Offense can’t take advantage of big plays in loss to Bucs

[Sir Purr]

“To start the drive off with a big play, we’ve just got to finish that off,” Samuel said. “We can’t let them off the hook by putting a field goal. Points is points, but we want to score touchdowns.”


Part of the reason for the stalled drives was the Panthers lack of a rushing attack. After posting 127 yards on the ground as a team last week, the offense could only muster 39 yards rushing this week, the lowest total since Week 5 against the Lions in 2017 (28). On top of that, Newton was sacked three times and hit another three. Talk about drive-killers.


“It’s extremely frustrating knowing you’re getting opportunities and you just can’t put the ball in the end zone,” said Newton, who was under constant duress as the Bucs sent wave after wave of pressure. “We just have to find ways to put points on the board. That’s what we signed up for. That’s 'Offensive 101.'”


Despite the offensive woes, the Panthers still found themselves within arm’s reach of victory during the game’s final two minutes, only to be turned down a yard shy.


Denied at every turn.


“We didn’t uphold our end and we’re past due,” Newton said. “All fingers are just pointing back to me specifically on offense.”


There’s no doubt the pieces are there. But the Panthers just haven't been able to put it all together.


“We’ve got a dynamic offense, we can definitely do that,” Samuel said. “We know we can, but we’ve just to execute, and that starts with all of us.”