Win vs. Carolina a display of how potent the Bucs offense can be This is the game to remember. No matter what else happens the rest of the way, this is the game that best represents who the Bucs were in 2024. With a new offensive coordinator and rookies at running back, receiver and center, the Bucs transformed from a mediocre offense into one of the most potent scoring machines in the NFL in 2024. With their playoff hopes still alive coming into the afternoon, the Bucs were nearly flawless on offense in a 48-14 victory against the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Bucky Irving became the first Tampa Bay rookie with more than 1,000 yards rushing since Doug Martin in 2012, and Jalen McMillan continued this late-season surge with two more touchdown receptions to give him six in his last four games. The Bucs finished with 551 total yards, which is the most they've gained in a non-overtime game since getting 604 yards against the Giants in 2012. Game ball Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns. Irving had 190 yards from scrimmage. McMillan scored two more touchdowns. Pffft! It was Nondescript Tight End Day at Raymond James Stadium and we're giving a pair of game balls to Devin Culp and Payne Durham. Culp, a seventh-round pick from Washington in April, had played only five snaps from scrimmage in Tampa Bay's first 15 games. He had his first three NFL receptions for 52 yards. Durham, a fifth-round pick in 2013, came in with 12 career receptions and caught two passes for 36 yards, including his first NFL touchdown. Play of the day Hard to find a turning point in a 48-14 game. So instead we'll go with Joe Tryon-Shoyinka's blocked punt. He hasn't quite lived up to expectations as a first-round pick, and he may be nearing the end of his tenure in Tampa Bay with his rookie contract set to expire, so it was nice to see Tryon-Shoyinka get a little love on Sunday. Keep an eye on We interrupt all of the back-slapping with this public service announcement: the secondary has a new limp. Along with Antoine Winfield Jr., who is out with a knee injury, and Christian Izien, who went on injured reserve this past week, cornerback Jamel Dean left Sunday's game with a knee problem. Dean missed four games earlier this season with a hamstring pull. Considering Tampa Bay came into the weekend ranked No. 30 in pass defense, that's not a good sign with the playoffs looming. NFC South update Thanks to Atlanta blowing a fourth-quarter lead against the Commanders on Sunday night in Washington, the Bucs are back in control of their fortunes in the division. Tampa Bay has a one-game lead on the Falcons with one game remaining. The Bucs can clinch with a win next week or if the Falcons lose to the Panthers. If Tampa Bay loses and the Falcons win, the Bucs are toast. Up next A 10-win season is not only within Tampa Bay's grasp, it is practically gift-wrapped. The Bucs finish the regular season at home against the Saints. New Orleans is on the way to its worst season in nearly 20 years. John Romano, Tampa Bay Times, published 30 December 2024