CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Bryce Young delivered an impressive performance with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Lathan Ransom’s late-game interception of Baker Mayfield helped secure the Carolina Panthers’ 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This win thrusts the Panthers into the top spot in the NFC South.

With an 8-7 record, the Panthers are poised to clinch the division title next Sunday if they defeat Seattle and the Buccaneers (7-8) fall to Miami. Should both teams either win or lose next week, the Panthers would face the challenge of defeating Tampa Bay again in Week 18 to capture their first division title since 2015.

Tetairoa McMillan was a standout player, contributing six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown, helping the Panthers rebound significantly after a tough loss to the New Orleans Saints, who are at the bottom of the standings.

In the previous game against New Orleans, Ransom had a costly late hit on Saints quarterback Tyler Shough, setting up the Saints’ game-winning field goal.

During a crucial moment in Sunday’s matchup, with the Buccaneers advancing toward a potential tie or winning score, a miscommunication on a second-and-9 play between Mayfield and Mike Evans led to Ransom’s interception at the Carolina 42-yard line, effectively sealing the Panthers’ victory.

Mayfield came into the game 4-0 against Carolina since being cut by the Panthers in 2022.

But the No. 1 pick in 2018 completed just 18 of 26 passes for 145 yards with one TD pass to Evans on the game’s opening drive as the struggling Bucs lost their third straight game.

With the game tied at 20 midway through the fourth quarter, Emeka Egbuka hauled in his first catch of the game, a 40-yard reception down the middle of the field, to get the Bucs to midfield. But the Panthers forced a Bucs punt, giving Young the ball back with 4:46 left at the Panthers 27.