trips into touchdowns, while the Buccaneers were less efficient in the same area. The Panthers\u2019 conversion efficiency ultimately provided the margin for victory in a game where both teams struggled to separate.<\/p>\n\n<h2>What Do the Stats Tell Us About Buccaneers vs Panthers?<\/h2>\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #6c00ff; color: white;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: left;\">STAT<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: center;\">Buccaneers<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; text-align: center;\">Panthers<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Total Yards<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">367<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">415<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f5f5f5;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Passing Yards<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">194<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">283<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Rushing Yards<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">173<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">132<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f5f5f5;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">3rd Down Conversion %<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">7-14 (50%)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">10-16 (62.5%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Red Zone Efficiency<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">2-4 (50%)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">2-3 (67%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background: #f5f5f5;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Turnovers<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">1 (INT)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px;\">Time of Possession<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">26:44<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 8px; text-align: center;\">33:16<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The box score reflects Carolina&#8217;s control of the ball and game flow, especially on third downs where Young consistently extended drives. While the Buccaneers produced more chunk plays on the ground, the turnover battle (particularly the late interception) and superior red-zone efficiency handed the Panthers the edge. Carolina\u2019s dominance in time of possession (over six minutes more) further limited Tampa Bay\u2019s scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Baker Mayfield and Sean Tucker buoyed the Bucs\u2019 ground attack, but the inability to finish drives and Carolina\u2019s well-timed defensive stands made the difference. Conversely, Carolina\u2019s spread attack and methodical progress up the field allowed them to dictate tempo when it mattered.<\/p>\n\n<h2>What Does This Result Mean for Buccaneers and Panthers&#8217; Season?<\/h2>\n<p>With this pivotal win, Carolina climbs to 8-7, putting themselves directly into the NFC South playoff mix. The Panthers&#8217; record now puts them ahead of the Bucs (7-8) and secures a critical tiebreaker in the division. The result hands Tampa Bay a damaging defeat, with just two matches remaining to save their season.<\/p>\n<p>Looking ahead, both clubs have challenging Week 17 matchups. Carolina host the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium, while Tampa must regroup for a visit to the playoff-hungry Miami Dolphins. Key injuries were avoided, but fatigue and emotional toll from such a close contest may factor into next week\u2019s preparation and betting market sentiment.<\/p>\n\n<h2>What Are the Betting Angles for Buccaneers and Panthers&#8217; Next Games?<\/h2>\n\n<h3>Buccaneers Next: at Miami Dolphins (28 Dec, 18:00)<\/h3>\n<p>A road trip to Miami puts Tampa Bay\u2019s pass coverage and veteran secondary under huge pressure against one of the most dynamic offences in the NFL. Mayfield&#8217;s mobility and Evans&#8217; red-zone prowess will be tested by a Dolphins side ranked top-five in scoring. Look for unders on Bucs\u2019 rushing, but possible value on Evans&#8217; anytime scorer props if Miami\u2019s corners sit off. Interceptions market could be of interest with Miami\u2019s high-pressure defence.<\/p>\n<p>Find the latest odds and markets at <a href=\"\/en\/go\/paddy-power?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Paddy Power<\/a> and <a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Sky Bet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Panthers Next: vs Seattle Seahawks (28 Dec, 18:00)<\/h3>\n<p>Carolina stay home to host a Seattle team that often struggles to defend multi-phase passing games. Young&#8217;s approach, with versatile weapons like McMillan, profiles well against the Seahawks\u2019 defensive scheme. Expect passing yardage and TD scorer props for younger Panthers receivers to be attractive\u2014especially in another must-win, high-leverage setting for playoff aspirations.<\/p>\n<p>Find the latest odds and markets at <a href=\"\/en\/go\/paddy-power?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Paddy Power<\/a> and <a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\">Sky Bet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions: Buccaneers vs Panthers<\/h2>\n\n<h3>What was the final score of Buccaneers vs Panthers?<\/h3>\n<p>The Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 on 21 December 2025 at Bank of America Stadium.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Who was the MVP of Buccaneers vs Panthers?<\/h3>\n<p>Bryce Young led the Panthers with 283 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 38 rushing yards, including a pair of game-defining third-down conversions that kept critical scoring drives alive.<\/p>\n\n<h3>What was the turning point in Buccaneers vs Panthers?<\/h3>\n<p>The key moment came in the third quarter with Ja&#8217;Tavion Sanders&#8217; 6-yard touchdown reception (:08), breaking a tie and swinging momentum decisively towards Carolina as the home side controlled the closing quarter.<\/p>\n\n<h3>When do Buccaneers and Panthers play next?<\/h3>\n<p>The Buccaneers face the Dolphins on 28 December at 18:00, while the Panthers host the Seahawks at the same time. Both matches will be pivotal for their postseason ambitions.<\/p>\n\n<h2>What&#8217;s the Final Verdict on Buccaneers vs Panthers?<\/h2>\n<p>Carolina\u2019s close-fought 23-20 victory over Tampa Bay was a contest defined by efficient quarterback play, red zone conversions, and defensive stands at key moments. Bryce Young\u2019s maturation as a quarterback was evident throughout, with his pocket awareness and 62.5% third-down success rate underlining the home team&#8217;s offensive cohesion. Tetairoa McMillan and Ja&#8217;Tavion Sanders supplied the playmaking edge, while the Panthers\u2019 defence capitalised on late-game pressure, ultimately sealing the result.<\/p>\n<p>For Tampa Bay, Mayfield and Evans kept the Buccaneers in the hunt, but missed opportunities and the decisive turnover limited their ability to leave Charlotte with a win. From a betting perspective, Carolina\u2019s growing offensive balance and Young\u2019s prop markets should be monitored closely in high-leverage games. The NFC South playoff picture remains fluid, ensuring the next fixtures will hold significant betting and divisional implications.<\/p>\n<p><strong>18+ | BeGambleAware.org | Please bet responsibly.<\/strong><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Analysis by Andy Francis, NFL Game Analyst ? Specialising in post-game breakdowns and player performance analysis \u26a1 Quick Recap: Buccaneers vs Panthers Final Score: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 &#8211; Carolina Panthers 23 Game MVP: Bryce Young (QB) \u2013 29\/42, 283 yards, 2 TDs, 38 rush yards Turning Point: Ja&#8217;Tavion Sanders&#8217; 6-yard touchdown reception with :08&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":427,"featured_media":1420332,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"tampa bay buccaneers carolina panthers game recap, tampa bay buccaneers carolina panthers final score, nfl game recap","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Game Recap: Buccaneers 20-23 Panthers (Dec 21, 2025) | Squawka NFL","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Buccaneers fell 20-23 to Panthers with Bryce Young leading the way. Quarter-by-quarter analysis, top player stats, dramatic turning points & betting angles for both teams' next games.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1420331","nfl-news","type-nfl-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Game Recap: Buccaneers 20-23 Panthers (Dec 21, 2025) | Squawka NFL<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Buccaneers fell 20-23 to Panthers with Bryce Young leading the way. 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