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Tag: Professional football

  • Former Panther Luke Kuechly among 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees

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    SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick.

    What You Need To Know

    • Drew Brees and Larry Fitzgerald headlined the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class featuring five players but not six-time Super Bowl winning head coach Bill Belichick

    • Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors

    • Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors

    • But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach


    Brees and Fitzgerald both made it in their first year of eligibility in results announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night after prolific careers. Luke Kuechly and Adam Vinatieri made it in their second seasons of eligibility, while Roger Craig was the lone pick among seniors, coaches and contributors.

    “One of the coolest moments was getting up on that stage with all the other Hall of Famers,” Fitzgerald said. “That moment kind of crystallized it for me.”

    But the class is also noteworthy for Belichick’s absence as at least 11 of the 50 voters opted against giving him a vote despite a career with 333 wins in the regular season and playoffs and the most Super Bowl titles of any head coach. A report last week that Belichick fell short in his first year of eligibility was met with widespread criticism of both the voters and the process for choosing Hall of Famers.

    “His stats speak for themselves,” said Vinatieri, who played six years for Belichick.

    “I thought he’d have a real good chance to be up there as well. The people who voted made their votes and I think he’ll be up here one day.”

    The man who hired Belichick in New England to set the stage for the Patriots dynasty also fell short, with owner Robert Kraft failing to get enough votes.

    This is the second straight year with a smaller class after only four people made it last year as new rule changes have made it harder to get into the Hall. There had been at least seven people inducted in the previous 12 classes before last year.

    That contributed to the snub for Belichick and Kraft, who were grouped with Craig and two other players — Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood — who have been retired for at least 25 seasons. The voters picked three of the five candidates with the highest vote-getter and anyone else above 80% getting the honor.

    Craig, who was in his 28th year of eligibility, was the only one of those five to make it. Craig was the first player ever to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season, which happened in 1985, and he led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage in 1988 when he helped San Francisco win the Super Bowl.

    Craig also was part of the title-winning teams for the 49ers in the 1984 and 1989 seasons. His 410 yards from scrimmage in those Super Bowl wins are the third-most ever behind Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Franco Harris.

    The four modern-era candidates all overlapped for several years, waging many battles against each other.

    “Very early on you realized there was something special and unique about these guys,” Brees said.

    Vinatieri was one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, making the game-winning field goals in the first two Super Bowl victories during New England’s dynasty with Belichick and Kraft in charge. He joined Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen as the only players in the Hall who were primarily kickers in their careers.

    Vinatieri helped launch the run with one of the game’s greatest kicks — a 45-yarder in the snow to force overtime in the “Tuck Rule” game against the Raiders in the 2001 divisional round. He made the game-winning kick in OT to win that game and then hit a 48-yarder on the final play of a 20-17 win in the Super Bowl against the Rams.

    Vinatieri is the NFL’s career leader in points (2,673) and made field goals (599) over a 24-year career with New England and Indianapolis. He also leads all players with 56 field goals and 238 points in the postseason.

    Brees is second all time to Tom Brady with 80,358 yards passing and 571 touchdown passes. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the San Diego Chargers before signing as a free agent with the Saints in 2006, where his career took off as he helped lift a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

    Brees delivered to New Orleans its first Super Bowl title following the 2009 season, when he won MVP of the game after beating Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Brees made the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career, won AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2008 and 2011, was an All-Pro in 2006 and was a second-team All-Pro four times.

    Fitzgerald spent his entire career with the Arizona Cardinals after being drafted third overall in 2004. His 1,432 catches and 17,492 yards receiving in 17 seasons rank second all time to Jerry Rice.

    Fitzgerald topped 1,000 yards receiving nine times — tied for the fourth-most ever — and helped the Cardinals reach their only Super Bowl following the 2008 season. Fitzgerald set single-season records that postseason with 546 yards receiving and seven TD catches, including a go-ahead 64-yard score with 2:37 to play in the Super Bowl before Pittsburgh rallied for a 27-23 win over Arizona.

    Kuechly’s career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by Carolina in 2012 was an All-Pro five times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defensed (66).

    Voters reduced the list of 15 finalists in the modern era category to 10 and then seven before voting for five to make it. The top three vote-getters and anyone else above 80% got into the Hall.

    Offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Marshal Yanda, and edge rusher Terrell Suggs made it to the final seven in the modern-era category and will automatically be finalists again next year.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Shedeur Sanders to be an AFC quarterback for the Pro Bowl Games, AP source says

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    CLEVELAND — Shedeur Sanders has been selected as a replacement QB on the AFC’s roster for next week’s Pro Bowl Games, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.

    What You Need To Know

    • The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced roster changes

    • The Cleveland Browns rookie was a fifth-round pick after many thought he would go earlier in the draft

    • Sanders was not selected as one of the four alternate selections at quarterback when the rosters were first announced

    The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the NFL has not announced roster changes. Yahoo Sports was the first to report on Sanders’ addition.

    The Cleveland Browns rookie was a fifth-round pick after many thought he would go earlier in the draft. Sanders played in eight games, and started the Browns’ final seven games, going 3-4. He had a 56.6% completion rate and 68.1 passer rating along with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

    New England’s Drake Maye, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo’s Josh Allen were on the original AFC roster when the selections were announced on Dec. 23.

    Maye is unable to participate because of the Patriots advancing to the Super Bowl, while Herbert and Allen dealt with injuries at the end of their seasons.

    Other AFC quarterbacks, including Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones and Denver’s Bo Nix also suffered season-ending injuries. Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence was one of the top alternates, but Lawrence opted not to play in the event.

    Sanders was not selected as one of the four alternate selections at quarterback when the rosters were first announced.

    Finding players to fill out Pro Bowl rosters because of injuries has always been a challenge, but it has increased since the NFL did away with the exhibition full-contact all-star game format and went to a weeklong skills competition and flag football game beginning with the 2022 season.

    Tyler Huntley made it as an alternate three years ago after throwing two touchdowns and three interceptions in four starts with the Baltimore Ravens.

    The Pro Bowl Games will take place in San Francisco ahead of the Super Bowl. Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice (NFC) and Steve Young (AFC) are the coaches for the flag football showdown on Feb. 3.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • Super Bowl 60 is set and it’s a rematch from 11 years ago: Patriots vs. Seahawks

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    NATIONWIDE (AP) — Drake Maye vs. Sam Darnold. Two stingy defenses. A second-year head coach vs. a veteran coach in his second act.

    Super Bowl 60 is set and it’s a rematch: The New England Patriots vs. the Seattle Seahawks.

    The Patriots will seek their NFL-record seventh Super Bowl victory when they face the Seahawks on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

    Led by Maye, coach Mike Vrabel and a stifling defense, the Patriots are back in the Super Bowl for the first time since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick won their sixth ring together seven years ago.

    The Patriots (17-3) beat the Denver Broncos 10-7 on Sunday in the AFC championship game to advance to their 12th Super Bowl.

    Darnold, Mike Macdonald and a suffocating defense have led the Seahawks to the big stage for the fourth time in franchise history. They’re seeking their second Lombardi.

    Darnold, a No. 3 overall pick in 2018 now with his fifth team, played one of his best games to lead the Seahawks to a 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC title game. He threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns with no turnovers.

    “That doesn’t matter to me,” Darnold said about the doubters he’s proven wrong. “I just come to work every single day with these guys. These guys in the locker room, that’s what it’s about to me, man. The way we’ve come to work ever since April in OTAs, training camp, one day at a time and we’re here. We did it.”

    It was a wacky finish when Brady and the Patriots beat Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll’s Seahawks 11 years ago.

