Buccaneers: Knowing your enemy week 8 – Carolina Panthers
By James Yarcho
We took some time to get to know a little more about the Buccaneers’ next opponent with Brandon Scott of Cat Crave Blog.
As the Buccaneers prepare for their first divisional match-up of the 2017 season, two rivals come to a head in must win situations. The Panthers (4-3) and Buccaneers (2-4) are in a position where they can win and insert themselves in the thick of the division race. If they lose, they put themselves in a deeper hole with the red hot New Orleans Saints in the driver’s seat and the defending NFC champions still putting up a fight.
I took some time to speak with Brandon Scott of FanSided’s Cat Crave Blog to get a little insight into how things are shaping up for the Panthers through seven weeks.
1.) The Panthers have been very erratic this season, to say the least. Cam appeared to be back to MVP form, then turns around and the whole team lays an egg against the Bears. Which version of the Panthers is closer to who they truly are?
Before the season, expectations were somewhere between the nearly undefeated 2015 season and last year’s 6-10 record. In the end, it would give Carolina approximately nine or 10 wins and a chance at the playoffs depending on how the remainder of the division played out. What has been unexpected is the constant flux in performance levels. As you stated, against New England the Panthers appeared ready to dominate and last week at Chicago, while the defense was impressive, the Panthers offense sputtered and gifted the Bears 14 points. Their true identity remains somewhere in between and coach Ron Rivera needs to find a way of balancing the two extremes for more consistency. The Panthers have always relied on a power running game and despite efforts to continue such a focus with both Jonathan Stewart and Christian McCaffrey, both have struggled to find running lanes anywhere on the field.
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2.) Cam Newton once again had a run in with media in his press conference on Wednesday. Is his schtick starting to grow old with Panthers fans the way it is on fans of other teams? Or are Panthers fans 100% behind him no matter what?
Depends on who you ask. Cam Newton has been no stranger to controversy since his collegiate days and you will find both hardened supporters and volatile critics of the Panthers quarterback, even within the fan base. It’s unfortunate, but there are some who claim to be fans of Carolina but not of Newton. Opposite, are those who support both the starting quarterback and team no matter what. His exchange with a local reporter saw both sides either defend or pile on Newton based upon their individual perception of the situation. Wednesday’s walk out followed approximately 10 minutes at the podium and a question perceived by some to be a knock on Newton and his offense. Even while leading Carolina to their second ever Super Bowl and a 15-1 regular season, critics voiced disdain for his on the field antics. At this point, it unfortunately appears Newton is in a no-win situation regarding the court of public opinion but the league and franchise expect him to continually face the media.
3.) Which Buccaneers player are you most concerned with having a breakout performance against the Panthers defense? Do you feel the defense is solid enough front to back to stop the likes of Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Cam Brate, and now the recent emergence of rookie O.J. Howard?
New defensive coordinator Steve Wilks should have the defense ready for each of the Bucs weapons, especially with captains Kurt Coleman and Luke Kuechly on track to return at safety and linebacker, respectively. However, Mike Evans creates a major concern on the outside. In two games last season Evans recorded 11 catches for 154 yards and two touchdowns, but an improved secondary can hopefully contain him on Sunday. Also, both tight ends have to be a concern, especially in the red zone.
4.) What is the x-factor for this game?
Shaq Thompson. The third-year linebacker has seen his role grow playing every defensive snap last week for the second time all season. His ability to transition from a run stopping linebacker to a safety type player in pass coverage has been beneficial for Carolina. Wilks refers to his hybrid position as the “Buffalo Nickel” and his ability to cover the Buccaneers tight ends or possibly spy quarterback Jameis Winston, depending on the call and situation will be vital to the Panthers defensive success. The Carolina offense has recently struggled and if the defense cannot contain Tampa Bay, it could make for a long afternoon.
5.) Final score prediction.
Both of these teams are at a point in the season where each desperately needs a win. For whoever comes out on top, it could be the catalyst for a good run and help to put either in contention within the NFC South division. Until last week, Carolina has played well on the road and the offense should rebound from their dismal performance last week. Winston and the Buccaneers present a tough task for the Carolina defense and while they won’t shut them down completely, Carolina should do enough to keep them at bay. If Newton can get the offense working without turning the football over, the Panthers should put up enough points for the win. It will be close, likely coming down to a final play. Carolina Panthers 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
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For my insight on the Buccaneers’ side, check out Brandon’s Q&A with me here.
This Sunday could jump start a run for the Buccaneers to get back into the hunt or it could continue an unforeseen downward spiral, derailing fans who had higher expectations for this season than they’ve had in over a decade. What do you think happens? Let us know in the comments below.