Buccaneers vs Panthers: Preview, broadcast info for Week 8

It’s only Week 8, but Sunday’s game against the Panthers (4-3) is a must-win for the struggling Buccaneers (2-4). Here, we preview the 1:00 p.m. game and tell you where to watch and listen to it.

The Buccaneers might not be what everyone thought they were. That’s hard to understand, considering the team looked like a legitimate playoff contender heading into the season. Not all hope is lost of course. It’s just the seventh game of the season for Tampa Bay. However, something needs to turn around- quickly- if this team wants any shot at the playoffs. The start of that turnaround would ideally be at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday when the Bucs host the Panthers at Raymond James Stadium.

Tampa Bay is coming off a brutal 30-27 loss in Buffalo. Just when it looked like the Bucs had turned things around for good by taking a 27-20 lead late in the game, everything fell apart again. The defense allowed a 75 yard scoring drive that lasted three plays, Adam Humphries fumbled and the Bills kicked a game-winning field goal to send the Bucs to their third straight loss. At this point in the season, the offense seems to be coming around. Tampa Bay is second in the NFL in total offense and first in passing offense. Some want to continue to blame and trash third-year quarterback Jameis Winston. That’s all fine and dandy, if that’s your thing, but just know that this offense isn’t the big problem.

The problem, ironically enough, continues to be the Buccaneer defense. This franchise was once known for dominant defenses. Remember those days? Well, they’re gone. The Bucs are 30th in the league in total and passing defense. Nothing is going right this year for the group, which is leading to a lot of frustration. The lack of pass rush and poor secondary play isn’t a good look, that’s for sure.

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The Panthers started this season hot, but have since dropped two straight. Last weekend, they lost 17-3 in Chicago. And while it wasn’t necessarily the same exact Bears team, the Bucs did blow out Chicago to open the season. Carolina’s defense is back to its old ways this season. The unit is playing very well, ranking third in total defense and fourth in passing and rushing defense. Offensively, things haven’t been as smooth. However, the Tampa Bay defense could very much be what Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey and the rest of the offense needs to see in order to get on track.

As if it doesn’t have enough problems when fully healthy, the Tampa Bay defense is struggling with some key injuries this week. Brent Grimes (shoulder) and Robert McClain (concussion) are both out for Sunday’s game. That leaves Vernon Hargreaves and Ryan Smith as the Bucs’ starting cornerbacks. Hargreaves moved inside to the nickel position last week and played well, but is now being forced back outside, where he’s been struggling this year. And at defensive end, Noah Spence is on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. One of Carolina’s more notable injuries is at the kicker position. Graham Gano is dealing with both a right knee issue and an illness, so he is questionable for Sunday’s game. Who did the Panthers sign to kick just in case Gano can’t go? None other than Tampa Bay’s 2016 second-round pick, Roberto Aguayo.

Last time these two division rivals met up, the Bucs prevailed 17-16 on the final day of the 2016-17 season. Grimes came up with a pick six in the third quarter and Winston threw a go-ahead touchdown with 3:13 left in the fourth. The defense then allowed a touchdown with 17 seconds left, but then came up with a pass breakup on a two-point attempt to escape with the win. Carolina leads the all-time regular season series 20-13 and has a 10-5 advantage in Tampa. The Bucs won both meetings in 2016.

Where to Watch

Fox will once again have the broadcast of Sunday’s game. Chris Myers (play-by-play), Daryl Johnston (commentary) and Laura Okmin (sideline) will have the call.

Where to Listen

Gene Deckerhoff (play-by-play), Dave Moore (commentary) and T.J. Rives (sideline) will have Sunday’s radio broadcast. In the Tampa Bay area, fans can listen on 98Rock (97.9 FM), the team’s flagship station. For more options in Florida, check here. The game is also carried on buccaneers.com and the Buccaneers mobile app.

For satellite radio subscribers, the Tampa Bay broadcast is on XM 226 (Internet 829). The Carolina broadcast is on XM Internet 804.

Next: Buccaneers vs Panthers: Five Game-Changing Players

For in-game and postgame coverage of Sunday’s game, follow @ThePewterPlank on Twitter.