Cat Crave
FanSided

Carolina Panthers Week 2 preview vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Brandon Scott

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers speaks with quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers following the Buccaneers' 17-16 win over the Panthers at an NFL game on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers speaks with quarterback Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers following the Buccaneers' 17-16 win over the Panthers at an NFL game on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Carolina Panthers Week 2 preview versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 2019 regular season began with a tough test for the Carolina Panthers, playing host to the defending NFC champion Los Angeles Rams. After a slow start, riddled with mistakes, Carolina gained ground in the second half but eventually fell short, 30-27.

Facing a short week, the Panthers at least won’t have to travel and will be back inside Bank of America Stadium when they host divisional rival Tampa Bay on Thursday night. Hoping to regain some footing and put themselves in contention for the division, a win would go a long way in helping to regain some confidence, both in the locker room and with fans.

The debut for new coach Bruce Arians started okay but didn’t finish well in Tampa Bay. Leading 7-6 at the half, Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston had two interceptions returned for touchdowns as the visiting San Francisco 49ers pulled away. Tossing three for the game, Arians is sure to have a talk with Winston ahead of Thursday night’s contest.

2019 SEASON: CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-1) vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (0-1)

KICKOFF: Thursday, September 12 at 8:20 PM ET 

TV: NFL Network (National Broadcast)

ONLINE: FuboTV Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

LOCATION: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, NC)

WEATHER: 86 degrees, 56% humidity, 4mph NNE wind, 20% precipitation

LAST MEETING: 24-17, BUCCANEERS – December 2, 2018 (WEEK 13)

WHAT TO WATCH:

More from Cat Crave

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton didn’t show any outward appearance of being hindered by an ankle injury suffered during preseason play but he also never really put it to the test. Using only one designed run, the former No. 1 overall pick finished with negative rushing yards for the first time in his career.

A revamped defensive unit looked solid against what is expected to be one of the best offensive teams in the game on Sunday. If Carolina can bring a similar effort versus the Buccaneers, they too could benefit from some turnovers and provide the offense plenty of opportunities to score. As the first game for defensive tackle Gerald McCoy against his former team, he continues to insist any disdain for the franchise is behind him.

The Panthers have an impressive history versus Tampa Bay, especially at home since the arrival of Newton and coach Ron Rivera. Leading the all-time series 23-14, Carolina has won five of the last six in Charlotte, with the only loss coming when Newton was sidelined due to a concussion (2016).

Next. Week 1 Report Card. dark

The Panthers need a win to get back on track as the team’s who begin with back-to-back losses historically face an uphill climb, making the playoffs just 10-percent of the time since 2007.

Home/Carolina Panthers News