Game story
In Week 4 of the 2015 NFL season on 2015-10-04, the Carolina Panthers took care of business against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, pulling away with a 37–23 final that built a comfortable lead.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 21 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with -11.19 total EPA, and -0.8% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, V. Jackson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.61 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-15.2% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (10:53) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 82-B.Myers INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Norman at TB 46. 24-J.Norman for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Panthers | 10 | 7 | 14 | 6 | 0 | 37 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 23 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 V. Jackson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.61 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
- 2 J. Stewart · Carolina Panthers · Rushing · +5.23 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.52 EPA/play
- 3 T. Ginn · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +5.22 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.74 EPA/play
- 4 C. Newton · Carolina Panthers · Passing · +4.48 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 5 D. Martin · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +3.39 total EPA · 20 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 6 B. Bersin · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +3.12 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
- 7 L. Murphy · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +2.13 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.53 EPA/play
- 8 C. Sims · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +1.35 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
V. Jackson — TB · Receiving
V. Jackson posted the highest total EPA (+6.61) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 15 counted snaps, they averaged +0.44 EPA per play.
The signature play (-8.11 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (10:53) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 82-B.Myers INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Norman at TB 46. 24-J.Norman for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced bet
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Carolina Panthers — J. Norman
- Carolina Panthers — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Martin
- Carolina Panthers — J. Stewart
- Carolina Panthers — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Sims (J. Winston pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — V. Jackson (J. Winston pass)
Field goals
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — K. Brindza
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
- Carolina Panthers — G. Gano
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 10–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the TB 6 (Q1 57:13) — (12:13) (Field Goal formation) 9-G.Gano 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the CAR 60 (Q1 55:53); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q1 55:41) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 24 (Q1 52:08) — (7:08) (Field Goal formation) 2-K.Brindza 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-5-J.Schum..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the TB 6 (Q2 40:55); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q2 40:50) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 5 (Q2 34:28) — (4:28) 22-D.Martin right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q2 34:23) — 2-K.Brindza extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-5-J.Schum..
The third quarter: Carolina Panthers won the period 14–7. Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the TB 67 (Q3 27:38); Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 27:25) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers found the end zone from the TB 12 (Q3 22:33) — (7:33) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 19-T.Ginn for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Carolina Panthers added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 22:25) — 9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 10 (Q3 17:57) — (2:57) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 34-C.Sims for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 17:48) — 2-K.Brindza extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-5-J.Schum..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 6–6. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the TB 9 (Q4 13:32) — (13:32) (Field Goal formation) 9-G.Gano 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the TB 9 (Q4 4:20) — (4:20) (Field Goal formation) 9-G.Gano 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 6 (Q4 1:03) — (1:03) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 83-V.Jackson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 55:53) — (10:53) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 82-B.Myers INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Norman at TB 46. 24-J.Norman for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 59:25) — (14:25) 3-J.Winston Aborted. 68-J.Hawley FUMBLES at TB 21, RECOVERED by CAR-98-S.Lotulelei at TB 21. 98-S.Lotulelei to TB 21 for no gain (74-A.Marpet).
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 27:38) — (12:38) 28-J.Stewart left guard to CAR 41 for 8 yards (23-C.Conte). FUMBLES (23-C.Conte), recovered by CAR-84-E.Dickson at CAR 43. 84-E.Dickson for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 30:00) — (15:00) 1-C.Newton FUMBLES (Aborted) at CAR 18, RECOVERED by TB-28-T.Jennings at CAR 25.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 28:33) — (13:33) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston sacked at CAR 25 for -8 yards (91-R.Delaire).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 55:53) — (10:53) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 82-B.Myers INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Norman at TB 46. 24-J.Norman for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15
- Carolina Panthers (Q3 27:38) — (12:38) 28-J.Stewart left guard to CAR 41 for 8 yards (23-C.Conte). FUMBLES (23-C.Conte), recovered by CAR-84-E.Dickson at CAR 43. 84-E.Dickson for 57 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 25:03) — (10:03) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass deep left intended for 83-V.Jackson INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Norman [41-R.Harper] at CAR 33. 24-J.Norman to TB 33 for 34 yards (34-C.Sims).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 59:25) — (14:25) 3-J.Winston Aborted. 68-J.Hawley FUMBLES at TB 21, RECOVERED by CAR-98-S.Lotulelei at TB 21. 98-S.Lotulelei to TB 21 for no gain (74-A.Marpet).