    Brady threw four TD passes and rallied New England from a 10-point deficit to win the fourth of his seven rings when Malcolm Butler intercepted Wilson’s pass from the 1-yard line to secure a 28-24 victory on Feb. 1, 2015. Seattle fans still lament why Marshawn Lynch didn’t get the ball on a handoff at the 1.

    “We did not care,” Macdonald said about coming into the season as underdogs in the NFC West behind the Rams and 49ers. “It’s about us. It’s always been about us and what we do and now we’re going to the Super Bowl.”

    Maye scored on a 6-yard touchdown run in the second quarter in Denver after a critical turnover by Jarrett Stidham, who made his fifth career start filling in for injured Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.

    “The Pats are back, baby,” Maye said. “Now, gotta win one.”

    Playing through a snowstorm in the second half, Maye only threw for 86 yards and ran for 65. Stidham had 133 yards passing and one TD, one interception and one costly fumble.

    The 23-year-old Maye, a finalist for AP NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year, will become the second-youngest QB to start a Super Bowl behind Dan Marino. He’s the fourth second-year QB in the past seven years to lead his team to the NFL title game. Patrick Mahomes (2018) won it while Joe Burrow (2021) and Brock Purdy (2023) lost.

    Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls as a linebacker for the Patriots in the 2000s, turned the team around in his first season as coach. New England went from 4-13 last year under Jerod Mayo to 14-3.

    Vrabel is trying to become the first person to win a Super Bowl as a head coach and player for the same team. Tom Flores, Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy and Doug Pederson won Super Bowls playing for one team and coaching another.

    “I can’t tell you how proud I am to be associated with these guys and this organization,” said Vrabel, who is a finalist for AP NFL Coach of the Year. “I won’t win it. It’ll be the players that’ll win the game, I promise you. It won’t be me that’ll win it and I promise you I’ll do everything that I can and our staff to have them ready for the game.”

    No team has played in the Super Bowl more than the Patriots, who are 6-5. They’re tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most wins.

    It’s been a long road back to the top for New England, which came off consecutive four-win seasons and only had one winning season after Brady’s departure in 2020.

    The Patriots have averaged just 18 points per game in the playoffs, the fewest by any team to make the Super Bowl since the 1979 Rams, who averaged 15. New England’s defense has allowed just 26 points in the three games, an average of just 8.7 per game. The only team to allow fewer points in three playoff games before a Super Bowl appearance was the 2000 Ravens, who gave up 16.

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    Associated Press

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  • Bucs tap Falcons’ Zac Robinson for OC position

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Buccaneers are hiring former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson to head up their offense.

    Robinson is set to be announced as Tampa Bay’s newest offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

    For Tampa Bay, Robinson marks the fifth OC in as many years. This comes after Dave Canales (2023) and Liam Coen (2024) took head coaching jobs and last season’s coordinator Josh Grizzard was not brought back after offensive struggles partly led to a 2-7 finish for the Bucs.

    The Bucs failed to reach the postseason for the first time since 2019.

    Before spending a year on Raheem Morris’ Atlanta staff, Robinson, 39, spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. Under coach Sean McVay, Robinson worked as an assistant with quarterbacks and wide receivers before spending the 2022-23 seasons as the Rams’ passing coordinator and quarterbacks coach. 

    Current Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield worked with Robinson in 2022 when he started four games for the Rams. 

    Tampa Bay interviewed multiple candidates for the position, including ex-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who opted for the OC position with the Los Angeles Chargers.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Bucs’ playoff hopes end as Saints fall to Falcons

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    TAMPA, Fla. — The Buccaneers needed New Orleans to beat or tie Atlanta on Sunday to win a fifth straight NFC South championship. That did not happen.

    After the the Falcons defeated the Saints 19-17, it created a three-way tie in the NFC South, with the Carolina Panthers owning the tiebreaker.

    It is the first time Carolina has won the NFC South since 2015 and they will move on to host a Wild Card round playoff game.

    The Bucs had a promising 6-2 start to the season, but went 2-7 in their final 9 games.

    This is a developing story and will be updated.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Buccaneers beat the Panthers 16-14, stay alive in chase for NFC South title

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The winner of the NFC South will have a losing record and be crowned at home watching on television.

    Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass to Cade Otton, Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoided elimination with a sloppy 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on a rain-soaked Saturday.

    The Buccaneers (8-9) need New Orleans (6-10) to beat or tie Atlanta (7-9) on Sunday to clinch a fifth straight NFC South title.

    If the Falcons win, the Panthers (8-9) will secure their first division championship since coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton led them to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance 10 years ago.

    The Buccaneers hold a two-team tiebreaker over the Panthers. But Carolina holds the three-team tiebreaker over Tampa Bay if Atlanta also finishes 8-9.

    Before the Buccaneers faced New Orleans in October, Mayfield accused the Saints of dirty play and said: “I do not like them.”

    Now, Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes hinge on the Saints beating the Falcons on the road on Sunday.

    The Buccaneers were 0-8 in games where Mayfield threw an interception before overcoming his ninth pick in the last eight games.

    After McLaughlin’s 38-yard field-goal try was blocked with just over five minutes remaining, Carolina got within 16-14 on Bryce Young’s 8-yard TD pass to Jalen Coker with 2:27 left.

    Mayfield tossed a short pass to Otton for a 20-yard gain on third-and-4 to extend Tampa Bay’s drive and run off more time. The Panthers got the ball back at their 3 with 18 seconds and no timeouts left. The game ended on a desperate series of laterals that resulted in a fumble.

    Mayfield connected with Otton on an 18-yard TD pass for a 7-0 lead as the Bucs scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the third straight game. It was Otton’s first TD of the season.

    Down 10-0, the Panthers turned Christian Rozeboom’s interception into a quick score. Rozeboom returned the pick 20 yards to Tampa Bay’s 19. Young then connected with Tommy Tremble on an 8-yard TD pass to cut it to 10-7.

    Jacob Parrish picked off Young late in the second half and the Buccaneers got a 36-yard field goal from McLaughlin to take a 13-7 halftime lead.

    McLaughlin kicked a 48-yard field goal early in the fourth to extend Tampa Bay’s lead.

    Carolina’s Ryan Fitzgerald missed a 54-yarder short on the opening drive of the third quarter.

    Mayfield completed his first six passes before misfiring on a cross-field, 13-yard toss to Payne Durham, who was wide open in the end zone. The Bucs settled for McLaughlin’s 29-yard field goal and a 10-0 lead.

    End of an era

    Gene Deckerhoff, the voice of the Buccaneers for 37 years on radio, is retiring after the season. Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans and veteran linebacker Lavonte David could have played their last game with the Buccaneers and possibly in the NFL if they choose to retire.

    David was a second-round pick in 2012, made one Pro Bowl, was a first-team All-Pro once and second team All-Pro twice.

    Evans, the No. 7 overall pick in 2014, had a 1,000-yard season every year of his career until this one, when he broke his clavicle in October and missed several games.

    Injuries

    Panthers: DT Bobby Brown III (head) left the game to be evaluated for a concussion.

    Buccaneers: LB Anthony Walker (ankle) was injured on the opening kickoff. … CB Jamel Dean (shoulder) and OLB Anthony Nelson (knee) didn’t play. … DT Calijah Kancey (pectoral) was active for the first time since Week 2.

    Up next

    Panthers: Host a wild-card game or start the offseason.

    Buccaneers: Host a wild-card game or start the offseason.

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    Associated Press

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  • Buccaneers beat the Panthers 16-14, stay alive in chase for NFC South title

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The winner of the NFC South will have a losing record and be crowned at home watching on television.

    Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass to Cade Otton, Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoided elimination with a sloppy 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on a rain-soaked Saturday.

    The Buccaneers (8-9) need New Orleans (6-10) to beat or tie Atlanta (7-9) on Sunday to clinch a fifth straight NFC South title.

