Week 2 Inactives: Three starters sidelined for Panthers at Buccaneers

A look at some of the key stats from the game, as well as the snap counts from Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, which sets up next week's battle for first in the NFC South. 

The Panthers and Bucs will play next Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with the NFC South title and the fourth seed on the line.

When the Panthers players walked back into the locker room after Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, their focus had already turned to Tampa Bay, knowing a playoff berth is on the line next week. 

The Panthers managed just 54 passing yards in the loss, but those quick swings in the third quarter was the difference in the game.

From a first half that only allowed a field goal, to holding the most explosive offense in the league to 147 yards, the Panthers defense know there are positives to draw from Sunday, with a crucial Week 18 game on the horizon. 

Sanders suffered a broken ankle on the first play of the game, when they lined up with three tight ends. But they still found new ways to use them, including Mitchell Evans sneaking for a first down.

The Panthers will face the Buccaneers next week at Raymond James Stadium with the NFC South title on the line. We look at all the scenarios here.

Panthers fall to 8-8 with the loss, but will play for the NFC South division title next week in Tampa Bay.

The Panthers will be without the veteran defensive tackle for the third straight game, as they make a push for a playoff spot. Tetairoa McMillan is active, after he was a late addition to the injury report.

A look at some of the key stats from the game, as well as the snap counts from Sunday's win against the Bucs, which gave the Panthers sole possession of first in the NFC South. 

In a game vital to taking the lead in the NFC South, Panthers fans heeded the call to show up and get loud, effecting the game multiple times and creating what players called a "playoff game." 

Even in the moments after an emotional last-minute win over the Buccaneers, the Panthers immediately turned the focus back to what got them to this point to begin with.