The Carolina Panthers had the perfect opportunity to avoid a drama-free Sunday in Week 18. If they defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, they would win the NFC South championship for the first time since 2015. Of course, the Panthers couldn't make things easy.
The Panthers lost 16-14 to the Buccaneers, and their playoff lives lie in the hands of the Atlanta Falcons. Carolina had plenty of opportunities to steal the game away from the favored Bucs. Instead, the Panthers literally tripped over themselves. Look no further than one play in particular.
In the fourth quarter, the Panthers drove to the red zone while trailing 16-7, giving themselves a chance to cut into the Buccaneers' lead.