4 Panthers players that must step up vs. the Buccaneers in Week 16

(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Bravvion Roy
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) Bravvion Roy
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Carolina Panthers
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) D.J. Moore

Which Carolina Panthers players must step up and make a lasting contribution when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 16? 

The Carolina Panthers bring the curtain down on their home schedule in Week 16 when they welcome the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Bank of America Stadium. It’s been another eventful week for the organization following their loss at the Buffalo Bills, with a number of players going on the COVID-19 list and quarterback Sam Darnold returning to the fold for good measure.

Although talk of playoff football has disintegrated, there is still a lot on the line for almost everyone. That includes the roster, coaches, and Matt Rhule, who could very well be fighting for his job over the next three weeks.

Tampa Bay will be seething after their shutout loss against the New Orleans Saints. They might be missing some key figures on offense, but with Tom Brady, they always have a chance and Todd Bowles’ defense is still playing at an elite level.

Simply put, the challenge will be steep. Here are four Panthers players who must step up and produce a difference-making performance in Week 16.

Player No. 1

Carolina Panthers
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Tecklenburg

Sam Tecklenburg – Carolina Panthers C

With the news Pat Elflein was put on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, there is a high likelihood Sam Tecklenburg will get his first-ever NFL start. The undrafted free agent has a close association with Matt Rhule from their time together at Baylor, but this represents a significant challenge against Tampa Bay’s ruthless defensive front.

There doesn’t appear to be much consistency alongside Tecklenburg on the interior. So he might have his work cut out making a lasting impression with Vite Vea and Ndamukong Suh opposite the center.

This will be a baptism of fire for Tecklenburg. One that he might not be ready for just yet.

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