4 things Panthers can learn from Super Bowl-winning Bucs
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers could learn a thing or two from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following their dominant Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
It was quite the turnup for the books as Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned in a performance of the highest quality to dethrone the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium. Many people thought it might be close, but nobody thought a team led by Patrick Mahomes would muster just nine points on the biggest stage of all.
Brady clinched his seventh Vince Lombardi Trophy – which is a feat that won’t ever be matched in the modern-day NFL – and an NFC South rival of the Carolina Panthers walks away from the 2020 season on the very top of the mountain.
The Panthers, of course, are still searching for an elusive first Super Bowl.
There have been a couple of close misses, but it remains the goal that does appear to be some way off at this juncture.
Carolina Panthers must build momentum in 2021.
Nobody will know that more than head coach Matt Rhule. He made a good impression during the first year of his reign, of that there is little doubt. But what comes next during the 2021 preparation period could make all the difference in Carolina’s pursuit of becoming a postseason contender once again.
Having the potential is all well and good.
However, owner David Tepper wants to see some bang for his buck at the earliest possible opportunity.
With this in mind, what lessons could the Panthers take from the Buccaneers in their pursuit of reaching the same heights?
Number 1
Athletic LBs make a big difference
One noticeable feature of the Bucs’ dismantling of the Chiefs was the fact they made life extremely difficult for Mahomes to generate any sort of meaningful momentum. Every member of Todd Bowles’ improving defense played their part. But it was hard not to look at Tampa’s linebacking corps and not be impressed.
Devin White was absolutely everywhere. He has come of age this season and brings an energy that was sorely missing for the Carolina Panthers at the heart of the second level thanks to Luke Kuechly’s shock retirement following the 2019 campaign.
If the Panthers could somehow get either a top draft talent or veteran presence in free agency to potentially improve things in this area of the field, it will make all the difference. Jermaine Carter did play well when he was finally installed into the lineup. But with the prospect of Carolina moving Jeremy Chinn back to safety and Shaq Thompson’s lack of consistency, the unit needs reinforcements, to put it mildly.