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Buccaneers: Week 8 winners and losers versus the Panthers

By Michael Horan

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during warmups prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during warmups prior to a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – OCTOBER 15: Running back Doug Martin #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes the football against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Winners

Doug Martin

Finding winners was tough this week, but I think that the much maligned Buccaneer running back looked solid against the Panthers. Since the very first time he touched the ball in the pre-season Doug Martin has looked rejuvenated, with lightning quick cuts and strong finishes to runs. Martin picks up far more than what’s blocked, which is huge for a Bucs offense that struggles to get out of its’ own way.

Martin’s strong running should be more than enough to make the Bucs offense unpredictable and versatile, which makes the three point debacle even more inexplicable. On the day, Martin finished with 71 rushing yards on 18 carries, and like a couple other games this season, could have had a bigger day if game script allowed. Martin should get his usual workload next week against the Saints, with room for more if the defense can slow down Drew Brees.

Next: Buccaneers vs Panthers week eight immediate reactions

Chris Conte

Every once in a while Chris “White Unicorn” Conte has a game that backs up the faith his coaches have in him. Every week since last season Buccaneer fans have asked for Conte’s head, but the veteran safety keeps plugging along and had a really strong game against the Panthers.

Conte continued to rotate snaps with other safeties, but led the team in tackles with eight and had a highlight interception off of Cam Newton. No other safety had more than a single tackle in the game, but Conte led a strong day overall for an undermanned Tampa Bay secondary that has struggled in recent weeks.

"WARNING: NSFW (EXPLICIT LANGUAGE) – Check out the latest PewterCast post-game Instant Cast. Brent and Ren discuss their thoughts following Week 8’s loss to the Carolina Panthers, and open up the phone for you all to voice yours as well!"

Who were your winners and losers for the Bucs loss to the Panthers? Were there really any winners at all in that disappointing mess? Sound off in the comments below.

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