After a nearly perfect first half, with the exception of a fumble on the exchange between Tom Brady and Ronald Jones in Carolina territory, Tampa Bay was able to hold on to their 21-0 halftime lead and get their first win of the season over the Panthers.

Despite the Bucs’ strong play in the first half, forcing two turnovers on the Panthers’ first two drives that ultimately led to 14 points, the Bucs were only able to score 10 second-half points as Carolina attempted to fight their way back in the game. In the third quarter Carolina scored 14 unanswered points and trailed by seven, but on their next drive Bridgewater threw behind D.J. Moore and Carlton Davis was able to come up with his second career interception. The Bucs were able to convert a field goal off of the turnover and take a 10-point lead before Carolina drove the length of the field for a field goal of their own to bring the game back within seven with 1:57 remaining in the game. Rob Gronkowski was able to recover Carolina’s onside kick attempt before Fournette broke free for a 46-yard touchdown run on the drive’s first play, giving Tampa Bay a 31-17 lead with 1:46 remaining in the game. A lead they would keep.

Tampa Bay’s crucial win on Sunday brings them to a 1-1 record both on the season and within the NFC South. Next week Tampa Bay will head to Denver to take on the Broncos.