David NewtonDec 28, 2025, 07:05 PM ETCloseDavid Newton is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Carolina Panthers. Newton began covering Carolina in 1995 and came to ESPN in 2006 as a NASCAR reporter before joining NFL Nation in 2013.Follow on X
Seahawks move closer to an NFC West title with win over Panthers (1:01)The Seahawks take down the Panthers as they move closer to an NFC West title. (1:01)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young and other players began telling teammates to move on to next week’s likely winner-take-all NFC South showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before Panthers coach Dave Canales addressed Sunday’s 27-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
“The reality of our situation is all that matters is next week,” Panthers defensive back Nick Scott said. “I know we said it all year, but we’ve actually got one game left, and it’s for everything.”
Despite failing to win consecutive games since mid-October, the 8-8 Panthers can clinch the NFC South title with either a victory or tie next weekend at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.
The 7-9 Bucs, who have lost four straight games and seven of their past eight, can claim their fifth straight division title with a win that would leave both teams at 8-9.
Panthers guard Austin Corbett emphasized the joy that comes with being in playoff contention heading into the regular-season finale.
“I just constantly remind guys, just have fun,” Corbett said. “As stressful as football is, as much as it hurts the body, it’s the most fun you’re going to have in this life, I guarantee it.’
The Panthers haven’t had a winning season or made the playoffs since 2017. They can do both with a victory over a Tampa Bay team they defeated 23-20 on Dec. 21 at Bank of America Stadium.
The Panthers are eager to correct those mistakes, instead of dwelling on the “what ifs” of losing. They didn’t know the outcome of the Tampa Bay game — and how that loss put Carolina in position to clinch — until after its game.
The opportunity will come without starting tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, who suffered a season-ending broken ankle on the game’s first play. But even Sanders, rolling through the locker room on a scooter, was smiling after the loss.
“That’s a testament to what kind of leaders we have in this locker room, our mindset,” Horn said. “So, we’re looking forward to next week.”
And the Panthers aren’t looking ahead as though they have an advantage because they already have a win over the Bucs.
Seahawks move closer to an NFC West title with win over Panthers (1:01)The Seahawks take down the Panthers as they move closer to an NFC West title. (1:01)
CloseDavid Newton is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the Carolina Panthers. Newton began covering Carolina in 1995 and came to ESPN in 2006 as a NASCAR reporter before joining NFL Nation in 2013.Follow on X
“We know what’s ahead of us,” Canales said. “It’s clearly defined.”
Knowing there is something to look forward to took a little sting out of Sunday’s loss.
“We couldn’t get that done. That’s what sucks. But the lesson is, we have another opportunity.”
“There’s no advantage based on outcome,” Young said. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us.
The Seahawks take down the Panthers as they move closer to an NFC West title. (1:01)