Carolina Panthers DBs vs. Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a whole host of weapons. One could even argue this is the best and deepest group of pass-catchers anywhere in the league.
Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Russell Gage, and Julio Jones will be a tough task for this young Carolina Panthers secondary twice a year. The combination of skill position players and veteran quarterback Tom Brady will be extremely hard to defend.
Man coverage and generating pressure across the defensive line is the blueprint to stopping Brady’s offense. Something the New Orleans Saints have demonstrated over the last two seasons.
The lack of pass rush the Panthers present will be detrimental to beating the Buccaneers. If an experienced figure like Brady has too much time, he’ll find a way to beat you.
Pressure is crucial in these games. If the Panthers can hammer home man coverage principles with the bump and run to make it as hard as possible for the receivers, they’ll have a chance.
Carolina’s wily defensive coordinator Phil Snow needs to constantly disguise pre-snap and post-snap to keep Brady guessing. Should things become too predictable, the future Pro Football Hall of Famer is likely to pick the Panthers apart.
Letting Hassan Reddick walk in free agency to sign for the Philadelphia Eagles hurts without a replacement. Much will depend on how the likes of Yetur Gross-Matos and Marquis Haynes respond to additional responsibilities.