Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Bold predictions vs. Panthers, Week 2
2. White will lead the team in tackles
Not really too bold of a prediction, but this will be the first of many times that Devin White, the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, leads the team in tackles. He already finished third in the loss to San Francisco, racking up six tackles (five solo).
This is a Panthers team that likes to run the ball and get it to their playmakers in space. Stud running back Christian McCaffrey and receivers D.J Moore and Curtis Samuel are threats to score no matter where they have the ball, so White and the linebacking unit have to be on their toes.
Don’t be surprised if White has over 10 combined tackles and a takeaway come Thursday night under the bright lights of Bank of America Stadium.
1. Buccaneers grind out a hard-fought win
Even if Winston struggles, the Bucs finally have a defense that can pick up the slack. It limited the Niners’ offense to one touchdown and three field goals. If it wasn’t for Winston’s poor decision-making and other miscues, Tampa Bay could have very much won their opener.
The Panthers offense is just as good, if not a little bit better, than the Niners. However, the offense is too reliant on McCaffrey and Newton. If Bowles and his unit can harass Newton throughout the night, it will certainly limit what Turner can call for the Panthers’ attack.
Next. 2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 2. dark
Look for the defense to create turnover opportunities, and Jones II to lead the offense on an off night from Winston. The Bucs will get their first win of the season Thursday night, toppling the Panthers, 21-17.