It was another spirited effort by the Carolina Panthers in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough as Dave Canales' men fell to an agonizing overtime defeat to their NFC South rivals.
This was a game that got away from the Panthers. Costly mistakes in crucial moments ended up being the difference. This is a team still learning how to win. They're stacking positive performances, but closing the deal remains a work in progress.
The Panthers are competitive again. It's been a long time since fans could say that and they are cherishing every moment. After so long languishing among the NFL's bottom feeders, Carolina is winning back respect. That was the primary objective of the new regime before the campaign.
A ninth reverse of the season condemned the Panthers to yet another losing season under David Tepper's ownership. However, there is legitimate hope that things are progressing encouragingly and a brighter period could be in the offing if the right recruits are acquired this offseason.
That's for the future. For now, here are four winners and three losers from Carolina's narrow defeat to the Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium.
Winners and losers from Carolina Panthers' defeat vs. Buccaneers
Winner No. 1
Josey Jewell - Carolina Panthers LB
Frankie Luvu's departure is being sorely felt by the Carolina Panthers. However, the recent resurgence of Josey Jewell at the defensive second level is compensating for this somewhat.
The veteran linebacker is asserting his dominance at the best possible time. Jewell was around the football consistently against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He wrapped up tacklers well and held his own in coverage aside from a few lapses.
This was a big positive from Jewell's standpoint. It's also something the Panthers desperately need to continue without team leader Shaq Thompson to depend upon.
Jewell's improved production shouldn't prevent the Panthers from adding another linebacker when the 2025 offseason arrives. However, he's doing enough to be an important part of the team's defensive strategy whether coordinator Ejiro Evero sticks around or not.
This wasn't enough for the Panthers to get another win. But once the disappointment wears off, Jewell can look back at his performance with pride.
Loser No. 1
Carolina Panthers run defense
The Carolina Panthers' run defense remains a source of great frustration. It's the league's worst unit by far. One can point to the absence of Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown, but the right solutions aren't being found.
This is having a ripple effect on Carolina's chances in close games. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers exploited this obvious weakness throughout, gashing the Panthers for 236 rushing yards and a touchdown from 39 carries.
Bucky Irving was the primary instigator. The rookie running back was relentless, especially as the contest wore on and the Panthers began to tire. Rachaad White maximized his touches when called upon and the run defense had no answer from start to finish.
The Panthers are devoid of talent. Shy Tuttle is not the answer. The same goes for DeShawn Williams and LaBryan Ray. Expect general manager Dan Morgan to address the defensive trenches as a matter of urgency this offseason.
Anything less would be organizational malpractice. It's also a primary reason why some fans are clamoring for the Panthers to draft Michigan prospect Mason Graham with their first-round pick in 2025.
Winner No. 2
Adam Thielen - Carolina Panthers WR
Adam Thielen was the subject of intense trade speculation before the 2024 trade deadline. Media members and fans speculated whether the veteran wide receiver would be moved on with the Panthers going nowhere fast. Resisting the urge to dispose of the player was the right call to make.
Thielen might be advancing in years, but his production remains exemplary. The former undrafted free agent is a sharp route runner in the short to intermediate areas. He's also got the best hands on the team by a considerable margin. It was one highlight play after another versus the Buccaneers in Week 13.
The two-time Pro Bowler was outstanding throughout. His touchdown catch at the death was superb. Thielen's one-handed grab in overtime was even better. Unfortunately, the jubilation was brief after Chuba Hubbard fumbled on the next play.
for the lead!
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 2, 2024
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/KiUrAKIe8R
Things would have been even better for Thielen had the officiating not chalked off what looked like a sure-fire touchdown. The Minnesota State product finished with eight receptions for 99 receiving yards and one score. It was another example of how important the wideout is to the franchise in the short term.
Loser No. 2
Carolina Panthers red-zone offense
The Carolina Panthers managed to move downfield with relative ease against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Converting red-zone opportunities into touchdowns was the tricky part.
Considering how tight things were between the two division rivals, it made a huge difference. There was an egregious call that nullified an Adam Thielen touchdown grab, but head coach Dave Canales needs to find better solutions when his team gets into the business end of the field.
The Panthers converted just one of four red-zone chances in this one. Couple this with Eddy Pineiro's field goal misses, and this contest should have been out of sight with more consistent execution. It's all part of the learning curve for a team that's done nothing but underachieve throughout David Tepper's ownership.
This must be cleaned up. There needs to be more balance in the red zone. Things don't click effectively enough in this critical area and it was the primary catalyst behind Carolina's eventual loss.
If the same complications emerge at Lincoln Financial Field against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14, it's going to be a long afternoon at the office.
Winner No. 4
Tommy Tremble - Carolina Panthers TE
Not having rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders due to a neck issue gave Tommy Tremble another opportunity. This was his do-or-die moment to prove he can be part of the team's plans beyond the current campaign.
Tremble's had a frustrating year through health issues. The former third-round pick dropped a touchdown pass versus the Kansas City Chiefs to further raise concerns. A huge effort was needed to give himself a fighting chance of an extended stay.
The Notre Dame product rose to the occasion. Tremble managed to become a dependable target for quarterback Bryce Young across the middle and displayed encouraging yards-after-the-catch prowess for good measure.
This was a major positive from Tremble's standpoint. The fourth-year pro proved he can play a part with a clear run of luck on the health front. There is some work to do, but securing five receptions from eight targets for 77 receiving yards was a good place to start.
If Sanders cannot go next weekend at the Eagles, the Panthers need similar output from Tremble versus a legitimate Super Bowl challenger.
Loser No. 3
Eddy Pineiro - Carolina Panthers K
This was a fine margins game at Bank of America Stadium decided by a few critical moments. Eddy Pineiro picked a bad time to fluff his lines as the Carolina Panthers fell to a heart-breaking loss on home soil.
Pineiro is statistically the league's most consistent kicker of all time. That's no mean feat, but sometimes the pressure gets to him in key situations. Unfortunately for the Panthers, that proved to be the case once again against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The former Florida star missed two makeable field goals, which played a leading role in Carolina's eventual demise. Chuba Hubbard's costly fumble in overtime generated the headlines, but this game wouldn't have been close had the veteran made his attempts when called upon.
This is a setback for Pineiro, especially considering he's out of contract next spring. He's bounced back from adversity before. The Panthers need a similar response from the kicker to ensure they can generate positive momentum over the final five games of 2024.
Winner No. 4
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young is coming of age before our eyes. The Panthers must be thrilled with what they've seen from the quarterback since his reintroduction into the starting lineup. He couldn't have done much more in Week 13 against the Buccaneers.
Young's enjoying his football again. He's confident and poised, displaying conviction in the pocket that was sorely lacking previously. The former No. 1 overall selection got the football out on time and made tough throws look easy en route to another stylish performance.
Carolina also knows that Young can come through in the clutch. He demonstrated this quality by driving his team downfield before launching a strike to Adam Thielen for the go-ahead touchdown with around 30 seconds remaining. It wasn't enough to get the win, but the signal-caller wasn't anywhere close to being a weak link.
The Panthers might have something with Young when all hope seemed lost. Everyone within the organization and across the fanbase is starting to believe he can become their franchise presence under center. Results aren't there yet, but that'll come once Carolina surrounds the former Alabama star with the weapons needed to thrive.