Game story
In Week 17 of the 2007 NFL season on 2007-12-30, the Carolina Panthers took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 31–23 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 16 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
L. McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with +3.13 total EPA, and +12.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, D. Carter (Carolina Panthers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +5.75 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+23.0% win probability) landed in the second quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (4:10) (Punt formation) 9-J.Bidwell punts 60 yards to CAR 15, Center-48-A.Economos. 10-R.Robinson to CAR 16 for 1 yard (58-Q.Black). FUMBLES (58-Q.Black), touched at CAR 17, RECOVERED by TB-26-W.Allen
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 D. Carter · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.75 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.88 EPA/play
- 2 M. Moore · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +5.48 total EPA · 25 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 3 D. Williams · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +5.46 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 4 J. Stevens · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +5.19 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.30 EPA/play
- 5 S. Smith · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.12 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
- 6 D. Rosario · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +4.41 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.47 EPA/play
- 7 C. Lucas · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +4.15 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.83 EPA/play
- 8 L. McCown · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +3.13 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.08 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
D. Carter — CAR · Receiving
D. Carter posted the highest total EPA (+5.75) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Carolina Panthers's efficiency. Across 2 counted snaps, they averaged +2.88 EPA per play.
The signature play (+5.73 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (4:10) (Punt formation) 9-J.Bidwell punts 60 yards to CAR 15, Center-48-A.Economos. 10-R.Robinson to CAR 16 for 1 yard (58-Q.Black). FUMBLES (58-Q.Black), touched at CAR 17, RECOVERED by TB-26-W.Allen at CAR 17. 26-W.All
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J. Stevens (L. McCown pass)
- Carolina Panthers — C. Fauria (M. Moore pass)
- Carolina Panthers — D. Rosario (M. Moore pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bennett (L. McCown pass)
- Carolina Panthers — D. Williams
- Carolina Panthers — D. Williams
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
- Carolina Panthers — J. Kasay
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — M. Bryant
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 3 (Q1 56:09) — (11:09) 12-L.McCown pass short left to 86-J.Stevens for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q1 56:04) — (Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the TB 2 (Q1 49:02) — (4:02) 3-M.Moore pass short right to 86-C.Fauria for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 7 (Q1 48:55) — (Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The second quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 10–6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 13 (Q2 42:36) — (12:36) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the TB 20 (Q2 36:48) — (6:48) 3-M.Moore pass deep left to 88-D.Rosario for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q2 36:40) — (Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 5 (Q2 32:39) — (2:39) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the TB 1 (Q2 30:20) — (:20) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Kasay 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 23 (Q3 22:08) — (7:08) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 29-M.Bennett for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CAR 2 (Q3 21:57) — (Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q3 19:09) — (4:09) 34-D.Williams right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q3 19:03) — (Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
The fourth quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 7–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 32 (Q4 14:07) — (14:07) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the TB 32 (Q4 6:34) — (6:34) 34-D.Williams right guard for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 2 (Q4 6:24) — (Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 34:10) — (4:10) (Punt formation) 9-J.Bidwell punts 60 yards to CAR 15, Center-48-A.Economos. 10-R.Robinson to CAR 16 for 1 yard (58-Q.Black). FUMBLES (58-Q.Black), touched at CAR 17, RECOVERED by TB-26-W.Allen
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 20:00) — (5:00) 3-M.Moore pass deep left to 18-D.Carter to TB 1 for 46 yards (26-W.Allen).
- Carolina Panthers (Q4 6:34) — (6:34) 34-D.Williams right guard for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 22:08) — (7:08) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 29-M.Bennett for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 4:58) — (4:58) 12-L.McCown pass deep right intended for 33-K.Darby INTERCEPTED by 31-R.Marshall at CAR 7. 31-R.Marshall to CAR 7 for no gain (33-K.Darby).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 34:10) — (4:10) (Punt formation) 9-J.Bidwell punts 60 yards to CAR 15, Center-48-A.Economos. 10-R.Robinson to CAR 16 for 1 yard (58-Q.Black). FUMBLES (58-Q.Black), touched at CAR 17, RECOVERED by TB-26-W.Allen
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 20:00) — (5:00) 3-M.Moore pass deep left to 18-D.Carter to TB 1 for 46 yards (26-W.Allen).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 4:58) — (4:58) 12-L.McCown pass deep right intended for 33-K.Darby INTERCEPTED by 31-R.Marshall at CAR 7. 31-R.Marshall to CAR 7 for no gain (33-K.Darby).
