7 big winners (and 2 losers) after Buccaneers’ dominant win over Panthers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers earned a crucial, potentially season-saving victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 7 to improve to 2-5 and stay alive in the NFC South race.

The Bucs made a statement, winning 43-13 and physically dominating the Panthers for four quarters, going on the road and utterly dominating a red-hot Carolina team who was in first place in the division.

It was Tampa Bay's best performance of the season in all three phases, and there were several Buccaneers who did their part to pull off the upset, while others left plenty to be desired with their performances.

Winners & Losers from Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 43-13 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 7

Winner: Bucky Irving (and the rushing attack as a whole)

The Buccaneers rushed for a whopping 258 yards on 49 attempts, good for over five yards a carry. Bucky Irving led the way with 106 yards and two touchdowns, but he wasn’t alone.

Kenny Gainwell had his most productive game since joining the Buccaneers with 88 yards, and Sean Tucker got involved with 52 yards and a touchdown. 

The running back stable was firing on all cylinders, and the Panthers had no answer for the Buccaneers’ rushing attack. 

Winner: Offensive Line (and tight ends)

The dominant rushing attack wouldn’t have been possible without the offensive line and tight ends taking the souls of the Panthers’ defense.

The Buccaneers were worlds more physical than Carolina up front, opening up big holes in the running game and also allowing zero sacks.

It’s important to note that they played their best game of the year without right tackle Luke Goedeke, who was out with a calf injury. Second-year backup Ben Chukwuma stepped up in a big way and the offensive line didn’t miss a beat.

Winner: Zyon McCollum

Zyon McCollum is having the best season of his career and is playing at an All-Pro level. The only thing missing from his résumé was a turnover or splash play, and he checked those boxes on Sunday. 

The Buccaneers blocked an extra point and McCollum recovered and returned it for two points. He later caught his first interception of the year, picking off a red-hot Bryce Young.

McCollum continues to be one of Tampa Bay’s most impressive players week in and week out.

Loser: LB SirVocea Dennis

It was hard to single out losers from a game where almost everything went right for the Buccaneers, but SirVocea Dennis was a definite weak link. 

He got toasted in coverage by Darren Waller to allow a 50-yard explosive play for Carolina’s first touchdown of the game.

Winner: Yaya Diaby

There was a lot of noise surrounding Diaby as critics raised concerns about his decline in production. Hand up, I was one of those foolish people.

Diaby had the breakout game fans were waiting for, not only getting his first sack of the season, but finishing with three sacks on Bryce Young.

Winner: Bucs' Pass Rush

I already mentioned Diaby as a winner, but I couldn't leave out the rest of the pass rush, who made life miserable for Bryce Young.

Al-Quadin Muhammad had a strip-sack that was returned for a touchdown, and Vita Vea added a sack of his own. This was the second straight game in which the Bucs recorded five sacks.

Winner: Bucs Special Teams

Bubblegum-chewing Danny Smith had his unit ready to play in Week 7. 

They blocked an extra point and returned it for a touchdown, recovered a muffed punt, and were excellent in kick coverage.

This special teams group has shown a night and day improvement from last year.

Winner: Todd Bowles

A tip of the cap to Todd Bowles, whose defense has been a top-10 unit this season. Sunday’s drubbing of the Panthers proved their success is no fluke.

The Panthers entered Week 7 ranked No. 2 in total offense, No. 1 against the pass, and No. 4 in scoring. The Buccaneers completely shut them down, and recorded five sacks and three forced turnovers. This Bucs defense is legit, and Bowles deserves his flowers for putting together a great unit.

Loser: P Riley Dixon

I mentioned the special teams unit as a winner, and Riley Dixon was once again the weak link. He was only asked to punt twice, but finished with a measly 39.5-yard average.

He entered the week with the NFL’s worst net punt average, and his performance against the Panthers isn’t helping matters. The Buccaneers desperately need to find another punter.

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