Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs win at the buzzer again, topping Panthers 30-27 on Shrader's field goal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ten yards into a scramble, Patrick Mahomes could have easily slid for a first down or simply ducked out of bounds and moved on to the next play.

Instead, the three-time Super Bowl MVP cut back inside and raced another 23 yards up the field, helping to set up Spencer Schrader's 31-yard field goal as time expired as the Chiefs held on to beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday.

“At that point, yards are more important than getting out of bounds,” Mahomes said. “With three timeouts, I just tried to just cut through and Justin Watson had a great block and was able to get down the field and get out of bounds.”

The game-winning drive was the 21st of Mahomes' career, and the Chiefs won a game decided in the final seconds for the fifth time this season. Eight of the Chiefs' wins have come by one-score margins.

“You always want to have some blowouts and be a little calmer in the fourth quarter, but I've always said it could be a good thing when you get to the playoffs later in the season knowing that you have been in those moments before, and knowing how to attack it play by play not making it too big of a moment,” Mahomes said.

Then he smiled and said: “But I would say this more than anybody, I would love to win a game not by the very last play.”

Mahomes completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in his first game at Bank of America Stadium and ran for 60 yards — including 33 on that last-minute play — as the Chiefs (10-1) scored on six of their eight possessions.

Noah Gray caught four passes for 66 yards and scored two touchdowns for the second straight week, and DeAndre Hopkins also found the end zone for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Kareem Hunt ran for 68 yards on 16 carries and caught three passes for 19 yards.

Bryce Young played well for Carolina (3-8), finishing 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown while leading the Panthers back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game on Chuba Hubbard's 1-yard touchdown run and 2-point conversion with 1:46 remaining.

Panthers coach Dave Canales, who benched Young earlier this season for veteran Andy Dalton, said last year's No. 1 overall draft pick “absolutely” will remain the team's starting QB next week. That's a break from Canales' recent pattern of waiting a few days to name a starter.

“Bryce is certainly making the most of his opportunities,” Canales said. “And he is making a statement to all of us. Showing us he can make plays in critical areas. He did a great job extending today.”

Said Young: “For me, I just want to focus on what I can control. Regardless, I always have the same mindset and preparation, wanting to be better throughout the week. I am definitely grateful for confidence.”

Still, there is room for improvement.

The Panthers moved the ball well but struggled in the red zone, resulting in field goals of 30, 32, 29 and 33 yards for Eddy Pineiro, the most accurate kicker in NFL history.

The Chiefs wasted no time setting the tone as Samaje Perine returned the opening kickoff 56 yards and Mahomes found Gray for a 35-yard touchdown strike on the third play of scrimmage for a 7-0 lead. Gray went nine games without a TD catch before hauling in two last week against Buffalo. His 11-yard score late in the second quarter gave him two more against the Panthers.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Mahomes' poise but said he was concerned about his team's nine penalties for 90 yards.

Kansas City's Travis Kelce had six catches for 62 yards and moved into third place in career yards receiving by a tight end. He ranks behind only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. However, Kelce failed to find the end zone for the ninth time in 11 games this season.

Running back Jonathan Brooks made his NFL debut for Carolina, but the second-round pick was limited to 7 yards on two carries.

Panthers: Rookie TE Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital, where he was evaluated for a neck injury and released. He landed awkwardly on his head after making a catch near the end of the second quarter.

Chiefs: Host Las Vegas on Friday.

Panthers: Host Tampa Bay next Sunday.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore (83) works for a catch against Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore, left, celebrates his touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs against Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) celebrates breaking up a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) speaks with Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) after a two-point conversion attempt during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. Reid was called for a persoanl foul against Thielen. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) hits Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs against Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) celebrates his touchdown catch with teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs down field against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) falls after a hit by Carolina Panthers safety Xavier Woods (25) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) works in the pocket against the Carolina Panthers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Spencer Shrader (40) kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Jones)

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs in overtime against the Carolina Panthers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield embarrassed the woeful Giants with his arm and legs, and if that wasn't enough, he rubbed it in by mimicking New York fan favorite Tommy DeVito's celebratory dance after scoring a touchdown.

