Carolina Panthers secondary, other keys to win at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Secondary Play
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The weakest link of the Carolina defense, secondary play had become a stabilizing force before being dismantled by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on national television. The five touchdown and 300-plus yard performance was the first in a string of three consecutive losses.
Over that time period the Panthers defense has allowed nearly 1,000 yards passing and eight touchdowns through the air. Not the type of numbers defensive coordinator Eric Washington wants to see ahead of facing the best passing team in the entire league.
Tampa Bay averages over 350 yards per game and the quarterback combination of Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick have thrown 27 touchdowns. James Bradberry effectively shut down Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans in the first matchup and will need a repeat performance for Carolina to win again. Opposite him, Jackson exited last week with a leg injury and whether or not he plays determines which team holds the advantage.
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The Panthers and Buccaneers kick off on Sunday, December 2 at 1:00pm ET.