Live updates: Division title, playoffs at stake for Bucs vs. Panthers

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Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals and Carolina had two touchdowns taken away as the Bucs shut out the Panthers 9-0 Sunday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, to clinch a third straight division title and fourth consecutive playoff berth.

McLaughlin converted from 36 and 57 yards in the second quarter and 39 in the third as the Bucs (9-8) finished atop the NFC South for a third straight season, a first in the franchise’s 48-season history.

The Saints (9-8) finished with the same record following a victory over the third-place Falcons (7-10), but Tampa Bay earned the division championship based on tiebreakers. The last-place Panthers ended the season 2-15, worst in the 32-team NFL.

The Bucs will host a wild-card game next weekend at Raymond James Stadium against the Eagles or Cowboys.

The Panthers appeared to open the scoring on a 43-yard pass from Bryce Young to DJ Chark early in the second quarter. But Bucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. knocked the ball loose as Chark dove for the goal line, and cornerback Jamel Dean recovered it in the end zone, resulting in a touchback.

Trailing by 9 with less than seven minutes remaining, the Panthers again appeared to get into the end zone. But Raheem Blackshear’s 28-yard run around left end was nullified by an illegal formation penalty. On the next play, Bucs outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka sacked Young, forcing a fumble that was recovered by defensive lineman Greg Gaines.

Rachaad White’s 4-yard run over right tackle to the Panthers 10 on third and 2 with just over two minutes remaining put the game away. Carolina was out of timeouts, allowing Tampa Bay to run out the clock.

The Bucs defense forced two fumbles, six punts and a missed field goal on the Panthers’ nine possessions, holding Carolina to 199 total yards and 11 first downs. Tampa Bay’s offense wasn’t much better, managing just 228 yards and 14 first downs.

Days after being left off the NFC squad in Pro Bowl voting (he’s a first alternate), Winfield again led the way for the defense with a sack and forced fumble. He finished with five tackles, four solo, including one for loss.

Veteran linebacker Lavonte David had a team-high nine tackles, four unassisted. Rookie outside linebacker YaYa Diaby had six tackles, including three solo stops, and a sack.

Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield, who entered with sore ribs, limped his way through much of the game after appearing to injure his right ankle while being sacked in the first quarter. He completed 20 of 32 passes for 137 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions.

Receiver Mike Evans, who had seven catches for 162 yards and a touchdown in a 21-18 Bucs victory over the Panthers on Dec. 3, was limited to three catches for 22 yards, none longer than 9.

White was Tampa Bay’s biggest offensive weapon, gaining 75 yards on 19 carries. He also caught four passes for 18 yards.

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Here’s how it happened.

Coming up emptyBucs defenders celebrate a play against the Carolina Panthers during the second half. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

Midway through the fourth quarter, the Panthers had an apparent touchdown nullified for the second time in the game.

Trailing by 9 with 8:20 remaining, Carolina went for it on fourth and 1 from its 46-yard line. Chuba Hubbard gained 2 yards over right tackle to pick up the first down.

Two plays later, Bryce Young scrambled 20 yards around left end to the Tampa Bay 28.

Raheem Blackshear then appeared to score on a 28-yard run around left end, but the touchdown was nullified by an illegal formation penalty.

On the next play, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka sacked Young, forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Bucs’ Greg Gaines, giving Tampa Bay the ball at its 43.

Adding onCarolina Panthers cornerback Troy Hill (13) hits Bucs running back Chase Edmonds (22) during the first half. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

The Bucs took advantage of a short field following the Panthers’ missed field goal to make it a two-score game.

Starting at its 42-yard line after Matthew Wright’s off-target 52-yard attempt, Tampa Bay picked up a first down on Baker Mayfield’s 7-yard scamble to the Panthers 46.

Two plays later, Chase Edmonds burst up the middle for 21 yards and a first down at the 21.

