The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win the NFC South if they beat the Carolina Panthers in Week 18. However, the Buccaneers didn't get out to the most explosive start.

Tampa Bay got into Carolina territory on the first drive, but were forced to punt. With the Buccaneers failing to find the end zone, they officially went the entire regular season without a first drive touchdown, via Bailey Adams of The Pewter Report.

While their lack of first drive TDs is certainly alarming, the Buccaneers have struggled on offense in all four quarters during 2023 season. Tampa entered Week 18 ranked 23rd in total offense, averaging 318.3 yards per game.

Despite those offensive woes, the Buccaneers have still put themselves in a strong playoff position. A win would move them to 9-8, which would be good enough to win the NFC South. The only thing in Tampa's way is the pesky Panthers.

It was a close fought battle when both teams faced off earlier in the season. The Bucs came away with a close 21-18 victory in a game that saw Mike Evans corral a 75-yard touchdown pass. They'll be a few more big plays to take down Carolina in Week 18.

Things may not have gotten out to the best start on Tampa Bay's first drive. But to be fair, none of the Buccaneers' first drives have found paydirt. It'll be something the Bucs look into heading into the playoffs and next season, how to have more explosive starts.

But a first drive touchdown or not, all the Buccaneers care about in Week 18 is beating the Panthers.