Week Eight vs. Carolina Panthers
Here is a team that Bucs fans just love to beat. Cam Newton and company make their trip to Tampa in October to face the Bucs. It is always exciting when divisional foes match up. Rex Ryan used to say that they mean 1.5 games in the standings. The prospect of beating up on Cam Newton makes it even sweeter. If the Bucs couldn’t make the playoffs, wasn’t it nice that the Panthers didn’t either?
Last season, the Bucs swept their division rivals. Granted, Newton didn’t play in the first matchup, but every team has injuries, am I right? That game was won on a fourth quarter field goal by our potentially former kicker, Roberto Aguayo. In the second game, the Bucs forced Newton into three interceptions. We talked about how the defense is on its way to being special. That day is coming.
I know the games are played on the field, but the success of last year plays a big part in my choice of this game. I get that they were swept the year before, but this is a very different Bucs team. That team did not have a front stacked with Robert Ayers, Chris Baker and Noah Spence to go along with Gerald McCoy. That team did not have DeSean Jackson on the opposite side. This is a team ready to take the next step, and they will leave the Panthers in their wake. Especially at home.
Next: Three Games Most Likely to Get Flexed
So what do you guys think? Are these the soft spots? Are there others? Let me know in the comments…