NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayOctober 26, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat Carolina Panthers 43-13 in NFC South matchup
Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 43-13 on Sunday afternoon, capitalizing on a dominant ground game with 258 total rushing yards and four forced turnovers. Bucky Irving led the rushing attack with 84 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense added two scoring plays on defensive returns. The victory moves the Buccaneers to a 2-5 record, putting them two games out of first place in the NFC South.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa BayWhy It Matters
The win alters the standings in the NFC South, bringing the Buccaneers closer to the division leaders and setting up a crucial upcoming home game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium.
Key Facts
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers with a score of 43-13 on Sunday afternoon.
- The Buccaneers accumulated 258 total rushing yards during the game, with close to 150 yards coming in the first half.
- Bucky Irving recorded 84 rushing yards on 18 carries and scored two touchdowns.
- Quarterback Baker Mayfield returned from a thumb injury and threw the ball 11 times.
- Zyon McCollum recorded an interception and a scoop-and-score on a blocked extra point.
- Calijah Kancey returned a strip-sack of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young for a pick-six.
- The Buccaneers forced a total of four turnovers, including a late interception by Tykee Smith.
- The win brings the Buccaneers' record to 2-5, placing them two games out of first place in the NFC South.
- The Buccaneers' next game is a home matchup against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium.
- The article was published in the Oct. 22 – 28, 2026 issue of the Tampa Bay Journalism Project.
Who's Mentioned
locationRaymond James Stadium“Stadium in Tampa”PersonBaker Mayfield“Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback”OrganizationCarolina Panthers“Opposing NFL team”PersonZyon McCollum“Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive player”PersonTykee Smith“Tampa Bay Buccaneers player”OrganizationTampa Bay Technical High School“High school attended by Michael Penix, Jr.”PersonMichael Penix, Jr.“Atlanta Falcons quarterback”PersonTodd Bowles“Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach”OrganizationTampa Bay Journalism Project“Publisher of the article”OrganizationGreen Bay Packers“NFL team”PersonCalijah Kancey“Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman”OrganizationAtlanta Falcons“NFL team and upcoming opponent”OrganizationBucs“Tampa Bay Buccaneers football team”PersonBucky Irving“Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back”PersonYaYa Diaby“Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive player”OrganizationRays“Tampa Bay baseball team”PersonTez Johnson“Tampa Bay player who caught a touchdown pass”OrganizationSan Francisco 49ers“NFL team”PersonBryce Young“Carolina Panthers quarterback”