Game story
In Week 16 of the 2021 NFL season on 2021-12-26, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Carolina Panthers, pulling away with a 32–6 final that controlled the game from start to finish.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 15 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
S. Darnold (Carolina Panthers) paced the passing game, with -9.92 total EPA, and -14.4% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +11.21 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+17.1% win probability) landed in the opening quarter when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (4:24) 21-K.Vaughn left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7 | 12 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 32 |
| Carolina Panthers | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Brady · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Passing · +11.21 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 2 A. Brown · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.02 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.40 EPA/play
- 3 C. Grayson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +5.08 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.69 EPA/play
- 4 K. Vaughn · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +2.95 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play
- 5 C. Grayson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +1.86 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.93 EPA/play
- 6 C. Brate · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +1.86 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.47 EPA/play
- 7 T. Tremble · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +1.02 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.51 EPA/play
- 8 R. Bonnafon · Carolina Panthers · Receiving · +0.75 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.38 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Brady — TB · Passing
T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+11.21) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 34 counted snaps, they averaged +0.33 EPA per play.
The signature play (-4.57 EPA) came from Carolina Panthers: (1:48) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 12-S.Smith INTERCEPTED by 33-J.Whitehead (58-S.Barrett) at TB 42. 33-J.Whitehead to TB 49 for 7 yards (12-S.Smith).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — K. Vaughn
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Brate (T. Brady pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Jones
Field goals
- Carolina Panthers — L. Hajrullahu
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
- Carolina Panthers — L. Hajrullahu
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Succop
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 7–3. Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the TB 6 (Q1 52:21) — (7:21) 3-L.Hajrullahu 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-L.Edwards.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 55 (Q1 49:24) — (4:24) 21-K.Vaughn left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q1 49:13) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 12–3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 18 (Q2 40:58) — (10:58) 3-R.Succop 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter.; Carolina Panthers connected on a field goal from the TB 11 (Q2 37:25) — (7:25) 3-L.Hajrullahu 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-L.Edwards.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 25 (Q2 32:44) — (2:44) 3-R.Succop 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 4 (Q2 31:22) — (1:22) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 84-C.Brate for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
The third quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 10–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 3 (Q3 23:39) — (8:39) 3-R.Succop 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CAR 7 (Q3 17:13) — (2:13) (Shotgun) 72-J.Wells reported in as eligible. 27-R.Jones left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CAR 15 (Q3 17:08) — 3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter..
The fourth quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 3–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CAR 30 (Q4 8:04) — (8:04) 3-R.Succop 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 49:24) — (4:24) 21-K.Vaughn left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 31:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 15-C.Grayson to CAR 7 for 62 yards (28-K.Taylor). Penalty on CAR-28-K.Taylor, Illegal Contact, declined.
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 40:14) — (10:14) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass deep right to 12-S.Smith pushed ob at TB 10 for 63 yards (35-J.Dean).
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 46:48) — (1:48) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 12-S.Smith INTERCEPTED by 33-J.Whitehead (58-S.Barrett) at TB 42. 33-J.Whitehead to TB 49 for 7 yards (12-S.Smith).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep left to 81-A.Brown to CAR 35 for 19 yards (9-S.Gilmore).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Carolina Panthers (Q1 46:48) — (1:48) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 12-S.Smith INTERCEPTED by 33-J.Whitehead (58-S.Barrett) at TB 42. 33-J.Whitehead to TB 49 for 7 yards (12-S.Smith).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q1 49:24) — (4:24) 21-K.Vaughn left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Carolina Panthers (Q2 40:14) — (10:14) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass deep right to 12-S.Smith pushed ob at TB 10 for 63 yards (35-J.Dean).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 31:41) — (1:41) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass deep right to 15-C.Grayson to CAR 7 for 62 yards (28-K.Taylor). Penalty on CAR-28-K.Taylor, Illegal Contact, declined.
Quarterback report card
S.Darnold led all passers in efficiency for Carolina Panthers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- S.Darnold (Carolina Panthers) · 39 dropbacks · 38.5% completion · -14.4% CPOE · -0.25 EPA/play · -9.92 total EPA
- T.Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 34 dropbacks · 52.9% completion · +2.8% CPOE · +0.33 EPA/play · +11.21 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Carolina Panthers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.148 | -0.241 |
| Offensive success rate | 42.7% | 32.2% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.289 | -0.357 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.076 | -0.117 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.241 | -0.148 |
| Defensive success rate | 67.8% | 57.3% |
By the numbers
Despite the final score, Tampa Bay Buccaneers generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.15 vs -0.24), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
- Carolina Panthers: 11 drives, -21.01 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11 drives, +12.14 total EPA, 7 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- S. Darnold (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 52:21 · TB 6 · Score 0-3
(7:21) 3-L.Hajrullahu 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-L.Edwards. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q1 49:24 · CAR 55 · Score 6-3
(4:24) 21-K.Vaughn left tackle for 55 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q1 49:13 · CAR 15 · Score 7-3
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 40:58 · CAR 18 · Score 10-3
(10:58) 3-R.Succop 36 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter. - Carolina Panthers FG (+3) — Q2 37:25 · TB 11 · Score 10-6
(7:25) 3-L.Hajrullahu 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-44-J.Jansen, Holder-10-L.Edwards. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q2 32:44 · CAR 25 · Score 13-6
(2:44) 3-R.Succop 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 31:22 · CAR 4 · Score 19-6
(1:22) (Shotgun) 12-T.Brady pass short middle to 84-C.Brate for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q3 23:39 · CAR 3 · Score 22-6
(8:39) 3-R.Succop 21 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 17:13 · CAR 7 · Score 28-6
(2:13) (Shotgun) 72-J.Wells reported in as eligible. 27-R.Jones left end for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 17:08 · CAR 15 · Score 29-6
3-R.Succop extra point is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q4 8:04 · CAR 30 · Score 32-6
(8:04) 3-R.Succop 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-97-Z.Triner, Holder-19-S.Hofrichter.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Carolina Panthers 32-6 in Week 16, 2021 on 2021-12-26.
What was the final score of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers?
The final score was Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32, Carolina Panthers 6 (TB 32-6 CAR) in Week 16, 2021 on 2021-12-26.
What was the score by quarter in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers?
Q1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7, Carolina Panthers 3; Q2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 12, Carolina Panthers 3; Q3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10, Carolina Panthers 0; Q4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3, Carolina Panthers 0; Final: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32, Carolina Panthers 6.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — K. Vaughn (Q1 49:24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — C. Brate (T. Brady pass) (Q2 31:22) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — R. Jones (Q3 17:13) Carolina Panthers field goal — L. Hajrullahu (Q1 52:21, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q2 40:58, 3 pts) Carolina Panthers field goal — L. Hajrullahu (Q2 37:25, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q2 32:44, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q3 23:39, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — R. Succop (Q4 8:04, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers?
S. Darnold (Carolina Panthers), 38.5% completion, -14.4% CPOE, -0.25 EPA per dropback, -9.92 total passing EPA. T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 52.9% completion, +2.8% CPOE, +0.33 EPA per dropback, +11.21 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers?
T. Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +11.21 on passing plays. across 34 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-4.57 EPA): (1:48) (Shotgun) 1-C.Newton pass short left intended for 12-S.Smith INTERCEPTED by 33-J.Whitehead (58-S.Barrett) at TB 42. 33-J.Whitehead to TB 49 for 7 yards (12-S.Smith).. The biggest win-probability swing was +17.1%.
Season records after this game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 10-4 Now 11-4 W
Carolina Panthers
Entered 5-9 Now 5-10 L
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