NFL Game of the Week: Panthers vs. Buccaneers
by Luke Paul Chandler
In one of the most highly-contested divisions year in and year out in the NFC, this key game could help shape the direction of the division.
The Panthers and Bucs are clearly the class of the NFC South, with the Panthers holding a one-game lead over the Bucs for first place. The Panthers have been a surprise this season after being predicted by many to struggle this year. The Buccaneers are finding ways to win despite not having the calmest situation with injuries.
The Panthers come into this game showing their old school smash mouth roots but with a new flair. The dynamic running back duo of DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart is wearing out defenses, but the Panthers have started to get both on the field with the single-wing formation. It’s been producing good yardage, and teams are struggling to defend it. On top of that, the resurgence of Jake Delhomme and the Panthers passing attack has produced one of the most prolific offenses in Carolina history.
In Tampa, the injuries are mounting. It has caused instability on offense at quarterback and wide receiver. The team has particularly missed Joey Galloway, whose foot strain has sidelined him the majority of the season. He is the team’s most consistent deep threat, and he has produced three-straight 1000-yard seasons. At quarterback, Jon Gruden is turning back to former starter Jeff Garcia, who lost his job in Week 1 to Brian Griese. Griese hurt his elbow and shoulder against the Broncos last week. He has been able to produce a good deal of yardage, but he has been turnover prone and was unable to push the ball vertically.
Panthers keys to victory
1. Pound the rock - Not many teams have been able to stop both Stewart and Williams. They set the pace for the offense and are able to produce yardage quickly. Getting them both on the field together is a matchup problem for the defense.
2. Get the ball to Steve Smith - The team’s best offensive threat can change the entire dynamic of their offense. If teams try to keep a safety high to double team him, it leaves only seven players in the box for Smith and Williams to run free.
3. Let Jon Beason control the defense - Beason is the team’s best playmaker at middle linebacker, and he can be a dynamic player: he is able to cover the deep middle well along with being a powerful inside run defender.
Buccaneers keys to victory
1. Challenge the Panthers secondary - The Panthers have a young secondary that will make mistakes.
2. Gap discipline on defense - The Panthers will put their version of the single-wing on the field to attempt to exploit the unpredictability of it. The Buccaneers are considered a very disciplined defense, and, if the Panthers try to use to the modified zone-read play out of the single wing, they should be able to stop it from turning it a big gain.
3. Trust the kicking game - Veteran kicker Matt Bryant is a perfect 10-for-10 on the season on field goals. Tampa can struggle to put up points at times, so relying on Bryant’s leg is key.
Key Matchup
Gaines Adams, RDE, Buccaneers vs Frank Omiyale, OLT, Panthers
The Panthers will likely be without starting left tackle Jordan Gross again this week due, as he recovers from a concussion. Omiyale is a fast tackle with the speed to handle a pass rusher like Adams, but he lacks the ferocious attitude to be an effective blocker. Adams is still developing as a pass rusher, and his pass rush moves are lackluster. Right now though, he should be able to beat Omiyale with his speed rush.
Players to Watch
1. Richard Marshall, CB, Panthers - The Panthers’ best pure cover corner and a top ballhawk.
2. Chris Harris, SS, Panthers - Harris is a big part of the Carolina run defense, and a true throwback safety who plays in the box.
3. Donald Penn, OLT, Buccaneers - Penn has been a powerful run blocker and an efficient pass blocker, but he could struggle against Julius Peppers.
4. Tanard Jackson, FS, Buccaneers - Jackson has built upon his outstanding rookie season, and his range is increasing in every game.
Prediction
Panthers - 27
Buccaneers - 24
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.