Buccaneers: Studs & Duds in victory vs. Panthers in Week 2

Studs & Duds from the Buccaneers’ victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came away with their first win of the 2020 season Sunday afternoon in the form of a 31-17 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

The Buccaneers shot out to a 21-0 lead at halftime, but the Panthers came roaring back in the second half before Tampa Bay ultimately put things to rest late in the fourth quarter.

As we continue to react to the victory, here’s a look at the studs and duds for the Buccaneers against the Panthers.

Studs

The overall defensive performance

That Buccaneers defense is nasty and it’s going to be special. It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, when you force four turnovers in a game, you’ve done your job.

The defense held the Panthers scoreless through the first half and put the offense in great position with its ability to get off the field and to create turnovers. In addition to two interceptions and two fumbles, the Buccaneers came away with five sacks on Teddy Bridgewater and a total of 9.5 tackles for loss.

Leonard Fournette‘s day on the ground

Leonard Fournette brings a different dimension to that Tampa Bay offense and he was one of the brightest spots from the unit this weekend.

Fournette finished the afternoon with 12 carries for 103 yards (8.6 YPC) and two touchdowns. He also had four receptions for 13 yards.

The explosiveness that Fournette brings to the offense can’t be understated and it was on display this Sunday against the Panthers.