How did the Carolina Panthers win Sunday?

The Carolina Panthers escaped with a 37-23 victory on Sunday over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

Common Nature has a song titled “Can’t You See the Sun Shine Through the Rain?” and this could be a good way to describe the game.  There were times when the rain was coming down hard, other times when the sun was shining through, but the real sun shining was the victory.

You see, the Panthers were defeated in every aspect of the offensive game.

First, time of possession.  The Panthers had the ball for 27:50, while the Buccaneers had the ball for 32:10.  You can say this is close, but with the game being within two touchdowns and the Buccaneers having the ball for a longer amount of time, how did it not come down to the last play or two?

Oct 4, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs for a first down during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Carolina won 37-23. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Next, rushing yards.  The Panthers had 133 yards rushing, while the Buccaneers had 141 yards rushing.  Plus, the Buccaneers had a 100-yard rusher in Doug Martin.  How did the Buccaneers not score more points on the ground (they had one touchdown).

Passing yards is next.  Cam Newton threw for 111 yards and completed only 50% of his passes, yet he had two touchdowns.  Jameis Winston threw for 270 yards and also completed only 50% of his passes with two touchdowns.  But, Winston threw four interceptions.

Now, lets look at total yards.  Of the 57 offensive plays the Carolina Panthers ran, they compiled 244 yards of total offense.  Now, of the 75 offensive plays the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ran, they compiled 411 yards of total offense.  If the Buccaneers were a better team, imagine how many points they would have scored.  411 yards is covering the field four times!

The major difference that pointed the ball in the direction of the Panthers – turnovers.  The Panthers had one (a fumble).  The Buccaneers had five (one fumble and four interceptions).

I guess we can thank the defense once again for bailing out the offense and securing another victory to go to 4-0 for the season.