5 key Panthers matchups to watch vs. the Bucs in Week 10
By Dean Jones
The key Carolina Panthers matchups to watch against the Bucs in Week 10.
The Carolina Panthers might be on a four-game losing run, but this isn’t what one would class as a team in turmoil. Head coach Matt Rhule has everyone believing once again, which has resulted in some eye-catching performances against high-class opposition and plenty of reasons to be encouraged moving forward.
Things were never going to be easy for the Carolina Panthers this season. The organization decided to start from scratch after gutting their roster and bringing in a coaching staff capable of taking them in a completely different direction.
Finding a way to win down the stretch is obviously the next step for this group. But the experiences Carolina is gaining in 2020 will stand them in extremely good stead ahead of possibly becoming a legitimate postseason contender next year.
The Buccaneers are on the other end of the spectrum. Bruce Arians’ men are in win-now mode with aging quarterback Tom Brady and they’ll be looking to prove a point at Bank of America Stadium following their disastrous 38-3 defeat to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday Night Football.
It’s sure to be another stern test for the Panthers. Here are five key matchups they’ll need to win to improve their chances of a positive result.
Corn Elder vs. Antonio Brown
Just how Carolina is going to prevent an exceptional passing attack from getting their fill is up for debate. Brady has an embarrassment of riches at his disposal and this was further strengthened by the addition of Antonio Brown following his eight-game suspension.
Although the All-Pro may have endured some off the field problems over the last 18 months, his talent is unquestionable. Brown has accumulated 11,294 receiving yards, 844 receptions, and 75 touchdowns throughout his career and given the presence of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, it might fall on the shoulders of Corn Elder to try and stop him.
Elder has performed well in the slot this season, giving up 17 receptions from 28 targets on his way to a creditable 69.4 grade from Pro Football Focus. However, this is a significant test of his credentials.