The Panthers play their first division opponent of the year this week when they host the Buccaneers on Thursday.
Here are four key matchups we will be keeping an eye on.
Jameis Winston vs. Jameis Winston
Winston has had his moments since being picked No. 1 overall back in 2015 (usually against Atlanta). However, he’s become known for throwing interceptions and coughing up fumbles thanks to bad ball security. That trend continued Week 1 when he threw three picks against the 49ers. Carolina’s defense has successfully capitalized on Winston’s mistakes in the past. He’s thrown more career interceptions (9) than touchdowns (7) against the Panthers. Bucs coach Bruce Arians has his work cut out for him.
Panthers defensive line vs. Buccaneers offensive line
One way Carolina’s defense can help is to make Winston feel uncomfortable in the pocket. The Panthers invested a ton of resources in their defensive line this offseason but they didn’t do much against the Rams and Jared Goff, managing just one sack. Fortunately, Tampa’s offensive line is nowhere near as good as LA’s. Last season they allowed 41 sacks between Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick. If Kawann Short, Brian Burns and the rest can get consistent pressure, it will go a long way towards a win.
Christian McCaffrey vs. Devin White
The Rams defense simply didn’t have an answer for McCaffrey on Sunday. Even though it was clear the Panthers were running their offense through him, he still posted over 200 yards from scrimmage and scored twice. The Bucs hope they have a solution with their first-round pick, middle linebacker Devin White. He will either limit McCaffrey’s yards after catch and contact, or he won’t and their mediocre defense will be in big trouble.
James Bradberry vs. Mike Evans
Bradberry did an excellent job shutting down the Rams’ receivers Week 1. He also posted a sack and an interception against Goff. This week, he has a real challenge though as he’ll be lining up across from Tampa’s No. 1 wideout. Evans’ size (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) has given Bradberry (6-foot-1, 212 pounds) some issues in previous matchups. In 2018, the Panthers effectively shut him down, though. Evans only caught five of 16 targets in the two meetings last year. Bradberry needs to keep that dynamic going.
