Carolina Panthers: Three Tampa Bay Buccaneers to watch in the rematch

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Running back Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tries to avoid the tackle of middle linebacker Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter of the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Peyton Barber, RB

The Buccaneers outmatched Carolina on all fronts last time they met, both defensively and offensively. Much of the NFL spotlight has been on Christian McCaffrey since the Panthers last saw the Bucs, but Peyton Barber outran McCaffrey by 45 yards during their last meeting. The 82 yards he ran that night stand as his season high.

This week Peyton has to face a somewhat weaker run defense with Kawann Short absent, but he’ll also do it behind an offensive line that will be missing two starters on the right side.

If he chooses to run left he will likely get pinned down by Luke Kuechly and Bruce Irvin which could close off the run game and force Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston to pass more often. If he takes his chances running to the right behind the second string he will probably wind up in the arms of former Buccaneer Gerald McCoy, Panthers sack leader Mario Addison, or a hot-handed rookie Brian Burns.

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