Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers Match Player Stats: Detailed Breakdown of the January 3, 2026 Clash

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off against the Carolina Panthers in a tight Week 18 game on January 3, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs came out on top with a 16-14 win, keeping their playoff chances open in the NFC South. This match was full of key plays, strong defense, and standout efforts from players on both sides. Fans looking for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers match player stats will find a full guide here, covering every major area. This post breaks down the numbers to help you understand what happened on the field.

The game started with Tampa Bay taking control early. They scored 10 points in the first quarter and held Carolina to zero. By halftime, the score was 13-7 in favor of the Bucs. The third quarter saw no points from either team, but Tampa Bay added a field goal in the fourth. Carolina fought back with a late touchdown, but it wasn’t enough. Turnovers and a strong run game helped the Bucs secure the victory. This matchup showed how small details can decide a close contest.

Game Overview

Tampa Bay dominated time of possession with 37:25 compared to Carolina’s 22:35. The Bucs ran 66 plays while the Panthers had 49. Total yards favored Tampa Bay at 338 against Carolina’s 285. The Bucs had 21 first downs, five more than the Panthers’ 16. Penalties were close, with Carolina at 5-46 yards and Tampa Bay at 6-45 yards. Third-down conversions saw the Bucs succeed on 8 of 15 attempts, while Carolina managed just 1 of 8. These stats highlight Tampa Bay’s ability to control the pace and sustain drives.

Scoring began in the first quarter when Baker Mayfield threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Cade Otton at 9:31, followed by a 29-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin at 1:57. Carolina responded in the second quarter with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Bryce Young to Tommy Tremble at 10:50. Tampa Bay added a 36-yard field goal right before halftime. In the fourth, McLaughlin hit a 48-yard field goal at 14:12, and Carolina closed with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Young to Jalen Coker at 2:27. Extra points were made on all touchdowns.

Turnovers played a big role. Carolina had three, including two lost fumbles and one interception. Tampa Bay had one interception but no lost fumbles. The Bucs recovered four fumbles in total, two from Carolina and two of their own. This edge in ball security helped Tampa Bay limit Carolina’s chances. The game lasted 2 hours and 52 minutes with 65,082 fans in attendance. It was a rainy day, which might have affected passing and rushing.

Team Statistics Comparison

In passing, Carolina edged out Tampa Bay with 266 net yards to 198. But the Bucs were more efficient, averaging 9.0 yards per pass attempt compared to Carolina’s 7.6. Tampa Bay completed 16 of 22 passes, while the Panthers went 24 of 35. Both teams had one interception, but Carolina’s two touchdowns through the air matched Tampa Bay’s one. Sacks were only on the Bucs, with two for five yards lost.

Rushing told a different story. Tampa Bay racked up 140 yards on 42 attempts, averaging 3.3 yards per carry. Carolina struggled with just 19 yards on 14 attempts, averaging 1.4 yards per carry. Neither team scored a rushing touchdown. The Bucs’ ground game helped control the clock and set up field goals. This difference was key in wearing down Carolina’s defense.

On defense, Tampa Bay held Carolina to low rushing yards and forced turnovers. The Panthers sacked the Bucs twice but couldn’t generate much pressure otherwise. Tampa Bay had no sacks but one interception. Tackles were spread out, with Carolina’s Derrick Brown leading all players with 13 combined tackles. Special teams saw both teams punt three times, with similar averages.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Player Stats

Passing Performance

Baker Mayfield handled all passing duties for the Bucs. He completed 16 of 22 attempts for 203 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His passer rating was 97.3. Mayfield faced two sacks, losing five yards, but showed poise in key moments. His touchdown pass to Cade Otton in the first quarter set the tone. Overall, he managed the game well, avoiding big mistakes after the pick. This performance kept drives alive.

Rushing Performance

Bucky Irving led the rush with 26 carries for 85 yards, averaging 3.3 yards per attempt. His longest run was nine yards, and he had no touchdowns. Baker Mayfield added four carries for 31 yards, with an 11-yard long. Rachaad White had seven carries for 23 yards, averaging 3.3. Sean Tucker managed four carries but lost four yards total. Tez Johnson had one carry for five yards. The group effort controlled the game.