    If the Falcons win, the Panthers (8-9) will secure their first division championship since coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton led them to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance 10 years ago.

    The Buccaneers hold a two-team tiebreaker over the Panthers. But Carolina holds the three-team tiebreaker over Tampa Bay if Atlanta also finishes 8-9.

    Before the Buccaneers faced New Orleans in October, Mayfield accused the Saints of dirty play and said: “I do not like them.”

    Now, Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes hinge on the Saints beating the Falcons on the road on Sunday.

    The Buccaneers were 0-8 in games where Mayfield threw an interception before overcoming his ninth pick in the last eight games.

    After McLaughlin’s 38-yard field-goal try was blocked with just over five minutes remaining, Carolina got within 16-14 on Bryce Young’s 8-yard TD pass to Jalen Coker with 2:27 left.

    Mayfield tossed a short pass to Otton for a 20-yard gain on third-and-4 to extend Tampa Bay’s drive and run off more time. The Panthers got the ball back at their 3 with 18 seconds and no timeouts left. The game ended on a desperate series of laterals that resulted in a fumble.

    Mayfield connected with Otton on an 18-yard TD pass for a 7-0 lead as the Bucs scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the third straight game. It was Otton’s first TD of the season.

    Down 10-0, the Panthers turned Christian Rozeboom’s interception into a quick score. Rozeboom returned the pick 20 yards to Tampa Bay’s 19. Young then connected with Tommy Tremble on an 8-yard TD pass to cut it to 10-7.

    Jacob Parrish picked off Young late in the second half and the Buccaneers got a 36-yard field goal from McLaughlin to take a 13-7 halftime lead.

    McLaughlin kicked a 48-yard field goal early in the fourth to extend Tampa Bay’s lead.

    Carolina’s Ryan Fitzgerald missed a 54-yarder short on the opening drive of the third quarter.

    Mayfield completed his first six passes before misfiring on a cross-field, 13-yard toss to Payne Durham, who was wide open in the end zone. The Bucs settled for McLaughlin’s 29-yard field goal and a 10-0 lead.

    End of an era

    Gene Deckerhoff, the voice of the Buccaneers for 37 years on radio, is retiring after the season. Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans and veteran linebacker Lavonte David could have played their last game with the Buccaneers and possibly in the NFL if they choose to retire.

    David was a second-round pick in 2012, made one Pro Bowl, was a first-team All-Pro once and second team All-Pro twice.

    Evans, the No. 7 overall pick in 2014, had a 1,000-yard season every year of his career until this one, when he broke his clavicle in October and missed several games.

    Injuries

    Panthers: DT Bobby Brown III (head) left the game to be evaluated for a concussion.

    Buccaneers: LB Anthony Walker (ankle) was injured on the opening kickoff. … CB Jamel Dean (shoulder) and OLB Anthony Nelson (knee) didn’t play. … DT Calijah Kancey (pectoral) was active for the first time since Week 2.

    Up next

    Panthers: Host a wild-card game or start the offseason.

    Buccaneers: Host a wild-card game or start the offseason.

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    Associated Press

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  • Panthers-Buccaneers face off for the NFC South title

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    TAMPA, FL – The Carolina Panthers can clinch their first division title since 2015 and first playoff berth since 2017 with a victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. They could still secure both with a loss if the Falcons beat the Saints on Sunday. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers have collapsed in the second half, losing four in a row, seven of eight and eight of 10. The game could be the last for two Buccaneers veteran stars: linebacker Lavonte David and wide receiver Mike Evans.

     

    Carolina (8-8) at Tampa Bay (7-9)

    Saturday, 4:30 p.m. EST, ESPN

    BetMGM NFL odds: Buccaneers by 2 1/2

    Against the spread: Panthers 9-7; Buccaneers 5-11

    Series record: Panthers lead 25-24.

    Last meeting: Panthers beat Buccaneers 23-20 on Dec. 21, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C.

    Last week: Panthers lost to Seahawks 27-10; Buccaneers lost to Dolphins lost 20-17.

    Panthers offense: overall (27), rush (11), pass (26), scoring (27).

    Panthers defense: overall (15), rush (19), pass (14), scoring (16).

    Buccaneers offense: overall (22), rush (21), pass (20), scoring (17).

    Buccaneers defense: overall (20), rush (7), pass (26), scoring (22).

    Turnover differential: Panthers 0; Buccaneers plus-5.

    Panthers player to watch

    Bryce Young. The third-year QB had one of his better games in a 23-20 win over the Bucs two weeks ago, completing 21 of 32 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading the go-ahead field-goal drive. However, Young stumbled last week and was held to 54 yards passing by the Seattle Seahawks with his longest reception going for just 8 yards.

    Buccaneers player to watch

    Veteran wide receiver Mike Evans could be playing his last game with the Buccaneers or in the NFL if he chooses to retire. Evans has 14 catches for 194 yards and two TDs in three games since he returned from a broken clavicle.

    Key matchup

    Panthers receivers vs Buccaneers secondary. Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. McMillan had six catches for 73 yards and one touchdown in the previous matchup, beating Jamel Dean on a fade for the score. Coker had three catches for 47 yards against the Bucs. Dean is out for this one and Zyon McCollum is on injured reserve so the Bucs will be without their two starting cornerbacks.

    Key injuries

    Panthers: The biggest injury question is whether guard Robert Hunt, the highest-paid offensive lineman in franchise history, will return this week. Hunt has been out since Week 2 with a torn biceps, but the Panthers activated his 21-day practice window this week and he has been back on the field working as a full participant. However, coach Dave Canales hasn’t said whether Hunt will play this week against the Bucs.

    Buccaneers: Dean (shoulder) and OLB Anthony Nelson (knee) won’t play. … DT Calijah Kancey (pectoral) is aiming to return for the first time since Week 2.

    Series notes

    The Bucs had won five straight against the Panthers — including four with Baker Mayfield at quarterback — until Carolina snapped the streak two weeks ago. Mayfield is 5-1 in his career against the Panthers.

    Stats and stuff

    The Panthers are 3-6 in Saturday games as a franchise. … QB Bryce Young has six touchdown passes and one interception in his past four games. … RB Rico Dowdle was a huge contributor in the running game during a stretch of games where the Panthers won four of five earlier this season. However, Dowdle hasn’t eclipsed 60 yards rushing in any of his past seven games. … RB Chuba Hubbard lost a fumble against Seattle last week leading to a Seahawks touchdown. … With their two fourth down conversions vs. Seattle, the Panthers offense now has 25 this season, the most in a season by any team since at least 1978 according to Elias. Carolina surpassed its previous franchise best of 23 in 2023, and the NFL mark of 24 by Cleveland last season. … WR Tetairoa McMillan needs 71 yards to become only the second rookie in franchise history with 1,000 yards receiving. Kelvin Benjamin holds the team record (1,008) for yards receiver by a rookie. … CB Mike Jackson leads the NFL with 19 pass breakups and had an interception last week against Sam Darnold. … Rookie K Ryan Fitzpatrick has four game-winning field goals this season. … Panthers coach Dave Canales was the Buccaneers offensive coordinator in 2023. … The Buccaneers have played in nine games decided by four or fewer points this season, most in a single season in franchise history. They’re 5-4 in those games with four straight losses. … QB Baker Mayfield has thrown eight interceptions in the past seven games after only two in the first nine. … Mayfield’s 11 300-yard passing performances since arriving in Tampa Bay are tied for the fourth most in the NFL, trailing only Jared Goff (16), Dak Prescott (13) and Joe Burrow (12). … WR Emeka Egbuka needs 70 yards to become the third rookie in club history to reach 1,000, joining Michael Clayton (1,193 in 2004) and Mike Evans (1,051 in 2014). … RB Sean Tucker leads the team with seven rushing TDs.

