Published: Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 / Updated: Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012 06:26 PM

Bucs-Panthers: Five plays that mattered

Munnerlyn's fumble

The setup: Bucs punted on fourth-and-2 from their 32 after going three-and-out on first possession, 12:36 remaining in first quarter.

What happened: Captain Munnerlyn fielded Michael Koenen's 53-yard punt and returned it 18 yards. He was hit by Jacob Cutera and fumbled; Tampa Bay's Dekoda Watson recovered at Panthers' 29.

Why it mattered: Panthers had stuck with Munnerlyn over rookie Joe Adams because Munnerlyn had not fumbled this season. Six plays later, Tampa Bay had a 7-0 lead.

Barron's pass interference

The setup: Panthers faced a third-and-10 from the Bucs' 11, 9:03 remaining in second quarter.

What happened: Cam Newton threw into the right corner of the end zone for tight end Greg Olsen. Rookie safety Mark Barron interfered with Olsen, giving Panthers a first-and-goal from 1.

Why it mattered: The Panthers would have had a chip shot field goal to tie. Instead, Jonathan Stewart's 1-yard run on the play after Barron's penalty gave Carolina its first lead at 14-10.

Martin's fumble

The setup: Bucs faced a fourth-and-1 from the Panthers' 2, 10:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.

What happened: Doug Martin carried off left tackle, was hit by linebacker Thomas Davis near the goal line and fumbled, recovered by Panthers' Luke Kuechly in the end zone. Officials ruled it a touchback.

Why it mattered: The replay official confirmed the ruling on the field, giving the Panthers the ball at their 20 and denying the Bucs a touchdown.

Davis' personal foul

The setup: Bucs' ball, second-and-10 from Panthers' 20, 56 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

What happened: Freeman threw over the middle for Tiquan Underwood, who made the 18-yard catch while getting hit by Davis. Davis was flagged for hitting a defenseless receiver in the head, giving Bucs a first down at Panthers' 47.

Why it mattered: The play gave Bucs life on their final drive – a 7-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that, combined with a 2-point conversion, tied the game at 21 with 12 seconds left.

Martin's run

The setup: Bucs' ball, first-and-10 from Tampa Bay 31, 14:23 left in overtime.

What happened: Martin ripped off a 27-yard run behind right guard Jamon Meredith, giving Bucs a first down at Panthers' 42.

Why it mattered: Martin's run was his longest of the game and longest gain on the Bucs' game-winning drive.

Joseph Person