Follow the match between the Panthers and the Bucs this Saturday from 4:30 p.m. on RDS2.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going through a difficult period that seems endless.
The Carolina Panthers are closing in on their first playoff berth in eight years.
Two teams with opposite trajectories will face off on Saturday for the title of the Southern section of the National.
The Panthers (8-8) can still win the title if they lose, as the Buccaneers (7-9) must win and the Falcons (7-9) must lose or tie the Saints (6-10) for Tampa Bay to qualify.
“We have to win on Saturday, that’s our top priority,” Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield said. The goal is to find a way to win. We must do what is necessary. »
If the Panthers win, they will clinch their first sectional title since Ron Rivera and Cam Newton led them to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl berth 10 years ago.
Since their elimination in the first round after the 2017 season, Carolina has experienced three head coaching changes, in addition to having had around ten starting quarterbacks.
Dave Canales took over the team in 2024 after one season as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, where he helped revive Mayfield’s career.
He turned the Panthers around and Bryce Young continues his progress in his third season, after being drafted first overall in 2023.
The Buccaneers have lost seven of their last eight games.
Todd Bowles led the team to three sectional titles in his first three seasons, but is 1-3 in the playoffs.
His contract extends until 2028, which works in his favor.
A strong running game allowed Carolina to shine early in the season, taking some pressure off Young.
Rico Dowdle had 389 rushing yards in wins against Dallas and Miami in Weeks 5 and 6, but he has surpassed 80 yards only once since that time.
Mike Jackson, also of the Panthers, is one blocked pass away from tying the team record of 20.
“We are fortunate that he has played so well over the last few years,” said defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. He surprised a lot of people, but I can tell you he expected nothing less from himself. I have rarely seen a cornerback so well prepared and so well focused. »
