See how each Carolina Panthers offensive unit performed against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16…
Prior to kickoff the Carolina Panthers knew a win would guarantee them a playoff berth regardless of how any other team performed on Sunday. While a win for Atlanta would have given the Panthers an opportunity to earn the NFC South crown on their own, it was understood a victory would extend their season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers weren’t going to just roll over for Carolina. They have played competitive games in the midst of a lost season dropping their last four contests by less than one score. Sunday was no different as Tampa Bay gave the Panthers everything they could handle.
Eventually, quarterback Cam Newton took over with the game on the line orchestrating his third game winning drive of the season. Newton mishandled the football but recovered for a touchdown, scoring the Panthers only offensive touchdown with 35-seconds remaining.
Following is a look at the grades earned by each offensive unit against the Buccaneers.
Quarterback: A
A day in which the offense struggled to find the end zone or sustain any lengthy drives, Newton eventually found a way. He completed 64-percent of his passes but the 16 completions only accumulated 160 yards.
He also delivered his first interception on the opening drive of the second half, which resulted in a Tampa Bay touchdown just three plays later. Keeping the game within reach, it was the only Buccaneers touchdown allowed amidst a flurry of field goals from both teams.
After a miss, Newton took over with three minutes remaining on his own 41-yard line needing to find the end zone for a win. Back-to-back completions moved the offense into striking distance before converting a critical fourth down and breaking the plane one play later for a game winner.
Running Back: C
Jonathan Stewart converted the fourth down to extend the game and opportunity for a Panthers win, barely. After being stymied all game Stewart got just enough push to move the pile for a first down with just 39 seconds left in the game. He finished with just 19 yards on seven carries.
Rookie Christian McCaffrey added 39 yards on nine carries but wasn’t near as effective in the passing game. After routinely contributing out of the backfield and in the slot, McCaffrey only had two catches for 19 yards.
Fellow running back Fozzy Whittaker again added a single carry and one catch in the game.
Offensive Line: B
A second straight game without Trai Turner continued to produce favorable results. While there is no replacing the Panthers right guard, Amini Silatolu has played well in a backup role. The Panthers line held up against the Buccaneers pass rush but failed to produce significant running lanes.
Fellow guard Andrew Norwell played arguably his best game of the season, protecting Newton. The Panthers quarterback was sacked only twice during the game. Expected to resume practice this week, Turner could be ready for the season finale or a wild card playoff game.
Wide Receivers: C
The thinnest group on offense got even more slim with an injury to wide receiver Damiere Byrd late in the game. Byrd, who has already returned from Injured Reserve once this season, saw his season conclude early with a lower body injury.
Brenton Bersin led all receivers with three catches and 45 yards. His 23-yard gain to start the final drive boosted an offense in need of immediate production. Fellow receiver Kaelin Clay followed up with another double digit gain adding one additional catch and 23 yards total.
Devin Funchess was held in check, contributing just 11 yards on three catches.
Tight End: B
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Greg Olsen followed his century topping performance from a week ago with just 27 yards against Tampa Bay. Tied for the team lead in catches, Olsen was targeted significantly more than any other Panthers receiver.
Neither Ed Dickson or Chris Manhertz had a catch in the game. Moving forward, Carolina will need to get consistent production from either the tight end spot or out of the backfield to consistently move the football.
Overall, the Panthers needed a win to secure a playoff berth and despite not playing their best football found a way to win. The ability to win when faced with adversity and not performing at an expected level will help in the playoffs. Carolina never panicked, simply maintaining the game plan and putting the ball in the hands of their franchise quarterback with the game on the line – a winning combination.
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The Panthers playoff seed could fluctuate anywhere from number two to six depending on next week’s results.