Quarterback report card
J.Winston led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 51 dropbacks · 51.0% completion · -0.8% CPOE · -0.22 EPA/play · -11.19 total EPA
- C.Newton (Carolina Panthers) · 27 dropbacks · 40.7% completion · -5.5% CPOE · +0.17 EPA/play · +4.48 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Carolina Panthers | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.022 | -0.186 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.1% | 46.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.166 | -0.219 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.009 | -0.097 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.186 | -0.022 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.1% | 57.9% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Carolina Panthers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.02 vs -0.19), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 14 drives, +1.69 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 13 drives, -17.87 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.
- V. Jackson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- C. Newton (CAR) finished below expected efficiency — volume may have masked accuracy issues.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q1 57:13 · TB 6 · Score 3-0
(12:13) (Field Goal formation) 9-G.Gano 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q1 55:53 · CAR 60 · Score 9-0
(10:53) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 82-B.Myers INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Norman at TB 46. 24-J.Norman for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR- - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q1 55:41 · TB 15 · Score 10-0
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 52:08 · CAR 24 · Score 10-3
(7:08) (Field Goal formation) 2-K.Brindza 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-5-J.Schum. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q2 40:55 · TB 6 · Score 16-3
(10:55) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass incomplete short right to 19-T.Ginn. Carolina challenged the pass completion ruling, and the play was REVERSED. (Shotgun) 1-C. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q2 40:50 · TB 15 · Score 17-3
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 34:28 · CAR 5 · Score 17-9
(4:28) 22-D.Martin right guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 34:23 · CAR 15 · Score 17-10
2-K.Brindza extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-5-J.Schum. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 27:38 · TB 67 · Score 23-10
(12:38) 28-J.Stewart left guard to CAR 41 for 8 yards (23-C.Conte). FUMBLES (23-C.Conte), recovered by CAR-84-E.Dickson at CAR 43. 84-E.Dickson for 57 yards, TO - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 27:25 · TB 15 · Score 24-10
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers TD (+6) — Q3 22:33 · TB 12 · Score 30-10
(7:33) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short right to 19-T.Ginn for 12 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Carolina Panthers XP (+1) — Q3 22:25 · TB 15 · Score 31-10
9-G.Gano extra point is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 17:57 · CAR 10 · Score 31-16
(2:57) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short left to 34-C.Sims for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 17:48 · CAR 15 · Score 31-17
2-K.Brindza extra point is GOOD, Center-48-A.DePaola, Holder-5-J.Schum. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 13:32 · TB 9 · Score 34-17
(13:32) (Field Goal formation) 9-G.Gano 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q4 4:20 · TB 9 · Score 37-17
(4:20) (Field Goal formation) 9-G.Gano 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-8-B.Nortman. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q4 1:03 · CAR 6 · Score 37-23
(1:03) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 83-V.Jackson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Carolina Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-23 in Week 4, 2015 on 2015-10-04.
What was the final score of Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Carolina Panthers 37, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23 (CAR 37-23 TB) in Week 4, 2015 on 2015-10-04.
What was the score by quarter in Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Carolina Panthers 10, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Q2: Carolina Panthers 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q3: Carolina Panthers 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: Carolina Panthers 6, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6; Final: Carolina Panthers 37, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Norman (Q1 55:53) Carolina Panthers touchdown — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass) (Q2 40:55) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Martin (Q2 34:28) Carolina Panthers touchdown — J. Stewart (Q3 27:38) Carolina Panthers touchdown — T. Ginn (C. Newton pass) (Q3 22:33) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Sims (J. Winston pass) (Q3 17:57) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — V. Jackson (J. Winston pass) (Q4 1:03) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q1 57:13, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — K. Brindza (Q1 52:08, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q4 13:32, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — G. Gano (Q4 4:20, 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?
J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 51.0% completion, -0.8% CPOE, -0.22 EPA per dropback, -11.19 total passing EPA. C. Newton (Carolina Panthers), 40.7% completion, -5.5% CPOE, +0.17 EPA per dropback, +4.48 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Carolina Panthers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
V. Jackson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +6.61 on receiving plays. across 15 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-8.11 EPA): (10:53) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right intended for 82-B.Myers INTERCEPTED by 24-J.Norman at TB 46. 24-J.Norman for 46 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CAR-24-J.Norman, Unsport. The biggest win-probability swing was -15.2%.
Season records after this game
Carolina Panthers
Entered 3-0 Now 4-0 W
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 1-2 Now 1-3 L
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