4 sneaky threats the Panthers should be wary of against the Bucs
By Dean Jones
LeSean McCoy – RB
There is nothing that LeSean McCoy hasn’t done during his career. The running back was among the NFL’s best once upon a time and arrived at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers late in free agency after acquiring a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019.
It remains to be seen just how involved McCoy will be thanks to the other options such as Ronald Jones and former first-round pick Leonard Fournette. But given the Carolina Panthers’ inability to stop Josh Jacobs in the run or passing game in Week 1, putting the player in is going to be strongly considered should the opportunity arise.
If the Bucs’ can get McCoy out in space, there is nothing to suggest he is not more than capable of still making an impression. There is also the presence of rookie Ke’Shawn Vaughn to consider. But with Chris Godwin missing the game it might just see a few more opportunities in the passing game for the veteran.
The Panthers’ problems preventing the Raiders from gaining short to intermediate yardage in the passing game was there for all to see in Week 1. The Bucs will be looking to take full advantage of this, and it an area that McCoy has specialized in throughout a standout career.
McCoy might be a little long in the tooth for a player at the position these days. And his injury problems over the years have been well documented. However, Carolina needs to be wary whenever he is on the field or potentially face the consequences.