Carolina Panthers Week 6 keys to victory vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 12: Middle linebacker Luke Kuechly #59 of the Carolina Panthers tackles running back Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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) /

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Chris Godwin #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown in the second quarter during their game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Shut Down Chris Godwin

Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin has quietly surpassed Mike Evans as the teams’ leading pass-catcher. He has an impressive six touchdowns and 511 receiving yards on the year, which is good enough for third in the NFL.

Godwin shredded the Carolina defense for 121-yards and a touchdown in the Week 2 matchup. He has been the one consistent playmaker in head coach Bruce Arians‘ offense.

Tampa Bay loves to use Godwin in the slot in three wide receiver formations. Pro Football Focus (PFF) rates Godwin a 91.4 out of 100 at this position.

Expect the Panthers to have cornerback James Bradberry on Godwin for most of the game with help from Luke Kuechly in the middle of the field.

If head coach Ron Rivera can put together a scheme to shut down Godwin, then Tampa Bay will be forced to utilize their other playmakers to move the ball. This should be the game plan for the Week 6 matchup.

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