The Carolina Panthers play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 10 NFC South matchup at Bank of America Stadium. Both teams come into this game following a loss last week. The Panthers fell to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 33-31, while the Buccaneers lost at home to the New Orleans Saints, 38-3. The 3-6 Panthers currently sit in 4th place in the NFC South while Tampa Bay is in 2nd place with a 6-3 record. Sunday’s matchup marks the 41st all-time meeting between the Panthers and Buccaneers. Carolina leads the overall series with a 24-16 record.
By the Numbers:
The Last Meeting:
The last time these two teams met was September 20, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. Carolina lost to the Buccaneers 31-17.
The Panthers’ offense came alive in the second half after trailing 21-0 at halftime. Carolina totaled 318 net yards in the second half and held Tampa Bay to 109 yards, 46 of which came on one run. Panthers WRs DJ Moore and Robby Anderson each went for over 100 yards receiving, marking the first time since 2004 (Muhsin Muhammad, Keary Colbert) that a pair of Carolina WRs hit 100 receiving yards in the same game. Carolina recorded its first takeaways of the season: a first half fumble recovery and second half interception. QB Teddy Bridgewater set new career highs for completions (33) and passing yards (367). RB Christian McCaffrey posted a multiple-touchdown game, scoring two rushing touchdowns in the second half. CB Donte Jackson tallied his first interception since Week 9 of 2019.
Offensive Leaders:
Players to Watch:
DJ Moore was targeted just two times in the Panthers loss to Kansas City last week. Expect Joe Brady to get him involved in the offense early. Moore ranks 13th in the NFL with 640 receiving yards.
Teddy Bridgewater had two early turnovers in Carolina’s week two loss to the Bucs – causing the Panthers to play catch-up the rest of the game. He’ll look to start fast and redeem himself this week.
Brian Burns is the Panthers best pass rusher. He has totaled 3 strip sacks this season. His 3 forced fumbles are tied for 3rd in the NFL. Getting pressure on Brady will be essential as Carolina looks to pull off the upset and it starts with Burns.
Leonard Fournette had his first 100-yard game this season in Week Two against the Panthers, finishing with two touchdowns on 12 carries for 103 yards. He hasn’t come close to that total since.
Antoine Winfield Jr. has been one of the top defensive rookies in the NFL. He had his best game in the last matchup against the Panthers, raking up 11 tackles, one forced fumble and a sack. He’ll look to have a repeat performance Sunday.
Tom Brady has his worst game of the season last week versus the Saints; 22 of 38 for 209 yards, 3 interceptions and a 40.4 quarterback rating. He won’t have a repeat performance.
How to Watch:
TELEVISION BROADCAST: FOX (WJZY in Charlotte)
ON THE CALL: Kevin Burkhardt (play by play), Daryl Johnston (color), Pam Oliver (reporter)
ONLINE: Fans can watch games for FREE online through Panthers.com on mobile web and the Panthers’ app. This week, all users everywhere will be able to watch the nationally televised game. Links to watch will be available at the start of the game on both platforms.
LOCAL RADIO BROADCAST: WBT-AM 1110 AM in Charlotte market, click here for a full list of affiliate stations.