The Panthers and the Buccaneers will have to wait a while to continue tonight’s game. Play has been suspended with 8:31 left in the first quarter due to lightning in the area. Rain has been coming down steadily since before kickoff, though.
Fans have vacated the seating area and the players are now back in their respective locker rooms.
The Panthers’ first drive was promising, at least for Christian McCaffrey’s fantasy owners. He carried the ball four times for 16 yards and caught one pass for six. Cam Newton has completed all four of his passes, the longest of which was to D.J. Moore for a gain of 12.
Once play resumes, the Buccaneers will get the ball near mid-field. Carolina just lost a challenge after Newton was ruled down short of the marker after trying to stretch on a fourth and one.
Tampa’s first possession was a quick one. After a 22-yard strike from Jameis Winston to Chris Godwin on the first play from scrimmage, they stalled out and had to punt. Ron Rivera is mixing his defensive fronts up well to keep the Bucs offense off balance.
The score is 0-0. The game is expected to restart at 9:05 p.m. ET.
