What are some quick thoughts to take from the Carolina Panthers’ loss at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their Week 17 divisional showdown?
All the marbles were at stake for the Carolina Panthers during their trip to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 17. A chance to take charge in the NFC South was up for grabs, which is a stunning turn of events for interim head coach Steve Wilks after such a torrid start to the 2022 campaign under Matt Rhule’s absolute power.
Carolina produced a convincing triumph over Tampa Bay in their previous clash this season, so the reasons for optimism were evident. However, the Bucs were in no mood to lie down with the division title in sight and Tom Brady still controlling proceedings under center.
As it turned out, the Panthers couldn’t come through in the clutch and fell to a hugely disappointing loss despite having a two-score lead in the fourth quarter.
With this in mind, here are ten quick thoughts from Carolina’s demoralizing defeat at Raymond James Stadium against the Buccaneers in Week 17.
Quick Thought No. 1
Carolina Panthers made the perfect start
If the Carolina Panthers wanted to impose themselves right out of the gate, it was mission accomplished. A sensational opening drive resulted in a Sam Darnold touchdown to Tommy Tremble, which set the tone in no uncertain terms.
This was swiftly followed by a red-zone turnover thanks to Sam Franklin’s peanut punch on Chris Godwin. Although no points came from the fumble, this was Carolina letting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers know they were in for a tough encounter.
Carolina Panthers lost momentum on 4th down call
There was a chance for the Carolina Panthers to go for the throat on a fourth-and-short on their second drive immediately following Sam Franklin’s turnover. Steve Wilks opted for the less risky approach, which halted the early momentum generated by both sides of the football.
It was fortunate Tom Brady couldn’t take advantage of this decision. But that wasn’t the case later in the half when a similarly conservative approach led to a deep bomb for Mike Evans that went to the house.
Carolina Panthers got a sensational day from D.J. Moore
It’s been great to see D.J. Moore coming to life since Sam Darnold assumed command under center. The wide receiver is flourishing with better distribution and he once again provided the Panthers with plenty of production in a high-pressure setting.
Moore finished the day with six receptions for 117 receiving yards and one touchdown. Although his 1,000-yard receiving streak will end in 2022, the former first-round pick’s recent upturn indicates better things could be in his future beyond the current campaign.
Carolina Panthers avoided complete disaster to end 1st half
Just when things were going well for the Panthers, a seismic shift with the first-half winding down threatened to undo all their good work. Brady’s deep touchdown to Evans was swiftly followed by a miscommunication between Darnold and center Bradley Bozeman that put the Bucs in the red zone immediately.
Fortunately for the Panthers, an outstanding effort on defense restricted Tampa Bay to a field goal, ensuring they went into the halftime break up 14-10. In all honesty, it could have been a lot worse.
Carolina Panthers must acquire another CB in 2023
It was never going to be easy against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without Jaycee Horn. The shutdown cornerback’s presence was sorely missed and something quarterback Tom Brady looked to exploit at every opportunity.
Keith Taylor Jr. and C.J. Henderson both gave up huge scores. Considering Donte Jackson’s ongoing injury struggles, it would be wise for the Carolina Panthers to acquire another gifted defensive back via free agency or the draft in 2023.
Carolina Panthers went away from the run
The Panthers’ rushing attack was dominant in Week 16. But for some reason, offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo went almost completely away from what’s been working so well throughout Steve Wilks’ tenure.
Carolina concluded the day with 74 rushing yards on just 22 carries. When this happens, it’s not hard to see where the problems emerge.
Carolina Panthers couldn’t contain Mike Evans
As stated previously, Jaycee Horn was a significant loss for the Panthers. Something that allowed Mike Evans to have his best statistical contest of the season.
The wideout had his way almost from start to finish, scoring three deep touchdowns to go along with 207 receiving yards from 10 receptions. When the Buccaneers needed a big play, Brady often went to Evans with great success.
Carolina Panthers blew a big chance
Up 21-10 in the fourth quarter was something the Carolina Panthers couldn’t hold onto. Their defense gave up two scores and the offense just didn’t have the right answers when push came to shove.
Perhaps this moment was too big for the Panthers. However, it was a situation Tom Brady’s thrived in throughout his career, and the quarterback picked apart Carolina with extreme precision to clinch another NFC South title.
Carolina Panthers couldn’t meet expectations
The Panthers have a real talent for raising expectations only for them to crumble almost immediately after. It happened a few short weeks ago against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the same happened again in Week 17.
Their lack of experience in a playoff-type environment was evident, especially late in proceedings. The Panthers gave up 20 points in the fourth quarter alone and although Sam Darnold kept fighting, it wasn’t enough.
Where do the Carolina Panthers go from here?
Now that the lofty dream of playoff football is over, attention turns to the offseason and its immense importance. Steve Wilks remains a leading frontrunner for the head coaching job, but there is a lot of hard work ahead, and several position groups are in dire need of reinforcements.
Darnold’s status as the starter probably won’t last beyond 2022, even though he’s far from Carolina’s biggest problem right now. Losing at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gives team owner David Tepper and other influential figures a mini-head start on their upcoming plans if nothing else, but it does not detract from how disappointing the end result was.