Things look bad for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have lost six of their last seven games, including a crucial Week 16 game against the Carolina Panthers,

Quinn Ewers ' debut. The rookie quarterback out of Texas completed 20 of 30 passes for zero touchdowns and two interceptions in his first NFL start. Miami was actually down just three points at the halftime before the Bengals scored 21 unanswered in the third quarter.

It's been an up-and-down season for the Bucs, who got off to a hot start behind Baker Mayfield, but they have cooled off as the postseason draws closer. As of Week 16, Tampa Bay's playoff chances remain up in the air — but an NFC South win increasingly looks like the team's only shot.

After a rough loss to the Carollina Panthers on the Sunday, the Buccaneers recieved more bad news that highlights where the season stands.

If the Bucs lose to the Dolphins and the Panthers beat the Seahawks this weekend, Tampa Bay will be eliminated from the playoffs.

The Panthers defense contained the Bucs' potent passing game. Quarterback Baker Mayfield passed for 145 yards while receiver Mike Evans, often a terror against Carolina, caught five balls for just 31 yards and a score.

Tampa Bay blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in a 29-28 "Thursday Night Football" loss to Atlanta last week, with a leaky defense, a Baker Mayfield interception and an ineffective running game all playing roles. Coach Todd Bowles unloaded on his team in an uncharacteristic, explicit post-game tirade.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers center and former first round pick Graham Barton was fined by the NFL following a week 16 loss to the Panthers.