A short pass to Mike Evans moved the ball 6 more yards to the 15. Mayfield threw to Trey Palmer near the end zone, but the pass went through the receiver’s hands, making it third and 4.

Mayfield had hardly finished his dropback before he was sacked by Brian Burns, and the Bucs had to settle for Chase McLaughlin’s 39-yard field goal — his third of the game — and a 9-0 lead with 10:18 remaining.

Better start than finishBucs cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) celebrates a Carolina Panthers missed field goal during the second half. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

Carolina had its best field position of the game after a 29-yard Ihmir Smith-Marsette punt return midway through the third quarter set the Panthers up at their 46.

After Chuba Hubbard gained 1 yard up the middle, Bryce Young completed a 4-yard pass to Adam Thielen, setting up third and 5 from the Tampa Bay 49.

Smith-Marsette again came to the Panthers’ rescue, fighting through a Zyon McCollum for a 6-yard reception and first down at the 43.

But Young scrambled for 4 yards and threw incomplete deep downfield for DJ Chark with Carlton Davis in coverage, bringing up third and 6.

Young handed off to Hubbard, but he was brought down after just a 1-yard gain, making it fourth and 5 from the 38.

The Panthers went for it, and Thielen made an outstanding diving catch over the middle, giving Carolina a first down at the 30.

Hubbard carried twice, netting five yards, bringing up third and 5 from the 25. Young was sacked by — who else? — Antoine Winfield Jr., making it fourth 14 from the 34.

The Panthers sent place-kicker Matthew Wright onto the field, but his 52-yard attempt was wide left, keeping the Bucs ahead by six as the third quarter came to a close.

Halfway thereCarolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes in the pocket in the first half. [ ERIK VERDUZCO | AP ]

The Panthers moved the ball from deep in their own end to midfield on their first possession of the second half before punting it back to the Bucs.

Tampa Bay had Carolina in a third-and-long situation from its 17, but Shaquil Barrett was penalized for a neutral-zone infraction, making it third and 3 from the 22.

Chuba Hubbard kept the drive alive with a 6-yard run up the middle. Two plays later, Hubbard went back up the middle for 17 yards and another first down at the 46.

But a 3-yard run by Miles Sanders and false start penalty against Tommy Tremble made it second and 12 from the 44.

Bryce Young threw deep downfield for Ian Thomas, but the pass went off the tight end’s fingertips. YaYa Diaby then stopped Hubbard after a 5-yard gain, forcing a Carolina punt.

Extending the halfBucs kicker Chase McLaughlin (4) kicks a 57-yard field goal late in the second quarter. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

The Bucs defense forced a pair of three-and-outs late in the second quarter, giving the offense two more chances with the ball before the end of the half.

It cashed in on the second.

Starting from its 23-yard line, Chase Hubbard carried for 2 yards off right tackle. Bryce Young threw incomplete for Ihmir Smith-Marsette, bringing up third and 8 from the 25.

With Lavonte David applying pressure, Young threw short for Ian Thomas, whose 5-yard reception was well short of the sticks.

The Panthers punted the ball back to the Bucs, who took over at their 26 with 2:13 remaining in the half.

Baker Mayfeld’s pass over the middle for Mike Evans was nearly intercepted by Jaycee Horn. A second incompletion to Evans quickly brought up third and 10.

Mayfield threw deep over the middle for Trey Palmer, but Deion Jones broke up the pass, forcing the Bucs’ fifth punt in six first-half possessions. Worse, the drive ate up only 12 seconds.

But the defense held again, giving Tampa Bay another chance from its 44 with 1:11 still remaining.

Short passes to Chris Godwin and Rachaad White netted 9 yards before Mayfield ran 2 yards up the middle for first down at the Carolina 45 with 30 seconds remaining.

Mayfield completions of 8 yards to David Moore and 4 to White moved the ball to the 33 with 19 seconds left.

But Chase Edmonds was dropped for a 6-yard loss, pushing the Bucs back to the 39, and Mayfield threw incomplete for Godwin, bringing up third and 16.

