The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are striving to keep their playoff hopes alive, needing assistance from the Atlanta Falcons while securing a strong lead against the Carolina Panthers with a score of 27-7 in the first half. The game began with a 2-yard touchdown reception by Mike Evans from quarterback Baker Mayfield, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Rookie running back Bucky Irving made a significant impact, executing a 42-yard screen pass that brought the Buccaneers to the Carolina 1-yard line. Evans continued to shine, catching another pass for a touchdown, this time from just 1 yard out, as he faced off against Caleb Farley.

Before the halftime break, rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan added to the scoreboard with a 10-yard touchdown reception, marking his fourth consecutive game with a touchdown, which ties him for the fourth longest streak by a rookie in NFL history. Evans' performance also stood out, as he recorded his 24th career game with multiple receiving touchdowns, equaling Davante Adams for the most such games since 2014. Furthermore, Irving's 1,377 scrimmage yards lead all NFL rookies, while Evans surpassed legends Tim Brown and Don Hutson in total touchdowns, now ranking 21st in NFL history.