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Five Biggest Games on Buccaneers’ 2016 Schedule

By Bailey Adams

Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers pirate ship in the north end zone against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers pirate ship in the north end zone against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Bucs can build some momentum and play more competitive football in the coming years, their rivalry with the Carolina Panthers could be a really fun one. A lot of talk surrounds the matchup between Jameis Winston and Cam Newton, as some have said it has the potential to be the next Manning vs. Brady. October 10 will be the first of two meetings between the two teams and it will be under the bright lights of ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Carolina has won three straight NFC South titles and Tampa Bay hasn’t won one since 2007. The Bucs have finished in the division’s basement five years in a row and if they want to fight their way out of said basement, beating the division’s standard bearer is the best way to do it. Considering the fact that Tampa Bay has been able to manage wins over its other two NFC South rivals in recent years, beating the Panthers is the next step in the process of restoring the Bucs’ status as contenders in the division.

The Panthers have won the last six meetings between the two teams. While they are more accustomed to the mainstream spotlight as of late, this is a chance for the Bucs to turn some heads in their direction early in the season. Especially coming off of a tough matchup with the Broncos at home, it’ll be interesting to see how the team responds to another big test against one of the league’s top teams.

Next: November 27: vs Seattle Seahawks

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