Carolina Panthers turnover margin key to win vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers is helped up by strong safety Mike Adams #29 of the Carolina Panthers after intercepting a pass by quarterback Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 10: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers in the 3rd quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2016 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

No Big Plays

Regardless of who has been calling the shots inside the huddle for Tampa Bay, big play results have been plentiful. The Buccaneers currently own the third best total for passing yards (2,229) and lead the NFL with 20 touchdowns through the air.

The Carolina secondary will be tested against a strong group of receivers who have benefited from these big plays all season. Tied for fifth in the league with 19 different pass plays getting 25-or more yards, both safeties Mike Adams and Eric Reid need to be prepared.

Giving up big plays, especially multiple ones over the course of a game, can swing the momentum or worse – change the outcome all together. Carolina needs to limit Tampa Bay’s ability to stretch the field because by comparison, the Panthers have only had 10 such plays on the year and will have a much harder time grabbing those potential momentum swings.

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