Buccaneers: Carolina Panthers Players to Watch in Week 8

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Jacquizz Rodgers #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1st quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 10: Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers tackles Jacquizz Rodgers #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1st quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 08: Ed Dickson #84 of the Carolina Panthers fights off Miles Killebrew #35 of the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 08: Ed Dickson #84 of the Carolina Panthers fights off Miles Killebrew #35 of the Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field on October 8, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Tight End Ed Dickson

While he is definitely not Greg Olsen he can still make some big plays. In week three against the Detroit Lions, Ed had five catches on five targets for a massive 175 yards. He is not the red zone threat that Olsen is but the Panthers have two big guys on the outside and two very capable running backs. Cam is also a red zone threat with his legs. The Buccaneers defense has been putrid this season allowing big leads early forcing the offense to chase every game. To make matters worse TJ Ward, Chris Baker, and Gerald McCoy have come out and questioned the defense this week. While that is a different story all together Mike Smith and the players have to be better.

Must Read: 5 Bucs to Watch in Week 8

The safeties have missed tackles and allowed big plays and Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David are recovering from injuries. With the defense almost at full strength, they have to play as a unit. While the defense may be focusing on the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Kelvin Benjamin, and Johnathan Stewart, Ed Dickson has a chance to have a big game.

If the Buccaneers get too loose in the middle of their coverage, Dickson could help lead the Panthers to a win on the Buccaneers’ home turf.

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