    Fantasy tip

    McMillan is facing a secondary missing its two starting cornerbacks. He’s also 1 yard behind Egbuka for the rookie lead.

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    Associated Press

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  • Bucs focused on Panthers, but need help to win the NFC South

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed up for practice on Tuesday for the first time since losing control of their playoff hopes.

    After a major collapse, the Buccaneers need help to get in.

    First, they must beat Carolina on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak. Then, the Falcons have to lose or tie to the Saints on Sunday.

    If that happens, the Buccaneers (7-9) would secure their fifth straight NFC South title and second with a losing record under coach Todd Bowles.

    “We just have to win the game on Saturday and then we’ll see,” Bowles said Tuesday. “We’ve made this bed (and) we understand that. We can’t do anything on Sunday unless we win Saturday.”

    For a team that started 3-0, 5-1 and was 6-2 at the bye, it’s taken a lot of poor football to reach this point. The Bucs had a soft schedule over the past month and still couldn’t beat teams with losing records. They lost at home to the Saints, blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead at home to the Falcons, lost at Carolina and to a backup quarterback in Miami.

    “I don’t think I’m stunned to be in this position — it’s disappointing, it’s frustrating and it’s part of the ebbs and (flows) of the season,” Bowles said. “This is the first season we’ve gone through something like this at the end of the season, so you try to make the best of it, and you try to come out of it. You put your head down and you keep working.”

    Baker Mayfield, who played at an MVP caliber over the first month of the season, has thrown critical interceptions in the fourth quarter in each of the past three losses. He had his full complement of wide receivers in only those three games this season.

    “It’s how well can you execute,” he said. “You look at the things we’ve messed up in these last few games, you’ve got to be able to do the little details, right. Everything — you never know when that play is going to really make the difference. So, be on your p’s and q’s on normal downs and distances, and obviously, third downs and red zone (we) have to be really locked in. How well can we do our jobs? That’s the goal.”

    Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs missed the previous game because of a toe injury and didn’t practice Tuesday. Cornerback Jamel Dean (shoulder), cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and linebacker Anthony Nelson (knee) also didn’t practice.

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    Associated Press

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  • Tourism boomed in Tampa in 2025, eyeing gains for 2026

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    TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay is seeing tourism numbers like never before.

    After three decades, 2025 marked the strongest year yet for Visit Tampa Bay, ending the fiscal year on September 30 with more than $1.2 billion in taxable hotel revenue.

    And 2026 is already off to a strong start.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa surpassed $1.2 billion in taxable hotel revenue in 2025, the most it has ever seen

    • Visit Tampa Bay recently launched a new ad campaign called Go and You’ll Know to encourage new visitors to explore all Tampa has to offer 

    • Major conventions are booked solid throughout 2026

    • NHL Stadium Series happens at Raymond James Stadium on February 1


    Major sporting events are helping drive early momentum, including the ReliaQuest Bowl at Raymond James Stadium this week, which follows last week’s Gasparilla Bowl.

    Together, the events are bringing tens of thousands of fans into the area and helping set the tone for a busy tourism season.

    Visit Tampa Bay is also rolling out a new tourism campaign called “Go and You’ll Know.” The campaign includes online, print, and TV ads designed to spark curiosity and encourage travelers to discover experiences that are unique to Tampa Bay.

    Looking ahead, convention travel is expected to provide a steady base of visitors throughout 2026, with at least one major convention scheduled every month.

    According to Visit Tampa Bay CEO Santiago Corrada, many of those groups are now going beyond economic impact by participating in community service efforts through an initiative called Meeting the Moment.

    “Whether it’s working with Feeding Tampa Bay, Habitat for Humanity, or doing book drives, backpack drives, or planting mangroves, we recognize those groups because what they’re doing goes well beyond the dollars they’re spending here,” Corrada said.

    Sports tourism continues to play a major role as well. In February, Tampa Bay will host the NHL Stadium Series hockey game at Raymond James Stadium on February 1, bringing even more visitors to the region.

    With record-setting numbers and a packed calendar ahead, Tampa Bay tourism leaders say the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

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    Jason Lanning

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  • Bucs, Panthers both lose as NFC South remains unclaimed

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    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns, including a 63-yard toss for his first career score, and the Miami Dolphins beat the slumping Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17 on Sunday.

    The Bucs (7-9) remained one game behind the Carolina Panthers (8-8) in the NFC South after the Panthers’ 27-10 loss to Seattle on Sunday. The Buccaneers would still clinch their fifth consecutive division title and sixth straight playoff berth if they beat Carolina in next week’s regular-season finale to force a two-way tie.

    If Tampa Bay, Carolina and Atlanta all tie at 8-9, the Panthers would win the division.

    But Tampa Bay has lost four straight games, seven of its last eight and has barely looked like a playoff team during that stretch. The Buccaneers’ last four losses have all been by one possession.

    Despite three turnovers and being outgained 145-53 on the ground Sunday, Tampa Bay pulled within three after a three-play, 91-yard drive that Baker Mayfield capped with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans with 54 seconds left.

    A busted coverage by the Dolphins defense led to a 59-yard reception by Chris Godwin that set up the score, but Miami recovered the ensuring onside kick to end Tampa Bay’s comeback attempt.

    Mayfield completed 33 of 44 passes for 346 yards with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Godwin on the game’s opening drive. The former No. 1 pick has thrown an interception in each game of the Buccaneers’ losing streak, including two on Sunday. The first was an underthrow to receiver Jalen McMillan that was picked off by rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr.

    The second came as the Buccaneers were driving down the field midway through the fourth, trailing by 10. Mayfield, one play after somehow escaping a sack attempt by Quinton Bell and completing an 11-yard pass to Evans, threw a red-zone interception to safety Ashtyn Davis.

    After the Buccaneers forced a Dolphins punt, linebacker Bradley Chubb stripped Mayfield on a sack, which Bell recovered.

    Ewers completed 14 of 22 passes in his second career start for the Dolphins (7-9), who have already been eliminated from the playoffs. Rookie receiver Theo Wease Jr. took Ewers’ first TD pass 63 yards into the end zone, and tight end Greg Dulcich caught an 11-yard scoring pass.

    Running back De’Von Achane had 18 carries for 83 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry against Tampa Bay’s seventh-ranked run defense.

    The Buccaneers took an early lead on a 16-play touchdown drive on their first possession of the game but gave up 17 straight points before Chase McLaughlin’s 33-yard field goal cut the deficit to seven points in the fourth.

    McLaughlin had connected on 11 straight field goals from 55-plus yards entering Sunday but had a 55-yard attempt blocked late in the second.

    Ewers led the Dolphins back down the field to set up Riley Patterson’s 33-yard kick that pushed the score to 20-10.

    Injuries

    Buccaneers: G Michael Jordon (concussion) and LB Haason Reddick (concussion) left with concussions and did not return. … CB Jamel Dean (shoulder) left early in the fourth.

    Dolphins: LB Chop Robinson (concussion), LB Jordyn Brooks (hamstring) and LB KJ Britt (groin) left with injuries. … WR Jaylen Waddle was playing through a rib injury.

    Up next

    Buccaneers: Host Carolina next weekend.

    Dolphins: At New England next weekend.

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    Associated Press

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  • Where and when to watch the NFL, NBA and more during the Christmas holiday

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    One of the best times of the year for sports fans around the nation is upon us.

    Christmas brings heightened enjoyment for many as they gather around the TV to watch their favorite teams battle on the gridiron and hardwood.

    Here’s a guide to all the NFL, NBA, college and highschool sports a fan could ask for.

