5 bold predictions for the Panthers vs. Buccaneers in Week 16
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton gains 2 rushing TDs
This could be Cam Newton’s last hurrah at Bank of America Stadium. If nothing else, it gives fans the chance to give someone they’ve adored for a decade a proper goodbye and shower him with richly deserving adulation in the event he leaves the Carolina Panthers for a second time this offseason.
There is the obvious cloud of Sam Darnold piling additional pressure on Newton on Sunday. Matt Rhule said that the former NFL MVP will start, but it’s evident he’ll be on a short leash given the USC product’s presence as the backup and how much the Panthers invested in the player to acquire him from the New York Jets.
Newton’s production could be better. But at the same time, it needs to be put into context considering how late he joined the team and the clear limitations of Carolina’s offensive line.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a dominant front seven that will smell blood in the water. Todd Bowles’ unit restricted the New Orleans Saints to just nine points in defeat last weekend and have playmakers at all three levels who could make an impact on proceedings.
Turning red-zone trips into touchdowns is absolutely critical for the Panthers in pursuit of a landmark vicroty over the Bucs. For all Newton’s faults throwing the ball, he remains a significant threat in this area of the field and something new offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon has to utilize at almost every opportunity.