The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 42-28 to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday but Ryan Fitzpatrick is still going to be the starting quarterback going forward, coach Dirk Koetter announced after the game Sunday.

“Ryan's our starter next week,” said Koetter via ESPN. “Ryan had one [bad play] there in the first half — an overthrow on that one interception that we'd like to have back — but did a good job of leading us back.”

Fitzpatrick did have two interceptions but he did a good job of leading the Buccaneers back late in the game and finished with four touchdowns and two touchdowns. Jameis Winston was benched during his last start because of the interceptions but after the game, Koetter tried to at least defend one of the giveaways.

“That second interception, he was trying to get a big play to DeSean, but Ryan did some good things today. We've gotta play better across the board.”

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Fitzpatrick also said one of the things he is really impressed with about the Buccaneers is that the offense always feels like they are on it, no matter how many points they are down.

“There was a lot of time left in the fourth quarter there, and we brought it within seven,” Fitzpatrick said. “I think the thing about our huddle is there is always that optimism and confidence [that] no matter who we are playing, no matter what the score is, winning or losing, we know what we are capable of.”

Fitzpatrick and the rest of the offense will get their next chance to impress next Sunday when they take on the Washington Redskins.