4 keys to victory for the Panthers vs. the Bucs in Week 10
By Dean Jones
Protect the edge
Given the absence of Christian McCaffrey from the lineup, the Carolina Panthers are going to rely even more on quarterback Teddy Bridgewater distributing the ball efficiently to generate the points needed to steer his side to success.
This can only come if the signal-caller gets enough protection from his offensive line. Considering what was expected of the group this season, they’ve played much better than expected. However, there are some cracks beginning to show that has hampered the Panthers in critical moments in recent weeks.
Generating pressure is something the Buccaneers do superbly. They have a formidable and experienced defensive line that compliment two outstanding edge rushers in Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett extremely well.
Players such as Taylor Moton need to be at their best. Thankfully, Carolina shouldn’t have too much to worry about regarding their right tackle.
Moton’s level of production this season has been stellar. He is a commanding presence on the line that has earned himself a bumper payday next season and the Panthers will be leaning on their best protector in this one, of that there is little doubt.
Things on the left-hand side pose more concern.
Russell Okung will once again miss out through injury, which has been the story of the season. The Panthers haven’t been able to find the right solution whenever the Pro Bowler has missed out and it remains to be seen whether they’ll go with Trenton Scott, Dennis Daley, or Greg Little in Week 10.