NFL · Final Recap

Tampa Bay’s 26-Point Second Quarter Buries Carolina

October 25, 2026 · 7:52 PM

The Buccaneers broke the game open before halftime, powered by a dominant ground attack and a defensive touchdown.

Tampa Bay’s 26-point second quarter turned a 7-0 first-quarter edge into a 33-6 halftime lead, and the Buccaneers finished with a 43-13 victory. Bucky Irving rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns, adding four receiving yards on one catch. Kenny Gainwell contributed 88 rushing yards, while Sean Tucker rushed for 52 yards and a touchdown as Tampa Bay piled up 258 rushing yards. Baker Mayfield completed 7 of 11 passes for 64 yards and a touchdown, and Tez Johnson totaled 47 yards—14 rushing and 33 receiving on two catches—with a touchdown. Carolina’s Bryce Young went 14 of 27 for 163 passing yards and a touchdown, while Darren Waller had 50 receiving yards and a touchdown on one catch; Anthony Tyus III added a 23-yard rushing touchdown. Tampa Bay’s defense also returned a touchdown, while Carolina’s defense had five sacks; the Panthers’ offense gave the ball away four times, including two interceptions and two lost fumbles, against Tampa Bay’s zero turnovers. The Buccaneers outgained Carolina 322-266 and held the ball for 35:57 to 24:03, making the rushing and possession advantages decisive.

Key Performers

Bucky Irving, Buccaneers RB: 106 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs; 4 receiving yards on 1 reception. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers QB: 7/11, 64 passing yards, 1 TD; 1 rushing yard. Bryce Young, Panthers QB: 14/27, 163 passing yards, 1 TD; 9 rushing yards.

Standings Impact

Carolina’s listed two-game winning streak ends; Tampa Bay snaps its listed one-game skid. The standings data lists the Panthers at 3-2 and the Buccaneers at 1-5 before this result.

DYMA Insight

Carolina entered ranked 14th in the DYMA Power Index, ahead of Tampa Bay at 23rd, but the Buccaneers’ 258-88 rushing advantage and zero turnovers against Carolina’s four overwhelmed that gap. Tampa’s defensive touchdown added another blow in a game defined by field position and possession.