Panthers path to victory Sunday has to go through a familiar face
The Carolina Panthers' dreadful season will finally come to a close Sunday.It has been an ugly year, where David Tepper, the Panthers' owner, fired Frank Reich and threw a drink on fans within a month and a half. When Carolina suits up to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it will hold a 2-14 record, and […]
![Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws the ball during the first quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars blanked the Carolina Panthers 26-0. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://atozsports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/46544-usatsi_22206716.jpg)
The Carolina Panthers' dreadful season will finally come to a close Sunday.
It has been an ugly year, where David Tepper, the Panthers' owner, fired Frank Reich and threw a drink on fans within a month and a half.
When Carolina suits up to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it will hold a 2-14 record, and ending the year on a high note may have gotten more difficult.
After dealing with injured ribs all week, Tampa Bay plans to start Baker Mayfield with a chance at the NFC Division crown on Sunday.
Tampa Bay could have clinched the club's third straight division title in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints but lost. Mayfield was hurt in that game and didn't play his best football.
He now returns to Charlotte, the site where his NFL career nearly ended in a Panthers uniform with the weight of the season on his shoulders.
In the year, Mayfield has thrown for career highs of 3,907 yards and 28 touchdowns. Against the Panthers defense, he is looking to surpass 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.
During his short stint with the Panthers, Mayfield appeared in seven games and threw for 1,313 yards, six touchdowns and six interceptions.
He makes his return to the team that nearly ended his career, making Carolina's last game of the season one chalked full of storylines to keep tabs on.
