The Carolina Panthers are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2003. With their best start in more than a decade, fans are excited and hoping this team will truly come together each week. In Week 4 they are traveling to Tampa Bay to play their second divisional game against the Buccaneers. As with any other game within the NFC South, this is a must-win for the Panthers to be off to the right start toward winning their third straight division title.
Also on Spin Zone: Where Does Cam Rank Among Best QBs?
The Bucs are looking to rebound from the 19-9 loss that they suffered in Week 3 to the Houston Texans. Looking back to that game opens up the conversation as to how the Panthers can push their current streak to four straight wins.
The glaring issue with the Bucs is that they are giving up a mass of rushing yards. Opponents are averaging 138 yards per game. This translates into dominating the clock which is an area that the Panthers have shown success this year. Carolina has employed a number of backs to move the ball but Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart are leading that charge. Expect Tampa Bay to have a problem corralling both of these players, especially when Mike Tolbert factors into the equation.
The passing matchup will be very interesting to watch. Newton is going to be the difference maker. The Bucs have remained pretty tough against moving the ball through the air. They’ve created havoc with sacks and a few interceptions, while holding opponents to just 210 yards per game. Newton’s last game was a flash of how effective he can be as a pass-first style of QB. It is vital that he minimize mistakes while on the field because the Buccaneers defense have done a solid job capitalizing through this point in the season.
Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) runs for a touchdown as New Orleans Saints middle linebacker Stephone Anthony (50) defends in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saints 27-22 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Across the board the key to the Panthers’ victory lies in their ability to minimize mistakes. Up to this point in the season the team has done a strong job on both sides of the ball. On paper, the Panthers should be able to take this win; ESPN’s Pick Center has them listed as a -170 favorite.
Newton has to continue spreading the wealth when it comes to throwing the ball. Greg Olsen was the go-to option against the Saints, but that created an opportunity to get more players into the game. Once they capitalized on that opportunity the Panthers’ offense was functioning like a well-oiled machine. Even though Carolina is a run-first type of team and the Buccaneers are struggling to stop the ground game; they cannot become pigeon-holed in that style of play on Sunday.
Defensively the Panthers has shown the ability to bend, but not break under pressure. Josh Norman’s interception in the end zone last week is a glaring example of how the unit comes out of bad situations on top. However, that type of play will eventually catch up to everyone. The Bucs aren’t putting up a lot of points right now, but Carolina should use this opportunity to play more efficiently on defense.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are continuing to rebuild and it has been a slow process the last few seasons. Carolina is struggling with its own issues, but they have put forth a team that has won its early games against less than stellar opponents. This is yet another game in that vein that the Panthers should win. It’s a key opportunity for them to take an advantageous position in the volatile NFC South.
Next: NFL: Top 30 Undrafted Players In History
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens