This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.
Supporters cheer on Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Fiserv Forum, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Supporters cheer on Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves the stage after speaking at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Cardi B gestures to the crowd during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Supporters listen to Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speak during a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
With Founders Library in the background, scaffolding is erected on the campus of Howard University in Washington as work begins in preparation for the election night venue for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Flo Milli performs during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala in Milwaukee, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump greets people as he visits The Great Commoner, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump talks as owner Albert Abbas, right, listens during a visit to The Great Commoner, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Brian Pannebecker as he speaks at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., arrives before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event in Janesville, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally at Little Chute High School, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at IBEW Local 890 in Janesville, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Supporters take a selfie before Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd after speaking at a campaign event Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Voters are reflected in a window near an American flag as they mark their ballots during early voting in the general election, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at City Hall in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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Supporters cheer on Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Fiserv Forum, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Supporters cheer on Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump leaves the stage after speaking at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Cardi B gestures to the crowd during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Supporters listen to Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speak during a campaign rally in Milwaukee, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
With Founders Library in the background, scaffolding is erected on the campus of Howard University in Washington as work begins in preparation for the election night venue for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Expo in West Allis, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Flo Milli performs during a campaign rally for Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala in Milwaukee, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump greets people as he visits The Great Commoner, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump talks as owner Albert Abbas, right, listens during a visit to The Great Commoner, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump shakes hands with Brian Pannebecker as he speaks at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., arrives before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Macomb Community College Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event in Janesville, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally at Little Chute High School, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a campaign event at IBEW Local 890 in Janesville, Wis., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)
Supporters take a selfie before Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign event Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris waves to the crowd after speaking at a campaign event Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Little Chute, Wis. (AP Photo/Andy Manis)
Voters are reflected in a window near an American flag as they mark their ballots during early voting in the general election, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at City Hall in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers.
The Bucs (8-7) have won eight of the last nine meetings between the NFC South rivals, including the past three with Baker Mayfield at quarterback.
It hasn’t exactly been smoothly sailing against the Panthers (4-11), though, for the three-time defending division champions.
And, with at least a share of first place on the line Sunday, Bowles and his players say they are focused solely on rebounding from last week’s disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
“We know it’s going to be a tough ballgame. It went overtime last time. They’re coached very well; they play very hard,” Bowles said, referencing Tampa Bay’s 26-23 win at Carolina on Dec. 1.
“We know what’s at stake for us. It doesn’t need to be talked about. Everybody understands that,” Bowles added. “We’ve got to clean up our own mistakes, and we’ve got to play an error-free football game.”
The Bucs are tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South, however the Falcons (8-7) hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series between the teams.
To claim a fourth straight division title, Tampa Bay needs to win remaining home games against the Panthers and New Orleans Saints while Atlanta loses at least once in the last two weeks of the regular season.
If the Falcons hold on to win the South, the Bucs can earn a wild-card playoff berth if they win out and the Washington Commanders lose twice.
Mayfield, who has resurrected his career since being released by Carolina two years ago, summed up the attitude in a resilient locker room.
The Bucs have won four of five games following a four-game losing streak threatened their playoff hopes.
“I keep saying it, this team has the mental makeup of a great team. We just have to continue to fight and find ways to win,” the quarterback said. “If we don’t take of business, we won’t be in the playoffs.”
Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard cost his team the game four weeks ago against Tampa Bay when he fumbled on the second possession of overtime just after Carolina had reached field goal range.
Mayfield responded by leading the Bucs back down the field for the winning field goal.
The loss was devastating for Hubbard at the time, but he promised himself when the opportunity arose again he’d make the most of it. He did that this past Sunday, when he carried twice for 49 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown run in which he broke two tackles, in overtime to lift the Panthers to a 36-30 win over Arizona, knocking the Cardinals out of the playoff hunt.
“I’d let it go, but it’s definitely been in the back of my head a little bit,” Hubbard said. “Like I said, when the next opportunity came, I told myself I’m going to get it back for them. To be able to have them trust me in that opportunity again, and to have it in that way is a blessing from God.”
Bryce Young has shown solid progress in his decision making, particularly when the pocket begins to break down. Last week, the second-year QB ran for a career-best 68 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown.
Young was benched after two games this season, but since returning to the lineup has played better, restoring some faith that perhaps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 can be the team’s quarterback of the future.
“Just time in the system and time as a team for us to come together,” Young said of why he has improved. “For me, being able to get reps, and get time with everyone. It’s just all of us being able to feed off of each other, and it’s been able to allow us to turn in the right direction.”
The Panthers have been abysmal against the run, allowing nearly 200 yards per game on the ground over the last seven games. In the last meeting with Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, so Carolina’s defense has a good idea of what's coming Sunday.
Mayfield has beaten Carolina three times since joining the Bucs in 2023. All of the meetings have been close, though, with the Panthers losing twice by three points and Tampa Bay settling for three field goals in a 9-0 regular season-ending victory that clinched its third straight NFC South championship last January.
“We know them well. They know us well,” Mayfield said.
AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report.
NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard celebrates after a long run against the Arizona Cardinals during overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) prepares to throw a pass in the second half of an NFL football game agianst the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)