Sir Purr
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
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The banged-up Bucs O-line
Just like the Panthers, the Bucs offensive line has taken a few hits since Week 2 as well. Both right guard Alex Cappa and right tackle Demar Dotson left last week’s game against the Saints with a fractured arm and a strained hamstring, respectively. Those injuries will likely lead to the Bucs debuting a whole new right side along an already struggling offensive line that gave up a season-high six sacks last week.
Combine those new faces with the way the Carolina defense has been playing the last few weeks, and it could mean trouble for the Bucs and quarterback Jameis Winston.
Last time Winston faced the Panthers, it was before the Sack Street Boys kicked off their nationwide tour, picking up 16 sacks in the last three games. Now, the band of rushers is going international, and rookie Brian Burns sees it as another opportunity to get after the quarterback.
“We’re going continue to do the same thing we’ve always done,” Burns said. “It’s just an execution point. We’re going to keep the same momentum on to the next game.”
A change of scenery
The Panthers have proven themselves to be road warriors this season, picking up their first two wins in hostile environments in Arizona and Houston. Now, the team is heading the opposite direction for the franchise’s first-ever appearance in the NFL’s London series.
Ever since the trips out west, head coach Ron Rivera has praised his team’s unity, citing several examples of players spending quality time together while the team is on the road. With a five-hour time difference between Charlotte and London, the Panther chose to arrive a full four days prior to game time in order to adjust to the change.
As a result, the extra time in London has led to more of the team building Rivera has enjoyed seeing this season.
“I think it’s cool,” Rivera said. “They will have opportunities to go out and enjoy a little bit of London and get a good feel for life in the UK. I’m excited for our guys to get away and continue to develop as a team, because I really do think if you have a strong group of guys in the locker room, it really does show on the football field.”
Plus, it doesn’t hurt playing in London where the forecasted high for game day is 60 degrees, instead of the unusually warm October weather in Charlotte.
“The weather here is terrific, I really do appreciate it,” Rivera said. “I think the guys kind of like that. It gives them a little bit of energy.”
The turnover battle
Once again, the turnover battle could be the deciding factor against the Bucs.
Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen has yet to throw an interception in his young career, but his fumbles have proven costly this season. If Allen can hold onto the ball and keep his interception-free streak going, the Panthers defense is coming off of a three-takeaway performance and looking to keep that momentum rolling.
On top of just getting turnovers, the Panthers have to be able to take advantage of any potential extra opportunities, because if Tampa Bay gets the chance, they more than likely will. The Bucs lead the league in points off turnovers with 52, while the Panthers are tied for seventh (34).
In the last 11 match ups with the Bucs, the winner of the turnover battle has won the game as well, including Week 2 of this season.