    What to watch Christmas Eve

    A lone college football bowl game is taking center stage.

    Hawaii place kicker Kansei Matsuzawa (17) watches a kick in the first half during an NCAA football game against Arizona on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

    Hawaii vs. Cal, 8 p.m., on ESPN: The Sheraton Hawaii Bowl will be the culmination of the Golden Bears and the Rainbow Warriors’ seasons. The Golden Bears finished the regular season with a 7-5 record, while the Rainbow Warriors finished 8-4. Both teams are coming off a win on Nov. 29.

    What to watch Christmas Day

    There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans, along with multiple NBA games.

    Detroit Lions offensive tackle Dan Skipper (70) blocks against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

    NFL:

    Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m. on Netflix: The Cowboys will look to pick up a much-needed win as they battle for a playoff spot in a competitive NFC. The Commanders are eliminated from playoff contention, but they will look to play spoiler against their divisional rival.

    Detroit at Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. on Netflix: Another divisional rivalry is set to take place later on Christmas as the Lions take on Minnesota. While the chances are slim, the Vikings are still in the race for the playoffs and will look to make a statement against the Lions. Detroit is in a much better position and will look to make a run at the NFC North divisional title with a win at U.S. Bank Stadium.

    Denver at Kansas City, 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video: A dominant Broncos defense will look to contain a down-and-out Chiefs team. Kansas City has struggled as a team, resulting in them being eliminated from the postseason, but they will look to upset Denver on Christmas.

    NBA:

    Cleveland at New York, noon on ESPN: Two of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams will battle it out on Christmas. The Knicks have had a strong start to the season, only dropping x games so far. The Cavs have played up to expectations, with Donavan Mitchell leading the way in the scoring department. 

    San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 2:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: A defending champion Thunder roster is taking on the Victor Wembanyama-led Spurs. Oklahoma City has been scorching hot since the start of the season, while being led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in points and assists. The Spurs have also played, but have missed Webenyama on and off in the past month because of a lingering calf injury. 

    Dallas at Golden State, 5 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: Number 1 pick Cooper Flagg and the Mavs are gearing up to take on the Warriors’ aging dynasty. Dallas has yet to get its footing this season, while Golden State has been steady so far. The Mavs will try not to let injuries define them in this matchup. The Warriors will look to show why experience trumps athleticism.

    Houston at Los Angeles, 8 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: Kevin Durant and the Rockets will visit Luka Doncic at Crypto.com Arena. With LeBron James showing his age, other Lakers’ stars have picked up the slack. Los Angeles has continued to show why they are a contender early in the Western Conference behind several key performances from Austin Reeves. The Rockets have been steady so far as well, showing why Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun are both premier players in the NBA.

    Minnesota at Denver, 10:30 p.m. on ABC/ESPN: The Nikola Jokić-led Nuggets will host the Timberwolves in the last Christmas Day game. In a packed Western Confernece, Denver and Minnesota have shown in the past how competitive their matchups can get.

    What to watch Friday

    There will be three college football bowl games on tap, as well as two NBA games.

    Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) can’t controls the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Dalen Terry, left, and forward/center Jalen Smith during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

    College Football:

    Central Michigan vs. Northwestern, 1 p.m. ESPN: The GameAbove Sports Bowl pits Central Michigan against Northwestern at Ford Field. Northwestern has only won one of their last five games, while Central Michigan has stayed relatively consistent, winning three of their last five.

    New Mexico vs. Minnesota, 4:30 p.m. ESPN: The Lobos and Golden Gophers will battle it out at the Rate Bowl. The Lobos come into this one hot, not having lost a single game in the past five, while the Golden Gophers are just 3-2 in their past five matchups.

    Florida International vs. UTSA, 8 p.m. ESPN: The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl has the Panthers and the Roadrunners battling it out the evening after Christmas. FIU has lost only one of their last five, while UTSA has stayed steady with three wins in their last five.

    NBA:

    Philadephia at Chicago, 7:30 p.m. on Prime Video: The Bulls will look to get back on track as they take on the 76ers. Despite playing without Joel Embiid for most of the season, Philadephia has continued to stay competitive. Chicago has struggled of late, despite a blazing hot start to the season.

    Los Angeles at Portland, 10 p.m. on Prime Video: Two teams mired with issues will battle it out on the hardwood in Moda Center. The aging Clippers have struggled to shake off the rust this season, while a young Blazers roster is trying to find their identity.

    What to watch Saturday

    Saturday is full of meaningful football matchups.

    Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) prior to the game against the Denver Broncos during an NFL football game, Monday, Dec. 14, 2025 in Denver. (AP Photo/Bart Young)

    Houston at Los Angeles, 4:30 p.m. on NFL Network: The Texans and Chargers are matched up with playoff seeding on the line. Houston and Los Angeles are both currently in the playoffs, but the matchup could affect which team the other plays in January. The Texans have had a resurgence late in the season, while the Chargers have been steady all season.

    Baltimore at Green Bay, 8 p.m. on Peacock: The matchup between Baltimore and Green Bay is set for prime time. Both teams are firmly in the playoff race in their respective conferences. A win for either team would be huge for seeding down the line in January.

    Eight college football bowl games will be on tap as well. Games start at 11 a.m. and run into the night on ESPN and ABC.

    What to watch Sunday

    Ten NFL games will be on all throughout Sunday as usual, starting at 1 p.m. and ending in the late evening.

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    Ryan Johnston

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  • Reeling Buccaneers fall to Falcons at home, 29-28

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts Sr., and Zane Gonzalez kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired to complete the Atlanta Falcons’ rally for a 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday night.

    Facing a third-and-28 on the Falcons’ final drive, Cousins completed passes of 14 yards to Pitts and 20 yards on fourth-and-14 to David Sills V to set up Gonzalez.

    The Falcons (5-9) overcame a franchise-record 19 penalties and a 28-14 fourth-quarter deficit.

    Baker Mayfield threw a crucial interception in the fourth quarter as the Buccaneers (7-7) lost for the fifth time in six games to fall a half-game behind Carolina in the NFC South. The four-time defending division champions face the Panthers (7-6) twice in the final three games.

    Wearing their Creamsicle jerseys on the 48th anniversary of the franchise’s first win — that one came after an 0-26 start — the Buccaneers were booed off the field.

    After Pitts made a leaping, acrobatic grab for a 7-yard TD with 3:34 remaining to pull the Falcons within 28-26, Cousins was pressured and threw incomplete on the 2-point conversion try.

    The Falcons forced the Buccaneers to punt and got the ball at their 30 with no timeouts and 1:49 to go.

    Haason Reddick sacked Cousins, forcing a fumble that the Buccaneers grabbed coming out of the pile. But officials ruled it was recovered by both team simultaneously, and the Falcons kept the ball.

    Pitts finished with 11 catches for 166 yards, becoming the first tight end with 150 yards receiving and three TDs since Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe did it in 1996. Cousins went 30 of 44 for 373 yards.

    Mayfield tossed a 6-yard TD pass to Devin Culp, the second-year pro’s first scoring reception in the NFL that made it 20-14.

    On the ensuing drive, Sills dropped what should have been a 44-yard TD catch and the Falcons ended up punting.

    Bijan Robinson fumbled on Atlanta’s next possession after taking a shot from Christian Izien and Jacob Parrish recovered at the Falcons 25.

    Mayfield fired a 3-yard TD pass to Chris Godwin Jr. and the two connected for the 2-point conversion to extend the lead to 28-14.

    But Robinson’s 6-yard TD run cut the deficit to 28-20 with under 10 minutes left. After the Falcons missed the 2-point try, Dee Alford picked Mayfield’s pass and Atlanta drove 67 yards for a score.

