4 reasons the Carolina Panthers can beat the Buccaneers in Week 17
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers have the blueprint for success
Another positive working in the Carolina Panthers’ favor this weekend is their previous performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022. Steve Wilks marked his first home contest at the helm with a convincing triumph in Week 7, restricting Tom Brady to just three points and giving everyone a huge lift along the way.
It’s been 10 weeks since Carolina and the Buccaneers clashed. While a lot has happened since then, Wilks at least has the blueprint in pursuit of gaining a notable double over their NFC South rivals and assuming command in the division with one game remaining.
This all starts by winning in the trenches. Wilks has made no secret of the Panthers’ game plan beginning upfront, which enables the running game to thrive and opens things up for quarterback Sam Darnold and the passing attack to do damage.
Carolina’s defensive front has a significant task awaiting them in Week 17. They must generate pressure consistently on Brady, especially considering the secondary will be without stud cornerback Jaycee Horn, who broke his wrist during their win over the Detroit Lions.
It would be a surprise if Tampa Bay didn’t game plan specifically for what the Panthers have been doing of late. But last weekend proved that when everyone is firing on all cylinders, there’s little anyone can do to prevent it even with the most concise strategy beforehand.