Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Bold predictions for Week 2 vs. Panthers

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates a touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images /

1. Christian McCaffery will have less than 100 yards from scrimmage

The Carolina offense starts and ends with running back Christian McCaffery. Last season, he became only the third player to produce both 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. This past Sunday, McCaffery had 96 yards rushing with two touchdowns and he also added 38 yards receiving on three catches. Things will not be the same when he faces the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers were third against the run last season and they didn’t skip a beat in the opener. The team gave up 82 yards rushing to the Saints overall, but the most impressive outcome was the team holding Alvin Kamara to just 16 yards on 12 carries. Although Kamara did add 51 yards receiving, it felt like he was bottled up most of the day.

Expect the same for McCaffery this week since he should be a focal point in the defensive gameplan. The team was able to get McCaffrey’s number last season and if their game against the Saints was any indication, they may be even better this season.

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They have plenty of personnel to handle McCaffery despite the fact he has the potential to be lined up all over the formation. With athletic players at both linebacker and in the secondary, it will take a lot of scheming for the Panthers to free up McCaffery this week.

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