Mayfield catapulted into the end zone on a spectacular 10-yard scramble for one of Tampa Bay's four rushing TDs, and the Buccaneers beat the Giants and new starting quarterback DeVito 30-7 on Sunday, snapping a four-game losing streak and extending New York's skid to six.

With both teams struggling and coming off byes, most of the focus leading up to the game was on the Giants' decisions this week to bench and then release quarterback Daniel Jones. The brash DeVito was given the starting job and asked to spark coach Brian Daboll's team, as he did last season.

Instead, Mayfield provided the energy with his play and his trolling of DeVito.

“Tribute to Tommy,” said a straight-faced Mayfield, who was 24 of 30 for 294 yards. “He’s a good dude, that’s why. Most of the times, I don’t know what I’m going to do. It’s spontaneous.”

Mayfield was asked several times about the gesture and admitted he wanted to give Giants fans something they liked, adding he met DeVito at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas in February.

“He had his chain blinged out, swag walking through the casino. It was awesome,” Mayfield said. “It was like a movie scene, honestly.”

DeVito did nothing to help the NFL's lowest-scoring offense. He threw for 189 yards, mostly in the second half with New York well on its way to its sixth straight loss at home, where it is winless.

Meanwhile, the Buccaneers dominated in every phase in a near-perfect performance that featured TD runs of 1 yard by Sean Tucker, 6 yards by Bucky Irving and 1 yard by Rachaad White. After recent losses to the Ravens, 49ers and Chiefs, Tampa Bay (5-6) moved within one game of idle Atlanta in the NFC South.

“We’re hoping it builds confidence,” Mayfield said. “We have a belief that we are still sitting and controlling our own destiny.”

Tampa Bay scored on five of its on first six possessions to open a 30-0 lead, and none was more exciting than Mayfield's TD run with 12 seconds left in the first half. On a second-and-goal from the 10, he avoided pressure and went for the end zone. He was hit by Cor'Dale Flott low and Dru Phillips high around the 2-yard line, and he was airborne when he crossed the goal line. The ball came loose when he hit the turf but he jumped up and flexed, DeVito-style, as the Bucs took a 23-0 lead.

DeVito said players talked about the celebration in the locker room but he did not see it.

Daboll was asked about the gesture and said Mayfield played well. He said the Giants' poor performance had nothing to do with Jones being released.

“No excuse on that,” said Daboll, whose job is on the line despite making the playoffs in 2022. “We just didn’t do a good enough job.”

“We played soft, and they beat the (expletive) out of us,” defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence added.

Mayfield's favorite target Mike Evans returned to the lineup after missing three games with a hamstring injury and had five catches for 68 yards. Irving had 87 yards rushing and six catches for 64 yards.

The Bucs held New York to three first downs and 45 yards in the first half, and they finished with 450 yards to the Giants' 245.

DeVito had a 17-yard run in the fourth quarter to set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Devin Singletary. The brash New Jersey native was sacked four times, including once in the fourth quarter, which forced him to go to the bench for one play.

Buccaneers: LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) did not play and Justin Skule replaced him. ... Tampa Bay lost OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to an ankle injury in the second quarter and safety Jordan Whitehead to a pectoral injury in the fourth quarter.

Giants: LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad) and OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe) were hurt in the first quarter and did not return.

Buccaneers: At Carolina next Sunday.

Giants: At Dallas on Thanksgiving

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates his touchdown run against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) meets with New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns (0) after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) celebrates his touchdown run against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) leaps over New York Giants cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) and linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) celebrates his one-yard touchdown run against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) throws a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) gets sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (94) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) meet after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scores past New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22), cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) and linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) eludes New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) and cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) to score during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scores past New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) and cornerback Cor'Dale Flott (28) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrates his touchdown run against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)