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FINAL Week: Bucs Win If / Panthers Win If

ehinote · 2026-01-03T04:07:12Z

This is it. We’ve waited eight weeks for the Bucs to break free from this skid, and Saturday’s game against the Panthers is their last chance. If they can secure a win and get help from the Saints in their game against the Falcons on Sunday, this team could still find its way into the playoffs after more than two months of disappointing football. A playoff appearance might help us forget the recent struggles—at least until the next loss. BUCS WIN IF… Bucs on Offense: If Todd Bowles can completely step back from offensive meetings this week, we have a shot. Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard has crafted effective game plans early in recent matchups, focusing on aggressive play from the start. However, as the game progresses, there tends to be an excessive focus on the run/pass ratio, and we all know where that pressure originates. I want to see the Bucs give Baker Mayfield the opportunity to either carry this team or face the consequences. Let him find his rhythm early and maintain it. I’d love to see Mike Evans finish with 80 yards and a touchdown, Chris Godwin with 6 catches for 65 yards, McMillan contributing 4 catches for 70 yards, and Egbuka with 2 catches for 30 yards and a touchdown. Let’s finish strong with a rushing touchdown from our running backs and another through the air. Bucs on Defense: Here’s hoping Bowles can formulate a plan to prevent the Panthers’ offense from resembling the ‘99 Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf.” We tend to make any offense look unstoppable. The Bucs should aim to force Panthers’ quarterback Bryce Young to win the game with his arm. Shutting down their running game is crucial, and we need to avoid leaving receivers in one-on-one situations. Challenge Young’s arm strength and accuracy by making him fit the ball into tight windows. If he can do it, then they deserve the win. PANTHERS WIN IF… Panthers on Offense: They need to establish a running game to set up effective play action. Target Tetairia McMillan frequently; he’s an athletic force. By shifting Bucs defenders toward him, they can create openings elsewhere. If they can score 23 points, they’ll likely secure the win. Panthers on Defense: If the Bucs come out with the same offensive game plan they used in their first meeting, the Panthers should focus on shutting down the run. However, they must also be prepared for a normal NFL offensive plan of a balanced mix of pass and run plays. Never know when Bucs coaching might wake up. Providing safety help over the top on Evans’ side is essential, and they should aim to keep Baker in the pocket, forcing him to throw. He hasn’t looked comfortable doing so lately. FINAL WORD I’ve held out hope for a Bucs victory over the last four weeks, but I believe that ship has sailed. Once a coach loses a locker room, it’s tough to regain that trust. The heart of the team seems to be fading. Hopefully, they’ll undergo a much-needed transformation in the offseason. Prediction: Panthers win 27-16.

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DontHireHarbaugh2026

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Posted by: @seekpar

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Where are the weapons?

Durham is clearly a better weapon than McMillan and Godwin

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:00 pm

seekpar

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Exactly my point!

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:00 pm

Biggs3535

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Posted by: @ehinote

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We’ve had quite a few opening drives this year. What happens the rest of the way will make the difference.

Counting today, they’ve had 6 opening drive TD’s. I think that number was over 10 last year. I’ll confirm later.

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:03 pm

DontHireHarbaugh2026

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Smith falling for the PA per usual

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:04 pm

Biggs3535

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Posted by: @donthireharbaugh2026

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Posted by: @biggs3535

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The DT’s were holding Barton like crazy last game. That is continuing. The HC needs to point that out to the officials.

You love him so much 😂

You and your boy have made me focus on him more. You should try it, as it will most likely change your opinion.

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:04 pm

OlafSnowfake

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Smith trailing the TE

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:04 pm

ChadRico

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Posts: 143

Master At Arms

With how ineffective our front 4 is at rushing the passer i wonder if we just dropped 11 guys into coverage if it would be better 🤣

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:05 pm

Biggs3535 reacted

Biggs3535

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Posted by: @donthireharbaugh2026

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2nd and 10 run. Siiiigh

You can’t always throw on throwing downs and/or pass on passing downs. Any OC has to mix it up.

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:06 pm

OlafSnowfake

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Kancey in on that play?

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:06 pm

Biggs3535

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Bucky alligator armed that one

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:12 pm

DontHireHarbaugh2026

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Captain

White has to get more on that pitch

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:13 pm

DontHireHarbaugh2026

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Posted by: @biggs3535

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Posted by: @donthireharbaugh2026

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2nd and 10 run. Siiiigh

You can’t always throw on throwing downs and/or pass on passing downs. Any OC has to mix it up.

It didn't work

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:14 pm

Biggs3535

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Awful decision.

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:14 pm

DontHireHarbaugh2026

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Captain

Wtf was Baker seeing there?

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:14 pm

BadabingBucs

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Posts: 3649

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there’s baker trying to lose the game

Posted : Jan. 3, 2026 5:15 pm

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FINAL Week: Bucs Win If / Panthers Win If

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