4 Panthers players who need to step up vs. the Bucs in Week 10
By Dean Jones
87. Buccaneers -5.5. 1 PM ET. FOX. 3-6. 48. Sunday, Nov 15. 6-3
Which Carolina Panthers players need to step up vs. the Bucs in Week 10?
Another stern test awaits the Carolina Panthers in Week 10 when they welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Bank of America Stadium. Matt Rhule’s men are in the midst of a four-game losing run and this could very well become five if they do not play close to perfect against a team that still has ambitions of winning the Super Bowl despite a confidence-capping loss at the Saints on Sunday Night Football.
The Carolina Panthers will be under no illusions as to the size of the task awaiting them. They are without some key personnel that only hampers their chances of achieving an unlikely victory. But there will be no pressure on them once again which is a scenario that has worked in their favor this season.
Tom Brady will be looking to bounce back at the earliest possible opportunity after one of his worst performances in a Bucs uniform last weekend. The legendary signal-caller couldn’t have better weapons around him and it would be a huge shock if they showed further signs of regression in this one.
It has been a campaign of steady progression from Carolina’s perspective. They’ve gone toe-to-toe with some elite teams this season and although it has resulted in losses more often than not, Rhule will have taken far more positives than negatives from their first nine games.
Let’s take a look a four Panthers players who need to step up in order for them to boost their chances of victory on Sunday.
CHRISREED. 64. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OG. 87. CAROLINA PANTHERS
Chris Reed – Carolina Panthers OG
Chris Reed is running out of chances to forge a successful career in Carolina. The left guard has emerged as a weak link in recent weeks and the Buccaneers will no doubt target him as a possible area they can exploit early and often.
This has hurt the Panthers at critical moments. Not having veteran Russell Okung next to him has undoubtedly made Reed’s flaws more evident and the former Minnesota State standout is fighting for his livelihood between now and the end of the campaign.