Receiving Performance

Cade Otton stood out with seven receptions for 94 yards, averaging 13.4 per catch, and one touchdown. His longest was 22 yards. Mike Evans caught two for 34 yards, longest 21. Rachaad White had two for 18 yards. Tez Johnson, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, Chris Godwin, and Emeka Egbuka each had one catch, ranging from 17 to eight yards. Otton’s targets made him the go-to player.

Defensive Performance

Lavonte David led with six combined tackles, five solo. Tykee Smith had five combined, four solo. YaYa Diaby added four combined, three solo, with one tackle for loss. Vita Vea had three solo tackles and one for loss. Antoine Winfield Jr. had three combined and one pass defended. Jacob Parrish picked off one pass. The defense had no sacks but forced three turnovers. They limited Carolina’s run game.

Special Teams Performance

Chase McLaughlin made three of four field goals, with makes from 29, 36, and 48 yards. He was perfect on one extra point. Riley Dixon punted three times for 130 yards, averaging 43.3, longest 46. Sean Tucker returned three kicks for 57 yards, averaging 19.0, longest 21. No punt returns for the Bucs. McLaughlin’s kicks provided most points.

Carolina Panthers Player Stats

Passing Performance

Bryce Young completed 24 of 35 passes for 266 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His passer rating was 98.0. Young faced no sacks, which helped him find receivers downfield. His touchdowns went to Tommy Tremble and Jalen Coker. Despite the loss, Young’s arm kept Carolina in the game late. He also rushed twice for -1 yard.

Rushing Performance

Rico Dowdle carried seven times for 10 yards, averaging 1.4, longest four. Chuba Hubbard had five carries for 10 yards, averaging 2.0, longest five. Bryce Young added two carries but lost one yard. The total was low, showing Tampa Bay’s defense shut down the run. No rushing scores, which hurt Carolina’s balance. This weakness forced more passes.

Receiving Performance

Jalen Coker led with six catches for 47 yards, one touchdown, longest 18. Tetairoa McMillan had four for 85 yards, longest 40. Tommy Tremble caught three for 38 yards, one touchdown, longest 17. Xavier Legette had three for 22 yards. Rico Dowdle, Brycen Tremayne, Chuba Hubbard, Mitchell Evans, and Jimmy Horn added the rest. McMillan’s big plays stood out.

Defensive Performance

Derrick Brown topped tackles with 13 combined, five solo. Nick Scott had nine combined, six solo. Christian Rozeboom had eight combined and one interception for 20 yards. Tre’von Moehrig had six combined and one sack. The defense got two sacks total but allowed 140 rush yards. They defended three passes. Efforts weren’t enough to stop key drives.

Special Teams Performance

Ryan Fitzgerald made both extra points but missed his only field goal attempt. Sam Martin punted three times for 139 yards, averaging 46.3, longest 50. Trevor Etienne returned one punt for three yards. Brycen Tremayne had one punt return for zero yards. No kick returns. Field position was average.

Standout Performances and Analysis

Cade Otton was a star for Tampa Bay, with his touchdown and yards leading receivers. Bucky Irving’s 26 carries showed trust in the run. For Carolina, Bryce Young’s 266 yards and two scores kept them close. Tetairoa McMillan’s 85 yards provided sparks. Turnovers hurt the Panthers more, with two lost fumbles. These players defined the match.

The Bucs’ time of possession wore down Carolina. Their rush attack set up field goals, which made the difference. Carolina’s poor rushing limited options. Defense on both sides was solid, but Tampa Bay’s turnover advantage sealed it. This game showed the value of ball control.

Impact on the Season and Final Thoughts

This win kept Tampa Bay’s NFC South title hopes alive, depending on other results. Carolina ended their season on a loss but showed fight. For fans analyzing Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers match player stats, these numbers reveal strengths and areas to improve. The Bucs’ balanced approach won out.

In summary, this was a hard-fought game with key stats shaping the outcome. From passing efficiency to defensive stops, every detail mattered. Use this guide to review the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers match player stats and see what made the difference.