The Carolina Panthers lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14-16 today. This was the last game of the regular season for Tetairoa McMillan’s team, and they had an opportunity to qualify for the playoffs with a win.
Things didn’t go exactly as planned. The Panthers put forth a solid fight, coming back from a 10-point deficit in the first quarter to level the scoreboard at halftime. Despite their valiant effort, poor officiating contributed to their loss.
In the third quarter, Bryce Young hit McMillan down the field on third down for their biggest passing game gain of the day. Shockingly, it was called back for an OPI. Nobody other than the refs could understand why an offensive pass interference was called.
After the game, McMillan expressed his frustration with poor officiating as well.
“I came into the game, switching my mindset, talking about being a physical person, apparently it went bad for me,” McMillan said.
Oh Boy: Panthers WR Tetairoa McMcMillan was extremely UPSET with the refs for calling a controversial OPI against him.
McMillan made it very clear he disagrees with the call.
One of the worst calls we have ever seen… pic.twitter.com/Qs3ouovFzS https://t.co/kcaol5QaCE
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 4, 2026
The wide receiver then went on to explain his thought process behind the play, but he couldn’t over the ref’s decision. McMillan wasn’t the only one confused over it, though he’s the one who was directly affected by the call.
“Many many receivers use that throw by and don’t get flagged, and McMillan gets the flag because he is just much stronger than most receivers,” Benjamin Solak of ESPN posted.
Many many receivers use that throw by and don’t get flagged and McMillan gets the flag because he is just much stronger than most receivers.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) January 3, 2026
This was a must-win game for the Carolina Panthers, who have struggled for most of the season. Their inconsistent run has put them in a situation where, even after concluding their Week 18 matchup, they don’t know if they’re making the playoffs or not.
How Can Tetairoa McMillan’s Team Make the Playoffs?
Heading into today’s game, the equation was simple. The Panthers had a solid 72% chance of making the playoffs, and a win over the Buccaneers would’ve nearly guaranteed their spot. But they ended up losing.
As of now, the NFC South’s pole position is tied between the Buccaneers and the Panthers with eight wins and nine losses each. The Panthers still have a 40% chance of securing a playoff spot, but they’ll need some help.
During Sunday’s Week 18 matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints, if the Saints beat the Falcons, the Panthers will win the NFC South division and will qualify for the playoffs. Winning the NFC South through the Saints’ win over the Falcons is their only way of survival.
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