Buccaneers stretch lead to 41-14 on blocked punt

It will take a collapse of epic proportions for the Bucs to go into Week 18 without a chance of winning the NFC South.

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka blocked a punt by Panthers punter Johnny Hekker with just over five minutes to play in the third quarter and J.J. Russell scooped the ball up for 23-yard touchdown return. The score made it 41-14 Buccaneers on their home field.

With a Bucs win on Sunday, they’ll need a Week 18 win over the Saints and one Falcons loss in their final two games to win the division. The Falcons play the Commanders on Sunday night this week and they’ll close with the Panthers.

The Russell touchdown was the second of the second half for Tampa. Baker Mayfield threw his fourth touchdown pass of the afternoon to cap a 94-yard drive earlier in the quarter.