# Buccaneers collect two freakish first-half scores to dominate Panthers – and, oh, Baker Mayfield is back

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/buccaneers-collect-two-freakish-first-half-scores-to-dominate-panthers-and-oh-baker-mayfield-is-back/
- Published: 2026-10-25T18:59:36+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T20:24:38+00:00
- Original publisher: Fox News (publisher lean: Far right)
- Original article: https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/buccaneers-collect-two-freakish-first-half-scores-dominate-panthers-baker-mayfield-back
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Tampa Bay led Carolina 33-6 at half-time.
- Kancey and McCollum scored in unusual ways.
- Mayfield returned from a thumb injury and threw a touchdown.

## Summary

Tampa Bay built a 33-6 half-time lead over Carolina with two unusual scores, while Baker Mayfield returned after missing three games with a dislocated thumb. The performance gave the Buccaneers a strong start against the NFC South leaders and marked Mayfield’s first game back.

Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey returned a strip-sack fumble 32 yards for a touchdown, while cornerback Zyon McCollum returned a blocked extra point for two points and later intercepted quarterback Bryce Young. Mayfield threw a touchdown pass to Tez Johnson. Tampa Bay entered with a 1-5 record, and its 33 first-half points were the third-highest total in franchise history and its most since 2021.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.