The Carolina Panthers have the chance to lay down another strong marker against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is a chance for head coach Dave Canales' squad to prove the balance of power in the NFC South has shifted, and the pressure is on to produce.
Carolina is favored, and Canales' men handled the favorites' tag well in their victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. But with quarterback Baker Mayfield set to return for the Buccaneers, the Panthers shouldn't take anything for granted.
Fans are expectant. The Panthers are building momentum after two straight victories before and after the bye week. This brings a different type of pressure, but Canales and his players are slowly getting used to it.
Now is the time to deliver a body blow to the 1-5 Buccaneers, who have faced significant setbacks this season. And these Panthers players have to come through for the team to triumph.
Carolina Panthers players under the most pressure to perform against the Buccaneers
Patrick Jones II, OLB
Jaelan Phillips has been ruled out with a hamstring problem. The Panthers' big-money edge rusher needs treatment, and the staff is keeping the bigger picture in mind. But with Nic Scourton out for the season, the team's pass-rush depth is becoming frail.
This means Patrick Jones II has to step up. The veteran has returned successfully from a back injury, though the Panthers are still being careful with his reps. Much more is needed in this one with Phillips unavailable to suit up.
Jones is the most experienced and dependable edge presence the Panthers have left. This could be a good audition to earn another contract next spring.
Luke Fortner, C
The Panthers' offensive line interior performed well enough against the Eagles, especially in the face of Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter. But center Luke Fortner must keep his foot on the throttle in another stern test of his credentials this weekend.
Fortner has been largely underwhelming overall this season. Fans speculated whether someone like rookie Sam Hecht or Brady Christensen would take his spot in the not-too-distant future, but the free-agent signing seems to have bought him at least another week.
However, with two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vita Vea in his immediate crosshairs, another daunting challenge awaits.
Will Lee III, CB
The big tests keep coming for Will Lee III. Carolina's rookie cornerback was thrust into the No. 1 role after injuries to Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr., and he has taken on the challenge superbly. Aside from giving up a touchdown in good coverage last weekend, he was superb against DeVonta Smith.
Lee has his hands full again against Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have Emeka Egbuka, their top wide receiver threat, who's physical enough to cause problems.
The former Texas A&M standout has to meet fire with fire at the line of scrimmage. He cannot let Egbuka get the upper hand in press, especially with Baker Mayfield back under center.
Damien Lewis, OL
Interior offensive lineman Damien Lewis will face an old friend at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday. The left guard and former Panthers defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson will lock horns in a fascinating battle for fans to watch closely.
Lewis has been exceptional this season. He returned from an elbow injury after the bye week and didn't skip a beat, providing assured pass protection and crushing run-blocking capabilities versus two highly impressive performers.
The LSU product is the model of consistency. And even though Robinson will have added motivation after being released by the Panthers this offseason, Lewis can get the upper hand.
Bryce Young, QB
There is no doubt Bryce Young has taken his game to new heights this season. The quarterback leads the league in passing yards per game, and he has quietly entered the NFL MVP conversation along the way. He's brimming with confidence, but a battle against Todd Bowles' defense is always complex.
Young will know what to expect. This isn't his first rodeo against Bowles, so the exotic pressure packages and blitzes will be frequent as the Buccaneers look to get him uncomfortable in the pocket.
That is easier said than done these days. And with the home crowd cheering him on, this could be another profitable afternoon for Young if he gets the football out quickly and on time with his receivers.
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