North Charlotte Today

The Carolina Panthers faced a narrow defeat against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a score of 26-23 in Week 13. The game featured notable performances from several players on both sides.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young scored his second rushing touchdown of the season during a four-play drive in the second quarter. He later connected with wide receiver Adam Thielen for another touchdown, marking his fifth consecutive game with a passing touchdown. Young completed 26-of-46 passes for 298 yards and one touchdown, achieving a season-high in passing yards.

Adam Thielen caught his second touchdown late in the fourth quarter and led all Panthers receivers with eight catches for 99 yards. Running back Chuba Hubbard set a career high for rushing yards in a season, now totaling 919 after carrying the ball 12 times for 43 yards.

Tight end Tommy Tremble recorded career highs with five catches and 77 receiving yards, including a significant 38-yard gain. Defensive end A'Shawn Robinson reached over 250 solo tackles in his career, contributing six total tackles against Tampa Bay.

Linebacker Josey Jewell sacked Baker Mayfield, marking his first time recording sacks in consecutive games. Jewell led all defenders with ten tackles and two tackles for loss. Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney also sacked Mayfield, finishing with three tackles and two quarterback hits.

Rookie linebacker Trevin Wallace made an impact by sacking Mayfield during overtime, while rookie corner Chau Smith-Wade achieved his first career interception leading to a field goal opportunity for the Panthers.

Safety Xavier Woods intercepted another pass which was returned for significant yardage setting up another field goal. This increased Woods' interceptions to three this season, tying his single-season high.

The Panthers defense managed to hold off third-down conversions until late into the game but ultimately struggled as Tampa Bay maintained possession for much of the match. Despite efforts from players like Dan Chisena who recorded his first NFL reception, Carolina fell short after an intense battle that extended into overtime.