Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat…for once.

No one can feasibly argue this game as one the Bucs should’ve won.

The Carolina Panthers missed two field goals, truly had a touchdown stolen from them through bad officiating, and became the latest in a long line of opponents this year who eviscerated Tampa’s defense in the clutch.

But it didn’t matter at all in the end, and the Bucs claimed the 26-23 overtime victory Sunday to claw back to .500 on the season. A loss would’ve effectively ended the season, so seeing the grit at least offers hope this unit can keep its head above water in the closing stretch (though it certainly will not be easy).

The defense continues to be a sieve, and that makes everything perilous when the offense isn’t humming like on Sunday. Baker Mayfield really cannot afford to have terrible games like he did, but a now-transcendent running game led by a burgeoning star certainly help offset that.

Let’s do some shout-outs and clench up for the next bout.

Offensive Top Performer: RB Bucky Irving

Is Bucky Irving a top 10 running back already? It’s getting hard to argue against that every passing week.

Irving once again put the entire offense on his back, hip injury and all, and smashed the Panthers repeatedly, especially in the fourth quarter. The rookie sensation toted the rock 25 times for 152 yards and a score, as well as corralling 3 passes for 33 yards.

He now leads all the rookies in yards from scrimmage with 1,017 (more than 100 than Raiders tight end Brock Bowers), in addition to rushing yards (732) and rushing touchdowns (6, tied with Commanders QB Jayden Daniels).

It’s been an incredible ride for Irving, and the team will continue to lean on him as long as he’s healthy.

Rachaad White also played well in his new change-of-pace role, carrying the ball 11 times for 76 yards, 38 of which came on the final drive in a game-sealing scamper.

Mike Evans continued his tormenting of Carolina, hauling in 8 passes for 118 yards and yet another highlight-reel score, his 101st receiving touchdown that moved him into 9th place all-time.

Defensive Top Performer: EDGE Anthony Nelson

Anthony Nelson saved the season, it’s that simple.

After an uncharacteristic miss from Chase McLaughlin on the first possession of OT, the defense fell victim to an incredible Adam Thielen catch to set the Panthers up deep in Tampa territory.

Until Nelson executed a strip on running back Chuba Hubbard. Yaya Diaby cleanly recovered the ball, and the offense took hold from there.

Nelson has long been a grinder who’s never won with pizzazz but has consistently found a way to contribute as a rotation member and spot starter, and it was no exception Sunday with the forced fumble and 6 combined tackles.

Now, back to reality. This defense was once again pathetic.

They effectively gave up 13 extra points that got wiped off the board. They allowed almost 100 yards and multiple TDs to a geriatric Adam Thielen who’s been hurt and irrelevant most of the season. Todd Bowles continues to show he’s completely ineffective at remotely elevating this squad to an acceptable level, that’s just the truth.

Calijah Kancey got another sack — the Bucs’ only sack — to tie Vita Vea once again for the team lead with 6 total this year, so he’s a continued bright spot. Lavonte David played well enough with 8 total tackles.

Not much else to say.

Special Teams Top Performer: K Chase McLaughlin

McLaughlin made sure he wouldn’t regret his first OT miss by nailing the game-winner from 28 yards out. He still made 4 of 5 attempts, including from 51 as time expired to tie the score, and both extra points, so we’re not going to be too tough on him here.

McLaughlin has still missed only 3 attempts all year, two from 50 yards out, so it’s still easy to call him one of the NFL’s best and most reliable.

Also, Trenton Gill is the team’s worst performer for a horrific shanked punt and a kickoff penalty on Carolina’s final regulation drive that gave them an easier 40-yard-line starting point. It was so awful that it needed to be called out, and he should be off the team Monday, no questions asked.