Panthers running backs may have an easier go of things on Sunday

The Panthers could have an easier time in the running game Sunday.

The Carolina Panthers may be getting a huge break heading into Sunday’s contest with of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With the latest injury report coming out on Friday, two key Buccaneers defenders are questionable for Sunday’s divisional matchup.

Per a tweet from ESPN NFL Nation Buccaneers reporter Jenna Laine, Buccaneers defensive end Vinny Curry and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy are questionable for Sunday’s game. Losing McCoy in particular would be a big blow for Tampa Bay as he has been one of their top defensive players over the past couple of years.

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McCoy is the starting left defensive tackle for the team, and although his numbers may not show it, he has been a key part of their defensive attack to this point. He has recorded 10 tackles, including two for a loss. In addition, he has tallied 1.5 sacks. As far as Curry goes, he has played an equal role in the Buccaneers pass rush. Like McCoy, he has recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks on the year. Together, the two have combined to become a dependable defensive force for the Buccaneers.

If those two are unable to play, what does that mean for the Carolina Panthers? For one, the ability to have success in the running game may come easier. Per statistics from Pro Football Focus, McCoy has an 85.4 run defense grade. Curry possesses a 68.3 run defense grade. Although the latter’s grade is slightly lower, that is still not a terrible number. If a defense can have one bona fide run-stopper, they are usually in good shape. The Panthers are lucky enough to possess a couple themselves.

Not having McCoy in the game in particular would make life much easier for Christian McCaffrey. He has not eclipsed the 50-yard a mark in a game since October 7 against the New York Giants. In that contest, he accumulated 58 yards. He came close last week against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense, as he tallied 45, but it was not enough. Although he has carved out a role as a receiving back and has filled the role quite nicely, it would be great to see him have a big game. Earlier in the week, I wrote how he would have to step up on Sunday and with the health of two aggressive defenders at the very least compromised, this works in McCaffrey’s favor.

If I was Norv Turner, I would plan for many runs to the left side. Test the health of Curry and McCoy (if they are able to play in the game at all,) and see if you can make them work a bit. McCaffrey has the ability to make defenders miss. With any luck, those two will not be at full strength which should make tackling very difficult. Especially in a one-on-one situation McCaffrey would have the advantage easily. Establishing the run game early and often and getting McCaffrey moving in a positive direction would be key for a Panthers win on Sunday. It may make his performance stronger as the game goes along.

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We will have to see how this situation plays out. If Curry and McCoy aren’t healthy, it could be a long afternoon for the Buccaneers run defense. In turn, Christian McCaffrey in particular would have a field day (pun intended).

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