Panthers’ division title hopes dashed in 30-24 loss to Bucs
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. during the first half of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jason Behnken]
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers came into Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay controlling their own destiny, but a 30-24 loss ended the Panthers’ NFC South title hopes. The Panthers got off to a horrible start this year and coach Matt Rhule was fired after a 1-4 start. Interim coach Steve Wilks led the team to a 5-6 record and Carolina remained in playoff contention through the second-to-last week of the season. The Panthers have one game left to play before an offseason of decisions, including whether to bring back Wilks as the full-time coach. Quarterback Sam Darnold is set to become a free agent.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton is tackled by Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson during the second half of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Chris O'Meara
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Shi Smith celebrates after scoring during the second half of an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jason Behnken