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

Carolina Panthers secondary

The Carolina Panthers cornerback and safeties are grouped together, such is their importance to pulling off a major upset in Week 18. What used to be a four-headed receiving monster on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the beginning of the season is now depleted and something the secondary could be able to take advantage of.

Chris Godwin is injured. Antonio Brown will not be donning a jersey on Sunday – although he hasn’t formally been released from the roster according to the NFL’s transaction wire over the last few days.

Mike Evans has hit 1,000 yards every season of his career and only needs 54 on Sunday to reach that milestone. The wideout, Tyler Johnson and Rob Gronowski will be targeted by Tom Brady often, along with Ronald Jones, in the passing game.

If the secondary could shadow Evans on clear passing downs, this will limit the effectiveness of the passing game forcing younger, less-skilled players to step up.

By removing Evans from the equation, expect to see more short passes with a couple of deep efforts from Brady down the sideline. By leaving a safety over the top and not playing zero coverage, Carolina’s under-strength secondary can make a noticeable impact to prevent the cannons from booming at Raymond James Stadium.