It was a relatively quiet first half for each team. The Carolina Panthers would open scoring with 1:34 left in the first quarter on a one-yard touchdown run from running back Jonathan Stewart.
From there, despite getting seven different receivers involved in the first half, Tampa Bay wouldn’t be able to translate that into points on the board. Five penalties and a fumble by quarterback Jameis Winston would further prevent the Bucs offense from finding their rhythm.
The two teams went into halftime with Carolina leading 10-0.
Chris Conte would attempt to light the fuse in the second half, intercepting quarterback Cam Newton at the Buccaneers 36-yard line on the Panthers’ opening drive.