    Mayfield had all of his wide receivers available for the first time this season after six-time Pro Bowl pick Mike Evans and second-year pro Jalen McMillan were activated from injured reserve. Evans broke his clavicle on Oct. 20. McMillan broken three vertebrae in his neck in the preseason.

    Evans made an immediate impact, catching six passes for 132 yards and drawing several penalties.

    Pitts was wide open for his first two TD catches. He caught a 17-yard pass from Cousins to give the Falcons a 14-10 lead under one minute left in the first half.

    Cousins tossed an 8-yard TD pass to Pitts to tie it at 7, one play after an offside penalty on cornerback Zyon McCollum during a field goal gave Atlanta a first down.

    Cousins beat the Buccaneers twice last year in his first season with Atlanta. He threw for 785 yards, eight touchdowns and only one interception. He had 509 yards passing against them in one of the wins.

    Chase’s leg

    Tampa Bay’s Chase McLaughlin connected on field goals of 52 and 49 yards. He’s 10 for 10 from 50 yards or beyond.

    Injuries

    Falcons: WR Drake London (knee) was inactive. … CB Mike Hughes (ankle) left in the first quarter.

    Buccaneers: McCollum (hip) left in the first half. … LG Ben Bredeson (knee) was out after being placed on injured reserve. … DB Tykee Smith (neck/shoulder), LB SirVocea Dennis (hip), TE Cade Otton (knee) and CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) were inactive.

    Up next

    Falcons: Visit Arizona next Sunday.

    Buccaneers: Visit Carolina next Sunday.

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    Associated Press

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  • Irving is eager to play after a tough time with an injury

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    By  ROB MAADDI

    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Not playing football may have been tougher mentally on Bucky Irving than dealing with his physical injuries.

    The dynamic running back is nearing a return to Tampa Bay’s lineup this week and spoke about his struggles for the first time on Wednesday. He was a full participant in practice after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries.

    “It’s tough, man, (especially) your first time being hurt,” Irving said. “When I step out onto that field — like I always say — I don’t take this game for granted. I love what I do every day. I love my teammates. When I go out there, I show them that each and every time I get the ball, I’m trying to make plays and make things happen for this organization and this team to help them in any type of fashion to win football games. When God takes something away from you, He’s telling you to get closer to Him and lean on Him.”

    Irving, a fourth-round pick last year, ran for 1,122 yards and scored eight touchdowns as a rookie while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He had 237 yards rushing and 19 catches for 193 yards and two scores in the first four games this season before going down.

    While Rachaad White and Sean Tucker filled in nicely during Irving’s absence, the Bucs missed his playmaking abilities. He missed being out there on the field even more.

    “It’s always tough not being able to be out there and go to war with your guys, but being able to go through that, learn from that and being able to move on, I’m happy to be back with my guys,” Irving said.

    Irving has overcome more adversity than most. He lost his dad when he was 2, his grandmother when he was in high school and a half brother when he was a freshman in college. Both his father and half brother were victims of gun violence.

    The 23-year-old leaned on his faith and team resources to help him deal with the emotional strain of being on the sideline.

    “This whole organization. I can’t name everybody from this person to this person, but the people who were with me every step of the way know who they are,” Irving said. “I want to give big praise and a shout out to them for helping me throughout this process. They’ve been around and they’ve seen it before, so just being able to trust them, trust their plan and help me get back and be around my teammates. I love being around my teammates.”

    Irving should provide a spark to the offense when the Buccaneers (6-5) host the Arizona Cardinals (3-8) on Sunday. Baker Mayfield is dealing with a shoulder injury and star wide receiver Mike Evans is out.

    “Anytime you can get a starter back, especially a player of Bucky’s caliber and the way he prepares and the way he loves the game and how he is around his teammates, that should always elevate you,” offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said.

    ___

    AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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    Associated Press

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  • Buccaneers try to end 3-game skid against lowly Cardinals

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    The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open a homestand with three games in 18 days looking to snap a three-game losing streak to stay atop the NFC South. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is dealing with a left shoulder sprain and his status is uncertain so Tampa Bay might have to face Arizona with backup Teddy Bridgewater. Cardinals backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett makes his seventh start filling in for the injured Kyler Murray. He has played well, though the Cardinals are 1-5 in his starts and have lost eight of nine overall.

    Arizona (3-8) at Tampa Bay (6-5)

    Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox.

    BetMGM NFL odds: Buccaneers by 3.

    Against the spread: Buccaneers 5-6, Cardinals 5-6.

    Series record: Tied 11-11.

    Last meeting: Buccaneers beat the Cardinals 19-16 in OT on Dec. 25, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona.

    Last week: Jaguars beat the Cardinals 27-24 in OT; Buccaneers lost to Rams 34-7.

    Cardinals offense: overall (15), rush (25), pass (10), scoring (18t).

    Cardinals defense: overall (19), rush (17), pass (20), scoring (24).

    Buccaneers offense: overall (20), rush (20), pass (19), scoring (14).

    Buccaneers defense: overall (21), rush (8t), pass (27), scoring (25).

    Turnover differential: Cardinals plus-5; Buccaneers plus-8.

    Cardinals player to watch

    WR Michael Wilson. He has been great as the team’s No. 1 option at receiver while Marvin Harrison Jr. is recovering from surgery for appendicitis. Wilson has caught 25 passes for 303 yards in the past two games, providing easily the best production of his three-year career. Even if Harrison returns against the Bucs, Wilson’s eye-opening performance makes him a bigger target.

    Buccaneers player to watch

    RB Bucky Irving. He’s expected to return after missing seven games with foot and shoulder injuries. Though he’s expected to be limited in snaps, Irving is a playmaker and a threat to go the distance every time he touches the ball.

    Key matchup

    Cardinals edge rusher Josh Sweat vs. Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Sweat has nine sacks in 11 games in his first season with Arizona after signing a huge deal in free agency following a 2 1/2-sack performance in the Super Bowl for Philadelphia. Wirfs is an All-Pro and they’ve battled previously. Wirfs protects Baker Mayfield’s blind side. Mayfield is dealing with a left shoulder sprain and his status is uncertain. Teddy Bridgewater would start if he can’t play.

    Key injuries

    Cardinals: QB Kyler Murray (foot) has to miss at least one more game on injured reserve. … Sweat (eye), LB Baron Browning (concussion), RB Emari Demercado (ankle) and S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ankle) were among those who didn’t practice Wednesday. … DL Walter Nolen III (knee) won’t play Sunday. … RB Trey Benson (knee) and WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendix) were limited at practice.

    Buccaneers: Mayfield could be a game-time decision. … Irving is expected back after missing seven games. … WR Mike Evans (clavicle) and WR Jalen McMillan (neck) remain out. … OLB Haason Reddick (knee, ankle) isn’t expected to play. … LG Ben Bredeson (hamstring), CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) and CB Jamel Dean (hip) didn’t play last week.

    Series notes

    The Buccaneers have won two in a row, including the last meeting when Tom Brady led Tampa Bay to an overtime victory on Christmas Day.

