Loser No. 3
Akayleb Evans - Carolina Panthers CB
The Carolina Panthers opted not to bring in cornerback help, despite losing the prolific starting tandem of Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. to long-term injuries. It was a bold call from general manager Dan Morgan, but it hasn't delivered the desired results.
Just why the Panthers are so insistent on trotting out Akayleb Evans as a starting cornerback is a mystery. He earned his spot as a special-teams presence, and he is a decent one. However, he shouldn't be anywhere near the defensive rotation.
Evans' positional sense is poor. He fails to track receivers effectively, as evidenced by giving up another touchdown when quarterback Baker Mayfield was scrambling. His run support was lackluster, but the coaching staff's stubbornness kept him on the field.
Morgan must take decisive action. That will be difficult on a short week, but it has to happen during the mini-bye after Thursday Night Football.
Winner No. 1
Darren Waller - Carolina Panthers TE
The standouts, or even those who performed adequately, were in short supply at Bank of America Stadium. This team just wasn't up for the fight, and it'll take a lot of soul-searching from here if the Panthers want to reach their potential.
Darren Waller produced the brightest offensive moment. The veteran tight end blew past defenders up the middle, and quarterback Bryce Young found him with a beautiful deep ball that resulted in a 50-yard touchdown catch, his longest of the season by a considerable margin.
This was the only pass Waller caught, and he was targeted only twice. That seems strange, but this fleeting moment once again showed what an outstanding addition he is becoming.
Waller was on the proverbial scrap heap before Carolina came calling. It looked like the league had given up on him, but his production so far suggests he still has plenty of gas in the tank.
Loser No. 4
Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers QB
Bryce Young has been among the league's better quarterbacks through his first five games of the campaign. This momentum came to an abrupt halt against the Buccaneers.
Young got almost no time in the pocket to go through his progressions. He looked more hesitant than usual, and the signal-caller also made crucial mistakes as the Panthers tried to get back into the contest.
The former Alabama standout fumbled and threw two interceptions. Young's 6.8 QBR reflected how things unfolded for the entire team, and the Panthers were right to take him out to protect their prized possession when there was no chance of recovery.
Hopefully, this is a blip rather than the start of anything more concerning for Young. He's made significant strides this season, but the offensive line must also do its part.
Otherwise, it's not hard to envision further problems for the No. 1 pick in 2023 at Lambeau Field.
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