The Carolina Panthers face a pivotal NFC South matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β The Carolina Panthers are preparing for their biggest game in years for Saturday’s NFC South showdown with Tampa Bay.
Carolina (8-8) will visit the Buccaneers (7-9) on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in what coach Dave Canales called “a championship moment” during his press conference Tuesday.
“We got to handle business and win the game, and that’s got to be our focus first and foremost,” Canales said.
The Panthers control their playoff destiny with a victory over Tampa Bay, which would end the franchise’s seven-year postseason drought. However, a quirk in the tiebreaker system has created an unusual scenario where Carolina could still win the division with a loss.
If Atlanta defeats New Orleans on Sunday and the Buccaneers beat Carolina, a three-way tie would result with the Panthers winning based on their head-to-head record. The Falcons kept that possibility alive Monday night with a 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
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But the Panthers aren’t focused on scenarios.
“We’re aware of all those scenarios, and it’s a pretty simple path,” Canales said. “We got to handle business and win the game.”
Carolina will face Tampa Bay for the second time in three weeks after beating the Buccaneers 23-20 on Dec. 21. Quarterback Bryce Young, who threw for just 54 yards against Seattle, said the quick turnaround presents both challenges and opportunities.
“There’s pros and cons, you know, there’s advantages and disadvantages,” Young said. “At the end of the day, it’s just about focusing on the process.”
The Panthers struggled offensively against Seattle, converting just one of 11 third-down attempts and committing two second-half turnovers. Running back Chuba Hubbard also fumbled, continuing a difficult season for the team’s leading rusher from 2024.
Despite Hubbard’s reduced production, Canales praised his leadership.
“Chuba is an absolute stud. He’s one of the leaders of our group,” Canales said. “I’m gonna give him the ball some more.”
The Panthers are dealing with injuries heading into the crucial matchup. Defensive end Rico Dalton (toe) and defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowder (ankle) were held out of practice Tuesday, though both are considered day-to-day. Left tackle Robert Hunt continues working his way back from injury.
Canales drew on his experience as an assistant coach under Pete Carroll with the 2010 Seattle Seahawks, who won their division at 7-9 and upset defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans in the playoffs.
“What I learned about that group is you just keep playing football and there’s a way to win every game,” Canales said. “You don’t make a judgment about the season based on what happens in the early part or the middle part of it.”
Panthers fans know a thing or two about winning divisions with losing records. Carolina won the NFC South in 2014 with a 7-8-1 record and was victorious in their wild card game.
Young said the team’s mindset hasn’t changed despite the playoff implications.
“We’ve been stressing having championship opportunities for weeks now,” Young said. “It’s just being consistent, continuing to build and grow and have a great week.”
The Buccaneers have lost eight of their last 10 games, including a four-game losing streak, after starting the season 5-1.