    Stats and stuff

    The Cardinals have lost eight of their past nine games after starting the season with a 2-0 record. Six of those losses have come by four points or less. … Cardinals TE Trey McBride enters Sunday’s game with 301 career receptions. He needs one more to pass Jimmy Graham for the most in his first four seasons for a tight end in NFL history. … Arizona QB Jacoby Brissett leads the NFL with 1,887 yards passing since Week 6, providing stellar production since taking over for Murray. … The Cardinals rank second in the NFL with 10 forced fumbles. … The Cardinals have 19 players on injured reserve or non-football injury lists, which is the most in the NFL. … Cardinals DL Calais Campbell will play his 273rd career game on Sunday. That’s the third-most in NFL history behind Jim Marshall (282) and Bruce Smith (279). … Mayfield is fifth in the NFC with 18 TDs. He had 41 last season. … Irving, expected to return for the first time since Week 4, had 165 yards from scrimmage in that game. … WR Emeka Egbuka ranks first among rookies in TD catches (six) and second in yards receiving (749) this season. … Fellow rookie WR Tez Johnson has five TDs. … LB Lavonte David joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Julius Peppers as the only players since 2000 with 40 sacks, 30 forced fumbles and 10 interceptions. David has 41 1/2 sacks, 32 forced fumbles and 14 interceptions in his career. … S Antoine Winfield Jr. needs two sacks to join Jamal Adams (21 1/2) as the only defensive backs since 1982 with 20 sacks in their first six seasons. …. K Chase McLaughlin is 8 for 8 from beyond 50 yards on field goals.

    Fantasy tip

    McBride could have a big day facing Tampa Bay’s poor pass defense. He has had five catches in 13 straight games and leads all tight ends with 80 receptions and 797 receiving yards this season.

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    Associated Press

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  • Moehrig to miss Panthers’ game against Rams after suspension appeal denied

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Carolina safety Tre’Von Moehrig will miss the Panthers’ home game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams after losing an appeal of a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.

    The NFL said Wednesday that Moehrig intentionally hit San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin near the end the game Monday night.

    The suspension will cost Moehrig $65,000, or an 18th of his $1.17 million salary.

    It’s a tough loss for the Panthers, who may be also without starting cornerback Jaycee Horn after he sustained a concussion against the 49ers. Horn remains in the concussion protocol.

    Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for an NFL-high 30 touchdowns this season.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Associated Press

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  • Christian McCaffrey’s big night leads 49ers to 20-9 victory over Panthers

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    SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Christian McCaffrey maintained that playing Carolina for the first time since the Panthers traded him to San Francisco three years ago wouldn’t raise his level of urgency one bit.

    McCaffrey responded to the reunion game like he does almost every week, with a productive performance that led the 49ers to another win.

    McCaffrey gained 142 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown, and San Francisco overcame a rough performance by quarterback Brock Purdy to beat the Panthers 20-9 on Monday night.

    “Obviously when you see familiar faces, it’s always good to see them before the game and after the game,” McCaffrey said. “But that’s a completely new team than when I was there. So it’s really just business once the ball was snapped.”

    McCaffrey’s big night helped the 49ers (8-4) overcome three interceptions in the first half by Purdy to remain in playoff position heading into the stretch run of the season.

    Bryce Young and the Panthers (6-6) struggled to take advantage of their opportunities a week after he threw for a franchise-record 448 yards in a win at Atlanta. Young threw for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception as Carolina missed a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the NFC South.

    Purdy wasn’t much better in his second start back from a toe injury as he became the first player this season to throw three interceptions in the first half of a game. Purdy said neither the toe nor rust was an issue.

    “Honestly, the decisions of going to those spots, I was fine with,” he said. “It’s just the execution of throwing a better ball. I feel like on really all of them, I needed to just drive the ball a little bit more. I kept it up in the air too long on multiple of them.”

    The 49ers went conservative in the second half after Purdy’s rough start to the game, relying mostly on McCaffrey and short passes. The strategy worked with McCaffrey scoring on a 12-yard run to make it 17-3 and the Niners adding a field goal by Matt Gay.

    Young did connect on one big play, a 29-yard TD pass to Tetairoa McMillan, but Carolina couldn’t convert on 2-point try after a penalty moved the ball to the 1.

    Young then threw his second interception of the game to Ji’Ayir Brown with Carolina in scoring position with a 20-9 deficit.

    “Just lack of execution,” Young said. “Couple of plays I’d like to have back, some stuff we could do better. Not what we wanted. We didn’t do good enough and I take ownership of that.”

    The frustration from the loss contributed to a spat, with Carolina safety Tre’Von Moehrig hitting San Francisco receiver Jauan Jennings in the groin after a run play late in the game and Jennings responding with a punch to the helmet after the game.

    “I was just responding to some childish behavior,” Jennings said.

    McCaffrey, who has transformed the 49ers’ offense since being acquired in October 2022, finished with 89 yards rushing and 53 receiving for his 10th 100-yard game of the season — two shy of the franchise record he set in 2023.

    The 49ers gave the ball to McCaffrey on the first five plays, leading to the first opening-drive TD of the season against Carolina. Purdy connected on a 12-yard pass to Jennings for the score.

    The two offenses did nothing after that. Jaycee Horn had two of Carolina’s three picks of Purdy, but the Panthers turned those takeaways into only three points. Young ruined one drive when he was intercepted by Brown on a first-down play from the 1.

    “I like the call,” coach Dave Canales said. “It was an aggressive call, a play action that we had opportunities on. Unfortunately came out with an interception.”

    The teams traded field goals and the Niners led 10-3 at the half.

    Injuries

    Panthers: Horn and LB Claudin Cherelus left the game in the first half with concussions and didn’t return. … G Chandler Zavala (calf) and CB Corey Thornton (ankle) both left in the second half and didn’t return.

    49ers: DE Sam Okuayinonu (ankle) left in the second half and didn’t return.

    Up next

    Panthers: Host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

    49ers: Visit Cleveland on Sunday.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Associated Press

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  • Big plays are hurting Buccaneers against better teams

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    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Surrendering big plays has cost the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two games in a row.

    That’s turned a promising 6-2 start into a two-game losing streak with a trip to face the NFC West-leading Los Angeles Rams (8-2) up next.

    Josh Allen threw touchdown passes of 43, 52 and 25 yards against Tampa Bay’s defense in Buffalo’s 44-32 victory on Sunday. A week ago, the Bucs allowed four plays of 50-plus yards, including three touchdowns, in a 28-23 loss to New England.

    “The concerning part is when we’re covering, we’re not rushing, and when we’re rushing, we’re not covering,” coach Todd Bowles said Monday. “It’s a combination of everybody on defense — it’s not the back end, not the front end. It’s everybody combined, together. We did better stopping the run because (James) Cook is a dangerous back, but those small details on the two plays we gave up in the first half — that’s critical. Regardless of where they started field-position-wise, you can’t just give them plays. They’re already a good football team, to aid them even more is not what we’re trying to do.”

    The Bucs have lost to some of the NFL’s best teams. The Eagles (8-2), Lions (6-4), Patriots (9-2) and Bills (7-3) are 30-11 combined. Only two of Tampa Bay’s six wins have been against teams that currently have a winning record. They beat the Seahawks (7-3) and 49ers (7-4) in back-to-back games last month.

    Midseason struggles are nothing new for Tampa Bay under Bowles, who has won the NFC South in each of his first three seasons.

    In 2022, the Bucs lost five of six after a 2-0 start and recovered to go 5-3 to clinch before resting starters in Week 18.

    In 2023, they lost six of seven after a 3-1 start. The Bucs went 5-1 down the stretch and then won a playoff game.

    Last season, they lost four in a row to go from 4-2 to 4-6. A 6-1 finish gave Tampa Bay its fourth straight division title.

    With Carolina (6-5) closing in, the Buccaneers need to turn things around quickly.

    “We need to figure it out and be really critical,” Baker Mayfield said. “We want to be a great team and we want to be a great offense. We need to be really critical of ourselves.”

    What’s working

    The run game. The Bucs followed up a solid game against the NFL’s No. 1 run defense last week with a season-high 202-yard performance against one of the league’s worst run-stopping units. Sean Tucker had 106 yards and two TDs. Rachaad White ran for 51 and Mayfield scrambled for 39 with a score. Tampa Bay averaged 5.2 yards per carry.