With no open receivers, Mayfield threw the ball out of bounds, leaving four seconds on the clock. It was significant, as Chase McLaughlin used the remaining time to kick a 57-yard field goal, extending Tampa Bay’s lead to 6-0 at the half.

On the boardBucs place-kicker Chase McLaughlin (4) celebrates his second-quarter field goal. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

The Bucs finally broke the scoreless tie with a late second-quarter field goal drive.

Starting from the Tampa Bay 29, Rachaad White carried for 4 yards off left tackle. He picked up the first down and more on the next play, slicing over left tackle for 13 yards to the 46.

White nearly picked up another first down on the next play, gaining 9 yards over right tackle to the Carolina 45. A short pass from Baker Mayfield to Cade Otton went for 20 yards, giving the Bucs a first down at the Panthers 25.

After a Chase Edmonds reception lost 3 yards and a White carry picked up 4, Tampa Bay faced third and 9 from the 24.

Mayfield’s pass for Chris Godwin was 3 yards short of a first down, and the Bucs sent kicker Chase McLaughlin onto the field. McLaughlin’s 36-yard field goal put Tampa Bay ahead 3-0 with 4:13 to play in the first half.

Difference-makerBucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) warms up before the game. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

Bucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. took six Panthers points off the board and gave the Bucs the ball all on one early second-quarter play.

Bryce Young appeared to throw a 43-yard touchdown pass to DJ Chark, but Winfield stripped the ball from the receiver as he dove for the end zone and cornerback Jamel Dean fell on the ball in the end zone.

After a replay review, it was ruled a fumble and a touchback, giving Tampa Bay the ball at its 20.

Tampa Bay gave Carolina a helping hand earlier in the drive when a holding penalty against Lavonte David nullified a Shaquil Barrett sack.

On the next play, Miles Sanders ran for 13 yards around left end, giving the Panthers a first down at their 49.

A 4-yard pass to Tommy Tremble and 2-yard run by Sanders brought up third and 4 from the Tampa Bay 43.

Could have been worseBucs quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) works in the pocket during the first quarter. [ ERIK VERDUZCO | AP ]

Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield was banged up but seemed no worse for wear after being sacked late in the first quarter.

Starting from the Tampa Bay 24, Chase Edmonds ran for 8 yards over left tackle and Chris Godwin picked up 4 around right end, giving Tampa Bay a first down at its 36.

Aaron Stinnie was penalized for being illegally downfield, pushing the Bucs back to the 31, and Baker Mayfield threw incomplete for Trey Palmer deep down the right sideline.

Palmer then fumbled after a 4-yard reception, but center Robert Hainsey recovered the ball, making it third and 9 from the 37. Mayfield was sacked by Yetur Gross-Matos, forcing a punt.

Mayfield limped off the field, appearing to favor his right ankle.

Missed opportunityCarolina Panthers cornerback Troy Hill (13) breaks up a pass against Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the first quarter. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

The Bucs narrowly missed connecting for a big play deep downfield midway through the first quarter before having to punt.

Starting from the Tampa Bay 25, Baker Mayfield threw to Rachaad White out of the backfield, gaining 7 yards to the 29. White then picked up the remaining yards for the first down with a 5-yard run over left tackle.

After a White run over right guard and reception near the left sideline netted 5 yards, the Bucs faced third and 5 from the 38.

Mayfield threw deep down the right side of the field to an open Mike Evans, but Evans was unable to pull in the underthrown pass as a Panthers defensive back flashed in front of him.

For the second time in two possessions, the Bucs were forced to punt.

Diaby adds to team-high sack totalCarolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) runs against Bucs linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) during the first quarter. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

Bucs outside linebacker YaYa Diaby put a quick end to the Panthers’ opening possession.

Starting from the Carolina 25, Chuba Hubbard was stopped for no gain on a run around left end. He made up for it on the next play, bursting 12 yards over left guard for a first down at the 37.

