The referees might’ve gone soft on this play.
Midway through the third quarter during the Panthers’ 16-14 Week 18 loss against the Buccaneers on Saturday, a highly controversial offensive pass interference penalty was dished out against Carolina wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.
At the start of the play, McMillan shoved Tampa Bay defensive back Benjamin Morrison to get out in front and eventually make the reception thrown by quarterback Bryce Young.
Rather than what would have been the Panthers’ largest passing gain of the game up to that point, officials called the play back, citing that shove as the reason for the flag.
Following the penalty, Carolina could not convert on third-and-long and was forced to punt.
This was not the only penalty that the Panthers were given that was controversial.
Late in the third quarter, Carolina safety Nick Scott was flagged for defensive pass interference for appearing to trip Bucs tight end Cade Otton, which ultimately put Tampa Bay into field goal range.
However, replays showed that Otton appeared to trip and fall on his own, with Scott being a few steps behind.
Earlier in the game, Tampa Bay linebacker SirVocea Dennis ripped the helmet off of Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble, which the officials ultimately missed and did not call.
Following the penalty, Carolina was not able to convert on third-and-long and was forced to punt.
People around the sports world put the officials on blast for some of the calls, with “The Ringer” founder Bill Simmons calling the McMillan flag “bogus.”
“The bogus TMac OPI, the unexplained call on the backward pass, then this blatant miss… that’s just this half,” Simmons posted to X.
NFL insider Johnathan Jones was also shocked that the refs called a penalty on McMillan.
“That’s a very tough OPI call on McMillan. Surprised they threw that flag,” he wrote on X.
Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a catch during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on January 3, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
Even with the calls, the Panthers had a chance to win until the final seconds. On the Panthers’ final drive, Young was able to get an 18-yard pass off to wide receiver Jalen Coker, putting them at their own 21-yard line with just four seconds left.
Their final play, however, was unsuccessful, with Carolina attempting a few lateral throws before being stopped well short of a touchdown, ending the game.
With the NFC South teams now holding identical 8-9 records, the division — and subsequent playoff spot — will be determined by the outcome of Sunday’s matchup between the Saints and Falcons.
The Panthers need the Falcons to win in order to take the division. If New Orleans wins, the Bucs will get the playoff spot.
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