Mayfield returns as Buccaneers beat Panthers 43-13
Carolina committed four turnovers that produced 20 Tampa Bay points, while the Buccaneers gained 258 yards on the ground.
Baker Mayfield's return from injury ended in a 43-13 Tampa Bay victory over Carolina on October 25. The Buccaneers combined 258 rushing yards with 20 points from four Panthers turnovers. Tampa Bay is 2-5, while Carolina is 3-3.
After a three-game absence caused by a broken right thumb, Mayfield completed 7 of 11 attempts for 64 yards. He connected with Tez Johnson for a 14-yard touchdown. Tampa Bay established a 17-0 lead early in the first quarter and held a 33-6 advantage at the break.
Bucky Irving accounted for 106 yards and two touchdowns on 24 of Tampa Bay's 49 rushing attempts. Kenneth Gainwell contributed 88 yards from 14 carries, and Sean Tucker added a touchdown and 52 yards on seven carries.
Bryce Young threw two interceptions and fumbled when Al-Quadin Muhammad strip-sacked him. Calijah Kancey ran the loose ball back 32 yards for a touchdown. Carolina also lost possession when David Moore muffed a punt, allowing Ko Kieft to recover at the Panthers' 18.
Tampa Bay recorded the season's first NFL defensive 2-point conversion after Tykee Smith blocked Ryan Fitzgerald's extra-point attempt. Zyon McCollum returned the ball for the score and also intercepted Young during the game.