    What needs help

    Red zone offense. Allen gifted the Bucs an interception at the 7 on Buffalo’s first possession. The offense got 2 yards on three plays and settled for a field goal.

    Stock up

    Tucker has 159 yards rushing and an average of 5.7 yards per carry the past two games. He also has a 28-yard TD catch to go with two rushing TDs. Even when Bucky Irving returns, Tucker has earned an opportunity to get more touches.

    Stock down

    Kickoff coverage. The Bucs gave up returns of 61, 44 and 41 yards that set up Buffalo for short fields. Overall, the Bills averaged 39.5 yards per kick return.

    Injuries

    Irving (foot, shoulder), LG Ben Bredeson (hamstring), WR Chris Godwin (fibula), WR Mike Evans (clavicle), WR Jalen McMillan (neck) and OLB Haason Reddick (knee, ankle) didn’t play. … CB Jamel Dean left with a hip injury.

    Key number

    7.8 — The Bucs allowed 7.8 yards per play.

    Next steps

    The Buccaneers visit the Rams (8-2) on “Sunday Night Football.”

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  • QBs in spotlight as Panthers, Falcons look for more help from passing game

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    ATLANTA (AP) — Carolina’s Bryce Young and Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. delivered identical somber messages following disappointing performances in losses last week: “I’ve got to be better.”

    The quarterbacks are in the spotlight as the Panthers and Falcons seek more balanced offense in the renewal of their NFC South rivalry on Sunday.

    The Panthers (5-5) and Falcons (3-6) share similar stories of frustration in recent seasons. Each team is looking to snap a streak of seven consecutive losing seasons and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

    Each team is counting on its young quarterback to spark a turnaround, but the 2025 results have been mixed as the running games have been more reliable for Atlanta and Carolina. Penix and Young rank 21st and 25th, respectively, in passing yards.

    Falcons second-year coach Raheem Morris is facing increased pressure as last week’s 31-25 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin left Atlanta with a four-game losing streak. Morris knows criticism is part of his job, but he has spoken more this week about his concern about Penix “being so hard on himself” after completing only 12 of 28 passes for 177 yards and a touchdown against the Colts.

    Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said patience is needed with young quarterbacks.

    “Knowing how difficult this game is, knowing the immense pressure that goes into that position, being the franchise quarterback, all the different expectations that come with young quarterbacks, we can obviously jump on these guys super early in their career and not even give them a chance to develop,” Robinson said.

    Relying on the run

    Each team has relied on deep running games. Carolina’s Rico Dowdle ranks third in the league in rushing and has support from Chuba Hubbard. The Falcons counter with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Robinson, also productive as a receiver out of the backfield, ranks third in the league in scrimmage yards.

    Low point for Penix

    Penix has thrown only three interceptions this season. Two picks came in an ugly 30-0 loss at Carolina on Sept. 21, including one returned for a touchdown by Chau Smith-Wade. Penix completed only 18 of 36 passes for 172 yards and former starter Kirk Cousins took over in the fourth quarter with the Falcons trailing 27-0.

    Penix promised the Falcons will be more competitive.

    “Obviously if you look back at that game, they had success in that game,” Penix said. “So, maybe they do show some of the same things that they did in that game, but we will be ready for every look. We’ll definitely make it a better game than what we did last time.”

    Protecting Young

    The Panthers were held to 175 total yards in last week’s 17-7 home loss to the one-win New Orleans Saints. Young had just 124 yards passing and turned the ball over twice. The Saints stuffed the box on defense to stop Dowdle and forced Young to beat them. Young couldn’t, but it wasn’t all his fault.

    The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft spent most of the day on the run as the Saints were able to get pressure up the middle, disrupting the timing of several pass plays.

    Panthers coach Dave Canales has similar concerns this week facing the Falcons, who come in tied for fifth in the league with 29 sacks, including seven last week. Rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. have helped boost the pass rush.

    “At the end of the day, they got some talented guys, and they got some young speed on the edges,” Canales said.

    Speak for yourself

    Linebacker Nic Scourton said on Sunday the Panthers may have taken the Saints lightly. The rookie’s comments didn’t sit too well with Canales, who said he’d prefer those comments stay in-house.

    Canales added that the Panthers looked sharp in practice Wednesday.

    “It’s a learning opportunity to say, OK, for our guys, speak for your own performance,” Canales said. “If you want to make a general comment about, hey, when we lose, we’re upset, we’re disappointed. But the specific part of it that we can do a better job of just keeping those things within us and the stuff that we talk about.”

    Stopping Bijan

    The Panthers defense shut out the Falcons the first time around. Carolina cornerback Mike Jackson knows duplicating that effort on Atlanta’s home field will take another stellar performance.

    Robinson had 13 carries for 72 yards and six catches for 39 yards but was held out of the end zone. Robinson’s No. 7 jersey will be the focus for the defense.

    “We just played good clean defense, we got a couple of turnovers,” Jackson said. “I feel like we just kind of disrupted their timing. We have to contain No. 7. It all starts with No. 7.”

    ___

    AP Sports Writer Steve Reed contributed to this report.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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  • In matchup of 6-3 teams, Buccaneers visit Bills for Sunday showdown

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    ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.  — Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield likes to joke about how much he looks up to Josh Allen.

    What You Need To Know

    • Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen have mutual respect in a friendship that began in 2018, when they were among five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the NFL Draft

    • They face off on Sunday, when the Bills (6-3) host the Buccaneers (6-3)

    • The meeting on Sunday marks their third, with each splitting the first two, and comes at a critical juncture for their teams’ playoff aspirations

    • Kickoff is at 1 p.m.


    “I have to walkie-talkie to him because he’s so damn tall,” the 6-foot-1 Mayfield said, attempting to maintain a straight face when discussing his relationship with the Bills quarterback, who stands 6-foot-5.

    “So I can’t really have a face-to-face conversation with him,” Mayfield added, before suggesting Allen has small hands for his size.

    Allen shot back by accusing Mayfield of wearing two gloves when he golfs, after the two were paired at a celebrity tournament this summer.

    The playful banter is an indication of a mutual respect in a friendship that began in 2018, when they were among five quarterbacks selected in the first round of the draft.

    The bond has grown given the career challenges they’ve overcome since, in establishing themselves as franchise-caliber players preparing to face off on Sunday, when the Bills (6-3) host the Buccaneers (6-3).

    “I love the guy. He’s awesome,” Allen said. “To see how his career has progressed and the adversity he’s fought through, he’s playing some really, really dang good football right now.”

    Mayfield’s rise has been gradual since being drafted first overall by the Cleveland Browns.

    It took him five seasons and stops with the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Rams before finally finding the right fit in Tampa Bay. This year might be Mayfield’s most impressive in working his way into the midseason NFL MVP conversation for his production overseeing an injury-depleted offense.

    For Allen, drafted seventh by Buffalo, he shed knocks about his accuracy and mechanics coming out of Wyoming by transforming the Bills into an AFC power and earning MVP honors last season.

    The meeting on Sunday marks just their third, with each splitting the first two, and comes at a critical juncture for their teams’ playoff aspirations.

    The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills have dropped three of five and face a crisis of confidence on offense after the passing game sputtered in a 30-13 loss at Miami.

    The four-time defending NFC South champion Buccaneers still lead their division, but have dropped two of three following a 28-23 loss at New England. Injuries remain the biggest concern, with Tampa Bay playing much of the season without receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and running back Bucky Irving.

    Mayfield refused to use injuries as an excuse by voicing concerns about the team lacking a killer instinct following the loss on Sunday.

    “I’m perfectly fine with it,” coach Todd Bowles said. “When you’re one of the captains of the team, you know what it looks like. … He spoke up, and everybody took it the right way.”

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