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Buccaneers: Week 16 game changers against Carolina

By Bailey Adams

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers shakes hands on the field following the Panthers' 17-3 win over the Buccaneers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers shakes hands on the field following the Panthers' 17-3 win over the Buccaneers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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Cam Newton

Offensively, the Panthers go as Cam Newton goes. It seems like it has been that way throughout his whole career. Luckily for Carolina, Newton is having a spectacular season. Of course, the Panthers’ 10-4 record has a lot to do with their defense. However, Newton is keeping things afloat offensively. He is making plays with his arm, but also making the most of his mobility. His playmaking ability has been on full display this season, which has led to success for Carolina.

So far this season, the former Auburn Tiger has 2,962 passing yards and 21 touchdowns to twelve interceptions. On the ground, he has 643 yards and five touchdowns. He is completing 60.3 percent of his passes, up from his 52.9 percent last year. With the severe lack of pass rush that Tampa Bay is getting, it’s allowing opposing quarterbacks to sit back and have plenty of time. Newton will benefit from that on Sunday, especially because he has the ability to take off on the ground if he sees no one open.

In the first meeting this season, Newton wasn’t all that spectacular, but he was efficient. He completed eighteen of his 32 attempts for 154 yards and a touchdown, but did throw an interception. Where he gave the Bucs more trouble, though, was in the run game. He went for 44 yards on eleven carries, escaping what little pressure Tampa Bay was able to dial up. With the current state of the Buccaneer defense, Newton will be very difficult to stop come Sunday.

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