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 44:19) — (14:19) 3-M.Moore pass short left intended for 89-S.Smith INTERCEPTED by 31-P.Buchanon at CAR 22. 31-P.Buchanon to CAR 18 for 4 yards (89-S.Smith).
Quarterback report card
L.McCown led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- L.McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 37 dropbacks · 56.8% completion · +12.9% CPOE · +0.08 EPA/play · +3.13 total EPA
- M.Moore (Carolina Panthers) · 25 dropbacks · 60.0% completion · +5.7% CPOE · +0.22 EPA/play · +5.48 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.210 | +0.092 |
| Offensive success rate | 50.6% | 46.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.219 | +0.084 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.083 | -0.177 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.092 | -0.210 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.8% | 49.4% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.21 vs +0.09), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, +16.99 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 12 drives, +7.17 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Carolina Panthers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- D. Carter (Carolina Panthers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- L. McCown (TB) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
- M. Moore (CAR) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 56:09 · CAR 3 · Score 0-6
(11:09) 12-L.McCown pass short left to 86-J.Stevens for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 56:04 · CAR 2 · Score 0-7
(Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 49:02 · TB 2 · Score 6-7
(4:02) 3-M.Moore pass short right to 86-C.Fauria for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 48:55 · TB 7 · Score 7-7
(Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 42:36 · CAR 13 · Score 7-10
(12:36) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 36:48 · TB 20 · Score 13-10
(6:48) 3-M.Moore pass deep left to 88-D.Rosario for 20 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 36:40 · TB 2 · Score 14-10
(Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 32:39 · CAR 5 · Score 14-13
(2:39) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 30:20 · TB 1 · Score 17-13
(:20) (Field Goal formation) 4-J.Kasay 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 22:08 · CAR 23 · Score 17-19
(7:08) 12-L.McCown pass short right to 29-M.Bennett for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 21:57 · CAR 2 · Score 17-20
(Kick formation) 3-M.Bryant extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 19:09 · TB 1 · Score 23-20
(4:09) 34-D.Williams right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 19:03 · TB 2 · Score 24-20
(Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 14:07 · CAR 32 · Score 24-23
(14:07) (Field Goal formation) 3-M.Bryant 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.Economos, Holder-9-J.Bidwell. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q4 6:34 · TB 32 · Score 30-23
(6:34) 34-D.Williams right guard for 32 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q4 6:24 · TB 2 · Score 31-23
(Kick formation) 4-J.Kasay extra point is GOOD, Center-56-J.Kyle, Holder-7-J.Baker.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Carolina Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-23 in Week 17, 2007 on 2007-12-30.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23 (CAR 31-23 TB) in Week 17, 2007 on 2007-12-30.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q2: Carolina Panthers 10, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6; Q3: Carolina Panthers 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Final: Carolina Panthers 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — J. Stevens (L. McCown pass) (Q1 56:09) Carolina Panthers touchdown — C. Fauria (M. Moore pass) (Q1 49:02) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Rosario (M. Moore pass) (Q2 36:48) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — M. Bennett (L. McCown pass) (Q3 22:08) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Williams (Q3 19:09) Carolina Panthers touchdown — D. Williams (Q4 6:34) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 42:36, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (Q2 32:39, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — J. Kasay (Q2 30:20, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — M. Bryant (Q4 14:07, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
L. McCown (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 56.8% completion, +12.9% CPOE, +0.08 EPA per dropback, +3.13 total passing EPA. M. Moore (Carolina Panthers), 60.0% completion, +5.7% CPOE, +0.22 EPA per dropback, +5.48 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
D. Carter (Carolina Panthers) led the game in total EPA with +5.75 on receiving plays. across 2 snaps. The top single-play swing was (+5.73 EPA): (4:10) (Punt formation) 9-J.Bidwell punts 60 yards to CAR 15, Center-48-A.Economos. 10-R.Robinson to CAR 16 for 1 yard (58-Q.Black). FUMBLES (58-Q.Black), touched at CAR 17, RECOVE. The biggest win-probability swing was +23.0%.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 6-9 Now 7-9 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 9-6 Now 9-7 L
Fantasy · fantasyhq.co
