The Carolina Panthers didn’t just survive in Tampa – they took control of the NFC South race.

A clutch interception by safety Lathan Ransom with 42 seconds left sealed a 23-20 road win over the Buccaneers on Sunday, flipping the divisional script and giving Carolina the inside track with two weeks remaining in the regular season. After a frustrating Week 15 penalty contributed to a loss, Ransom delivered the perfect redemption arc, jumping Baker Mayfield’s throw and ending the Bucs’ final drive.

With the victory, the Panthers now control their own destiny in the NFC South. They’ll host the Seahawks next Sunday before a potentially decisive Week 18 rematch against these same Buccaneers. The remaining schedule looks challenging, especially with Tampa facing the Dolphins in Week 17, but this Carolina team has made a habit of thriving as an underdog.

Sunday’s result marked their seventh win as an underdog this season, a stat that says plenty about the belief inside Dave Canales’ locker room.

Bryce Young was the steady heartbeat of the offense. The second-year quarterback turned in one of his most complete performances as a pro, throwing two touchdown passes with no turnovers while adding 20 rushing yards on four carries. He repeatedly extended plays with his legs and delivered in high-leverage moments.

Young’s biggest throw came late in the fourth quarter with a beautiful 34-yard strike to wide receiver Jalen Coker that set up Ryan Fitzgerald’s go-ahead field goal. Earlier, Young showcased his pocket movement and poise by evading pressure and finding tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders for a crucial touchdown in the second half.

First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan continued his impressive rookie campaign, reminding everyone why Carolina invested in him. McMillan caught six passes for 73 yards and a touchdown, inching closer to the 1,000-yard mark in his debut season and providing Young with a true WR1 presence on the outside.

Defensively, the Panthers bent but did not break.

Tampa Bay held the edge in time of possession and total plays, but Carolina’s defense came up with the timely stops it needed and consistently made life uncomfortable for Mayfield, who struggled to hit explosives in the passing game. Eight Bucs penalties and shaky protection only magnified those issues.

Now, with the Bucs having dropped six of their last seven and confidence fading fast in Tampa, the Panthers find themselves in the driver’s seat. Win out, and the NFC South crown is theirs for the first time since 2015.

And given how this team continues to respond in big spots, counting Carolina out at this point would be a mistake.