Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Match Player Stats

What can two games in one month reveal about the form, depth, and future of two divisional rivals? Can one team’s playoff hopes rise while the other searches for answers?

In December 2024, the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off twice in a defining stretch of the NFL season. The Buccaneers were fighting to keep their NFC South title dreams alive, while the Panthers were playing for pride at the tail end of a tough season. Both games, 1 December at Bank of America Stadium and 29 December at Raymond James Stadium, offered different narratives. The first was a close overtime clash, the second a one-sided demolition.

By analysing the player statistics and team performances, we gain a comprehensive understanding of how Tampa Bay outclassed Carolina—and which individuals shaped the outcomes.

What Were the Final Results of Both Games?

The matchups occurred as follows:

• 1 December 2024 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
  Final Score: Buccaneers 26, Panthers 23 (OT)
  Attendance: 69,214
• 29 December 2024 – Raymond James Stadium, Tampa
  Final Score: Buccaneers 48, Panthers 14
  Attendance: 64,434

While the first meeting required overtime to separate the teams, the rematch showed a stark contrast. The Buccaneers, led by an outstanding offensive effort, routed the Panthers in front of their home fans. These wins helped Tampa Bay move into a first-place tie in the NFC South, while Carolina dropped to a disappointing 4-12 overall, with only one win on the road.

How Did Baker Mayfield and Bryce Young Compare?

The quarterback duel between Baker Mayfield and Bryce Young defined both encounters. Mayfield’s veteran presence was especially evident in the second game, where he delivered a performance that not only secured the win but also solidified his place among the season’s standout signal-callers.

Game Date	QB	Team	Completions/Attempts	Yards	TDs	INTs
1 Dec	Bryce Young	CAR	26/46	298	1	0
1 Dec	Baker Mayfield	TB	21/33	235	1	2
29 Dec	Bryce Young	CAR	15/28	203	2	0
29 Dec	Baker Mayfield	TB	27/32	359	5	0

In the 29 December game, Mayfield was exceptional, throwing five touchdown passes and completing nearly 85% of his throws. His decision-making, accuracy, and command of the pocket demonstrated a stark contrast to Young’s still-developing presence under centre.

Young had a more encouraging outing in the first game, nearly touching 300 passing yards without any turnovers. However, his second performance was hindered by lack of time in the pocket, poor field position, and an inefficient run game.

Which Players Led the Rushing and Receiving Battles?

Tampa Bay’s edge in both games was largely due to its superior ground game, anchored by Bucky Irving, and consistent performances from Mike Evans in the receiving corps. Carolina failed to establish the run, and while Adam Thielen remained a reliable target, it wasn’t enough to keep pace.

Rushing Leaders

Player	Team	Total Carries	Yards	Avg	Rushing TDs
Bucky Irving	TB	45	265	5.8	1
Chuba Hubbard	CAR	25	82	3.3	0

Irving racked up over 250 rushing yards across both games, showcasing vision, acceleration, and the ability to break tackles at the second level. His 113-yard game on 29 December was instrumental in Tampa Bay’s time of possession dominance.

Receiving Leaders

Player	Team	Receptions	Yards	TDs
Mike Evans	TB	16	215	3
Adam Thielen	CAR	13	209	3

Evans continued to be a dominant deep threat and a go-to target in the red zone. On the other side, Thielen’s route-running and safe hands gave Carolina consistency but lacked the support of a well-rounded offensive attack.

What Role Did Defence Play in These Games?

While Tampa’s offence was the primary story, their defence also played a crucial part. Their ability to limit Carolina on third downs, create pressure, and shut down the run game helped keep Bryce Young under control.

Carolina’s defence showed more life in the first game, but fatigue and poor field position played against them in the second. Jadeveon Clowney recorded a sack in each match, and Chandler Wooten was a tackling machine in the second game with 14 total tackles.

Player	Team	Sacks	Solo Tackles
Jadeveon Clowney	CAR	2 (1 per game)	—
Anthony Nelson	TB	1	—
Josey Jewell	CAR	—	10
Lavonte David	TB	—	8
Chandler Wooten	CAR	—	14 (7 solo)
Zyon McCollum	TB	—	6 (5 solo)

Tampa Bay’s defence also executed at a higher level in the red zone, allowing only one score from one red zone trip in the second matchup. Their control of field position meant Carolina were often playing from behind both on the scoreboard and the field.

How Do the Team Stats from Each Match Compare?

When comparing the overall numbers, the growing disparity between the teams is clear. Tampa Bay improved their output between games, while Carolina regressed in nearly every major statistical category.

1 December Game

Category	Panthers	Buccaneers
Total Yards	367	445
Rushing Yards	78	236
Passing Yards	289	209
1st Downs	19	27
Turnovers	1	2
Possession	27:39	39:31
3rd Down Efficiency	6/16	2/12
Red Zone Conversion	1/4	2/5

29 December Game

Category	Panthers	Buccaneers
Total Yards	204	551
Rushing Yards	39	202
Passing Yards	165	349
1st Downs	13	33
Turnovers	0	0
Possession	18:49	41:11
3rd Down Efficiency	2/9	10/14
Red Zone Conversion	1/1	5/8

By the second fixture, Tampa Bay had turned the match into a possession and efficiency clinic. They had nearly triple the first downs, converted 10 of 14 third downs, and controlled the ball for over 41 minutes. Carolina’s inability to extend drives and get off the field defensively made a blowout almost inevitable.

Who Were the Most Impactful Players in the Series?

Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, and Mike Evans were central to Tampa Bay’s clean sweep. Each of them elevated their play across both fixtures. Mayfield’s composure, Irving’s ground dominance, and Evans’ red zone threat gave the Buccaneers a three-pronged offensive identity that Carolina couldn’t match.

On the Panthers’ side, Adam Thielen emerged as the consistent offensive performer. Bryce Young showed early promise but couldn’t maintain momentum through both matches. Defensively, Chandler Wooten’s tackle numbers and Clowney’s pressure stood out, though the impact was limited in scope.

What Do These Games Mean for the Future of Both Teams?

For the Buccaneers, the pair of wins helped secure a first-place tie in the NFC South. Their balanced offence, experienced quarterback, and improved defensive play position them well for a postseason run. The performances suggest a team peaking at the right time, with depth on both sides of the ball.

The Panthers, now sitting at 4-12, face a long off-season of soul-searching. While they have promise at quarterback and wide receiver, their offensive line, run defence, and consistency on third downs must be addressed. With a high draft pick looming, Carolina will have the opportunity to restructure and rebuild around their young core.

FAQs

How many touchdowns did Baker Mayfield throw in the second game?

Mayfield threw five touchdown passes in the 29 December game, one of the best performances of his career.

Who had more total yardage over the two games?

The Buccaneers gained a combined 996 total yards across both games, compared to the Panthers’ 571.

Did either team commit any turnovers in the second game?

No. Both teams played a clean game in terms of turnovers on 29 December.

Which player led the game in tackles during the blowout win?

Chandler Wooten led all players with 14 total tackles, including 7 solo, for the Panthers.

How effective was Carolina on third downs?

In the second game, the Panthers managed just 2 conversions out of 9 third-down attempts.

What changed between the two games?

Tampa Bay improved their third-down efficiency, dominated possession, and completely shut down Carolina’s run game in the second encounter.

What’s next for the Panthers?

With a disappointing 4-12 record, the Panthers are expected to focus on offensive line improvements and defensive consistency in the off-season.