3 Panthers position groups that must step up at the Bucs in Week 18

Which Carolina Panthers position groups must step up in Week 18 when they conclude their 2021 season at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The final week of the regular season is upon us. The conclusion of any long-term process invites reflection and dissection of what has transpired.

The Carolina Panthers have had some highs and lows, moments of belief the team has improved, and others showing there is still much work to be done. Week 18 will be the final time this group all share a locker room as the offseason will see those who retire, others become free agents, and a few individuals will slip off the radar entirely.

For the final time this year, this collection of athletes will take the field and be playing for pride, for a roster spot, and for the fanbase.

As the postseason picture comes into focus, Panthers fans will be sitting at home on the couch wondering what might have been once again. Even so, there is still much on the line here – both for players, the coaching staff, the front office, the fans, and the obvious draft implications.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already wrapped up the division crown led by 44-year-old Tom Brady who seems to age like fine wine. With a 12-4 record, they can slot anywhere from second to fourth, but a win will guarantee no less than the third seed.

However, a few household names might be noticeably absent on Sunday. They include Shaquil Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Leonard Fornette, Richard Sherman, Chris Godwin, and obviously Antonio Brown.

With Brown seemingly not part of the organization’s future after his odd outburst against the New York Jets last week and Godwin out for the season with a torn ACL, Brady will rely on Mike Evans, Ronald Jones, and his longtime pal Rob Gronkowski to move the chains.

We have learned from years of watching Brady that he does not need stars around him to shine, so I expect no offensive slowdown. The Panthers started the season 3-0, but those emotions of excitement quickly faded to disappointment, confusion on personnel and play-calling, and complete frustration.

In Year 4 of David Tepper’s reign, the franchise has taken two steps back for each step forward. While the players and coaches will be fighting for a win, a loss could bring the No. 5 overall selection in if the New York Giants beat the Washington Football Team.

Without further ado, here are three Panthers position groups that must step up in their season finale at Raymond James Stadium?