The Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged the Carolina Panthers 16-14 in Week 18, keeping their playoff dreams alive. Lavonte David was a game-changer, leading the team with six tackles and making a clutch fumble recovery on a Panthers’ flea flicker attempt.
David capped off his regular season with a franchise milestone, tying Derrick Brooks as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ all-time leading tackler with his final tackle in the season finale.
“He always comes up with a big play when you need it,” Bowles stated, via FOX Sports’ Greg Auman. “If this was it for him, he went out in true Lavonte fashion. He did a heck of a job. I can’t say enough good things about him. His work speaks for itself. What he means to the team, the organization as a whole, you can’t replace.”
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David made a huge play for the Buccaneers, grabbing one of three takeaways on Saturday. The Bucs’ defense had held Carolina to just seven points through three quarters, but the Panthers tried to spark a comeback with a flea flicker at Tampa Bay’s 20-yard line. The play backfired when Rico Dowdle slipped and fumbled the pitch back to Bryce Young, allowing David to jump on the ball and give the Bucs possession with 11 minutes left.
Bryce Young led a late scoring drive, finding Jalen Coker for a touchdown that narrowed Tampa Bay’s lead to two points with 2:27 left. However, the Buccaneers managed to run out the clock, securing a 16-14 win over the Panthers.
The Buccaneers dodged elimination with a thrilling 16-14 win over the Panthers, keeping their playoff hopes alive. They’re currently tied with Carolina at 8-9, and the NFC South title is now on the line with the Atlanta Falcons taking on the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. Tampa Bay is crossing their fingers for a Saints win, which would secure the division title for the Buccaneers.
Lavonte David’s career defensive numbers:
- 1,716 total tackles (tied with Derrick Brooks as the franchise’s all-time leader).
- 42.5 sacks.
- 14 interceptions.
- 32 forced fumbles.
- 21 fumble recoveries.
- 72 pass deflections.
In the most recent 2025 regular season, David played in 17 games, all starts, and recorded 114 combined tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 interception.
David inked a one-year deal with the Buccaneers this offseason, but it’s uncertain if he’ll stick around for a 15th season in 2026. Either way, he’s left an indelible mark on the franchise with 1,714 tackles, tying Derrick Brooks as Tampa Bay’s all-time leading tackler.
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