After Stephen Sullivan had a pass go through his hands, Raheem Blackshear ran for 6 yards around left end, bringing up third and 4 from the 43.

But Diaby sacked Young for a loss of 8 yards, and the Panthers punted the ball back to the Bucs. The sack gave Diaby a team-leading 6½ for the season.

Some movement, little gainCarolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) tackles Bucs Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the first quarter. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

The Bucs picked up a couple of first downs on their opening possession before having to punt.

Starting from the Tampa Bay 25-yard line, Baker Mayfield threw short over the middle to Mike Evans for 7 yards. A slant pass to Evans gave the Bucs 9 more yards and their first, first down at the 41.

After a short pass to Deven Thompkins gained only 1 yard and a Mayfield pass for Trey Palmer was broken up by Jaycee Horn, Tampa Bay faced third and 9.

The Bucs converted, as Mayfield hit tight end Cade Otton on a slant pattern for 10 yards to the Panthers 48.

Rachaad White’s first carry gained just 1 yard, and a pass for Otton was broken up by Deion Jones, again bringing up third and long.

Mayfield’s pass for Evans deep down the right side was overthrown, forcing the Bucs to punt.

Season comes down to one gameBucs head coach Todd Bowles walks the sideline during the first half. [ RUSTY JONES | AP ]

There’s no more room for error in the Bucs’ bid for a fourth straight playoff appearance.

Win today’s regular-season finale at last-place Carolina, and they are in as NFC South champions.

Lose, and they’re out.

“By any means necessary, we have to show up,” coach Todd Bowles said.

“All we need is a chance to get in,” quarterback Baker Mayfield reiterated, “and we’re still sitting where we need to be.”

While beating the Panthers to earn what would be a franchise-record third consecutive division title may not appear to be a daunting challenge, the Bucs (8-8) have not performed consistently enough this season to draw any conclusions about how they might play this week.

At 2-14, Carolina has the worst record in the NFL and is coming off a 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

But the Bucs are looking to rebound from a stinker of their own after wasting an opportunity to clinch the division title in a listless 23-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints.

“Very disappointing. It was like we didn’t know what’s at stake,” linebacker Lavonte David said. “We came out very flat on both sides of the ball.”

Mayfield threw a pair of interceptions and the Bucs also fumbled twice to lose the turnover battle 4-0. Offensively, they were held scoreless into the fourth quarter. Defensively, they struggled to stop the Saints in critical situations while falling behind 20-0.

New Orleans (8-8) climbed into a tie with Tampa Bay for the division lead. If the Bucs lose to the Panthers, then the winner of Sunday’s Saints-Atlanta Falcons finale will win the NFC South and host a playoff game the following weekend.

“Our thing is we can’t beat ourselves. We don’t care if they were 14-2. In the NFL anybody can beat anybody any given week, and division games are always tough,” Bowles said.

“We have to play our game, make less mistakes, and then we’ll worry about the opponent on Sunday,” the coach added. “If we can do that, we will have a chance to win.”

— FRED GOODALL AP Sports Writer

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A little light reading

Here’s some of our content leading up to today’s game:

Much more at stake than an NFC South title for Bucs against Panthers

Courage of Bucs’ Shaquil Barrett can’t be measured by numbers

Bucs receiver Trey Palmer playing his way into ‘becoming a pro’

Baker Mayfield ‘full-go’ for regular-season finale vs. Panthers

Mike Evans has gotten more than he expected from Baker Mayfield

Bucs players, coaches react to Antoine Winfield Jr.’s Pro Bowl snub

Receiver Mike Evans is the Bucs’ only selection to the NFL Pro Bowl

How have Bucs done in do-or-die games? Outstanding, if you ask gramps

Baker Mayfield vows to play through pain of sore ribs against Panthers

Bucs have one game left to prove offense really has turned a corner

Saints had a bad habit of roughing up Baker Mayfield this season

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