Excessive-stakes showdown with Buccaneers a testomony to Panthers' development

[ad_1] The Carolina Panthers have not performed a high-stakes recreation this late into their schedule in three years. That contest got here again in 2022 marketing campaign versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who halted the staff's sudden and unlikely playoff run in a crushing Week 17 defeat.

Paradoxically sufficient, their first significant late-season matchup since then may even pit them towards the Bucs. However the context, particularly behind the Panthers, is a bit totally different this time round.

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Carolina enters Week 16 at 7-7, and tied atop the NFC South with Tampa Bay. Sunday will mark the primary of two tilts between the division rivals over these last three weeks, with the second set for Week 18.

Whatever the end result this weekend, the Panthers have already superior of their rebuilding course of. They have been stacking their roster brick by brick underneath normal supervisor Dan Morgan, establishing a tradition alongside head coach Dave Canales and improved their win whole from 2024—with signature victories over the likes of the Inexperienced Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams.

The group has additionally seen their quarterback state of affairs enhance, because of the expansion of Bryce Younger. He nonetheless is probably not the No. 1 total decide the entrance workplace drafted him to be fairly but, however third-year passer has taken a step ahead from his sophomore marketing campaign.

Even when their season had been to finish at present, the Panthers—who've even achieved the aim of enjoying consequential soccer into December—can chalk up 2025 as a hit.

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Their showdown with the Bucs, nonetheless, will give them the possibility to take an excellent bigger leap.

There will probably be a big-game really feel in Charlotte this weekend and the following. Along with internet hosting Tampa Bay, Carolina may even welcome within the NFC-leading Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 (and we already know the way properly they've accomplished towards No. 1 seeds to this point on this season).

Though the Panthers weren't anticipated by many to noticeably compete for a postseason spot this yr, the chance is in entrance of them. And since it's, why not take it?

Wanting on the huge image, the NFC South could also be ripe for the taking in 2026 and past. Tampa may require a structural reset, the Atlanta Falcons could also be in for some severe adjustments and the New Orleans Saints are in the beginning of a long-term rebuild.

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However within the quick time period, it is proper there proper now.

A win on Sunday would give the Panthers a one-game lead and an enormous edge over the Bucs going into Weeks 17 and 18. It might get them one step nearer to their first playoff berth since 2017 and their first division title since 2015.