The Tampa Bay Buccaneers season is clinging to a thread. And if the Bucs are going to make one final push for the postseason, they need to take care of business

Tampa Bay Buccaneers center and former first round pick Graham Barton was fined by the NFL following a week 16 loss to the Panthers.

It's been an up-and-down season for the Bucs, who got off to a hot start behind Baker Mayfield, but they have cooled off as the postseason draws closer. As of Week 16, Tampa Bay's playoff chances remain up in the air — but an NFC South win increasingly looks like the team's only shot.

After a rough loss to the Carollina Panthers on the Sunday, the Buccaneers recieved more bad news that highlights where the season stands.

Quinn Ewers ' debut. The rookie quarterback out of Texas completed 20 of 30 passes for zero touchdowns and two interceptions in his first NFL start. Miami was actually down just three points at the halftime before the Bengals scored 21 unanswered in the third quarter.

The Bucs will make their final road trip of the 2025 regular season in Week 16, heading to Miami to take on the Dolphins and new starting QB Quinn Ewers in a game that could keep Tampa Bay's division

The Panthers defense contained the Bucs' potent passing game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield passed for 145 yards while receiver Mike Evans, often a terror against Carolina, caught five balls for just 31 yards and a score.

The first test will be Sunday, when the Buccaneers (7-8) close their road slate against the Miami Dolphins (6-9). The Dolphins were eliminated from the playoffs after their loss at Pittsburgh two weeks ago and will start rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers for the second consecutive game.