Panthers news: Carolina picks off awful Baker Mayfield throw to take control of NFC South over Buccaneers

The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers headed into Sunday’s matchup looking for control of the NFC South. A back-and-forth battle ensued, as the Panthers took a late 23-20 lead over the Buccaneers at home. However, it looked as if, at least for a moment, that Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield would will the visitors to another victory. That turn of events was not meant to be, though, as Mayfield threw a game-ending interception to clinch Carolina’s eighth victory. The win gave the Cats sole possession of first place in the South, per NFL insider Ari Meirov on X, formerly Twitter.

The #Panthers have sole possession of first place in the NFC South. pic.twitter.com/pjelkBjLbc

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 21, 2025

“The #Panthers have sole possession of first place in the NFC South,” posted Meirov after Mayfield’s back-breaking turnover.

More to come as this story unfolds.

Panthers look to clinch NFC South crown over the next two weeks

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