(Tampa) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers don’t have to unravel multiple tiebreaker scenarios to figure out what they need to secure the NFC South Division title and host a playoff game .
By beating the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers (7-8) would claim a second straight title and they would secure their place in the playoffs for a third straight year, no matter what happens in the last activity week.
The Panthers (6-9), who have won four of their last six games to get back in the game after firing their head coach and trading their best player, can secure the division title by beating the Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints.
“We know what this game is about,” Panthers interim head coach Steve Wilks said. There is no reason to talk about it. »
“We know what this match represents. Winning the division title is not easy, said Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles. We have to win and so do they, so it’s basically a playoff game. Our playoff games started last Sunday, when we won [en prolongation en Arizona]. It will be the same this Sunday. »
The Panthers, who are 5-5 under Wilks, fired head coach Matt Rhule after Week 5 and traded star running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers of San Francisco days before defeating Brady and the Buccaneers 21-3 at home on Oct. 23.
The Panthers started the week tied with the Saints for second in the division, one game behind the Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers hold the Saints (6-9) advantage in all tiebreakers because they have beaten the New Orleans troupe twice this season.
“I’m not in Tom Brady’s head, but he definitely remembers that game,” Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson said. We know what the issues are. »
Brady has won an NFL record 18 sectional titles, including 17 during his 20-year stint with the New England Patriots.
The Buccaneers are trying to be sectional champions back-to-back seasons for the first time in club history.
“The important thing is that it is something that has to be earned. There is nothing free. There’s nothing you take for granted,” Brady said of another chance to secure a playoff spot.
“Every year is different. This year we have faced a few injuries, a lot of roster changes, some tough games, but we have the opportunity to achieve something really positive. It’s a big challenge,” added the 45-year-old quarterback.
The Panthers are coming off a record offensive performance against the Detroit Lions last week. They amassed 570 total yards, including 320 rushing.
D’Onta Foreman led the rushing offense with 165 yards and a touchdown while Chuba Hubbard rushed for 125 yards. It was a career high for both players.
The Panthers’ offensive line completely dominated the line of scrimmage, allowing their running backs to record seven carries of 20 or more yards and to average 7.4 yards per carry.
“That’s been key to our success this season,” Foreman said. When we ran well with the ball, we won games. When it didn’t, we lost. »
Separately, former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians, who helped recruit Brady from Tampa Bay before guiding the team to a Super Bowl title two years ago, will be inducted into the ring. honor of the team, Sunday.