See how the Carolina Panthers defense and special teams performed against the Buccaneers…
After keeping the Buccaneers from scoring a touchdown in their first meeting, the Carolina Panthers nearly matched their performance. Despite allowing multiple big plays, when needed the Panthers defense responded keeping Tampa Bay out of the end zone.
Only once in the second half, following an interception, did the Buccaneers get six points from a possession. Instead they were held to field goal opportunities on five other occasions, missing one.
Carolina also forced quarterback Jameis Winston into three fumbles, his last sealing the victory for the Panthers. By holding the Tampa Bay offense to three points on multiple trips inside the red zone Carolina allowed the offense an opportunity to win with a final drive, earning a playoff berth in their home finale.
Following is a look at the grades earned by each defensive unit for their performance against Tampa Bay.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line dominated Tampa Bay at the point of attack all game long. Defensive end Julius Peppers enjoyed an especially nice afternoon with three tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries.
Fellow lineman Bryan Cox recovered the other Winston fumble in addition to recording a tackle and 13-yard kickoff return at one point. The remainder of the line also played well as the unit sacked Winston five times total.
Both Wes Horton and Kawann Short added one and a half sacks, while Star Lotulelei and Mario Addison combined for a single takedown of Winston. Lotulelei did cost Carolina with an uncharacteristic penalty midway through the fourth quarter. Instead of receiving two points and the ball due to a hold in the end zone, his unnecessary roughness penalty negated the Tampa Bay infraction.
Linebacker: B-
Playing without Thomas Davis who was serving a one game suspension for a blindside block delivered last week, the linebacker unit sputtered. David Mayo saw some action but the unit received its’ biggest boost from Shaq Thompson.
Thompson fortunately returned from a foot injury making five tackles while playing every defensive snap. Captain and defensive leader Luke Kuechly added eight tackles but failed to lead the team for a second straight week after pacing the field for three games in a row.
Secondary: D
Captain Munnerlyn returned a week after being inactive and continued his role in the small nickel package for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Safety Colin Jones saw a similar amount of playing time to last week largely due to the absence of another linebacker.
On the outside cornerback Daryl Worley added the sixth sack of Winston, but both he and James Bradberry were continuously targeted. Winston completed almost 80-percent of his passes for 367 yards and the one touchdown in a losing effort.
Safety Kurt Coleman led the team in tackles with 10 as a result of Buccaneers players routinely breaking through the front lines of defense and helping on big plays down the field.
Special Teams: A-
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Special teams continues to play a vital role in the success for Carolina. On Sunday they struck again in the form of a 103-yard kickoff return touchdown from wide receiver Damiere Byrd.
The longest such return in franchise history, he unfortunately was hurt late and again placed on injured reserve ending his season earlier than anticipated.
Kicker Graham Gano came up big for Carolina, converting three field goal attempts despite having one extra point blocked.
Overall, the defensive performance was lacking by virtue of the number of big plays allowed but performed well enough for the win. By keeping Tampa Bay out of the end zone, Carolina gave their offense an opportunity to win the game late.
Next: CAR vs. TB Report Card - Offense
Now at 11-4, the Panthers have extended their season and still have an opportunity at the divisional title, with a win and New Orleans loss, entering their final game.