124.7 (11th) 109.1 (15th)
The Bucs beat the Panthers in the season opener in a game that didn't feel as close as the final score, 16-10, indicated. The Bucs have evolved a great deal since, opening up their offensive playbook with downfield throws the Panthers didn't see that day. The Bucs' balanced attack will create problems for Carolina, which hasn't fared well against high-octane offenses.
Panthers' top offensive player
It's still quarterback Cam Newton, right, pouty news conferences and all. While he seems to have work to do in the leadership department, he's still putting up big numbers, including 2,143 passing yards. The blight is his 10 interceptions.
Panthers' top defensive player
Rookie linebacker Luke Kuechly, left, has been a wonderful addition, leading the Panthers with 88 tackles. He has become a consistent playmaker on a defense that was in sore need of one.
What the Panthers do best
They make plenty of big plays, tied for seventh in pass completions of 20 yards or longer with 31. (The Bucs have 32.)
How you beat the Panthers
Defensive success on early downs is key. The Panthers convert just 33.3 percent of their third downs, tied for 25th in the league.
The Bucs must avoid …
An early deficit would allow the Panthers to be judicious in their play-calling. And their ability to run and pass with success will position them for a win.
Projected starters
BUCS
OFFENSE
WR: Vincent Jackson
LT: Donald Penn
LG: Jeremy Zuttah
C: Ted Larsen
RG: Jamon Meredith
RT: Demar Dotson
TE: Dallas Clark
WR: Mike Williams
QB: Josh Freeman
RB: Doug Martin
FB: Erik Lorig
DEFENSE
LDE: Michael Bennett
DT: Gerald McCoy
DT: Roy Miller
RDE: Daniel
Te'o-Nesheim
SLB: Adam Hayward
MLB: Mason Foster
WLB: Lavonte David
CB: E.J. Biggers
CB: Eric Wright
SS: Mark Barron
FS: Ronde Barber
special teams
PR: Roscoe Parrish
KR: LeQuan Lewis
PK: Connor Barth
P/KO: Michael Koenen
Panthers
OFFENSE
WR: Steve Smith
LT: Jordan Gross
LG: Amini Silatolu
C: Geoff Hangartner
RG: Jeff Byers
RT: Byron Bell
TE: Greg Olsen
WR: Brandon LaFell
QB: Cam Newton
RB: Jonathan Stewart
FB: Mike Tolbert
DEFENSE
LDE: Frank Alexander
DT: Dwan Edwards
DT: Ron Edwards
RDE: Charles Johnson
SLB: James Anderson
MLB: Luke Kuechly
WLB: Thomas Davis
CB: Captain Munnerlyn
CB: Josh Norman
SS: Charles Godfrey
FS: Haruki Nakamura
special teams
PR: Captain Munnerlyn
KR: Armanti Edwards
PK/KO: Justin Medlock
P: Brad Nortman
Prediction Bucs 28, Panthers 24
Stat pack
1 p.m., Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C. | TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: Bucs by 1, 48
Rushing yards
passing yards
total yards
Rushing yards allowed
passing yards allowed
total yards allowed
Bucs
panthers
80.1 (1st) 113.0 (16th)
240.9 (15th) 225.2 (17th)
321.3 (32nd) 231.9 (16th)
365.6 (t12th) 334.3 (23rd)
401.4 (31st) 344.9 (16th)
Injury report
BUCS — Questionable: T Jamon Meredith (ankle). Probable: WR Arrelious Benn (shoulder), DE Michael Bennett (shoulder), S Cody Grimm (hamstring), CB Eric Wright (Achilles), C Jeremy Zuttah (shoulder).
Panthers — Out: DE Antwan Applewhite (hamstring). Probable: LB Thomas Davis (not injury related), WR Armanti Edwards (groin), DT Ron Edwards (not injury related), T Jordan Gross (not injury related), C Geoff Hangartner (knee), G Amini Silatolu (shoulder), WR Steve Smith (not injury related).
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