Panthers face Bucs with Playoffs on the Line

Written by Sharon Thorsland

It doesn’t get much bigger than this. The Panthers take on division rival Tampa Bay with the NFC South title and a spot in the playoffs on the line. It’s simple – win and they’re in. If they lose, they have to wait for some help from the Falcons. “We’re starting the playoffs a week early,” said running back Rico Dowdle. “It’s win or go home; we don’t want to depend on anybody else.”

Dowdle and the Panthers will face a Bucs team that is reeling. They’re coming off a loss to the Dolphins and have now dropped seven of their last eight games to fall to 7-9 on the season. But no one is counting them out just yet. The Bucs are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, starting with quarterback Baker Mayfield. The former Panther has thrown for nearly 3,500 yards and 25 touchdowns and is also a threat to run, picking up 351 yards and another score on the ground. He’s got his full cast of receivers now that All-Pros Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are healthy again. They join a pair of outstanding rookies in Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, who have combined for 89 catches and 11 touchdowns. The Bucs also have a talented trio at running back in Rachaad White, Bucky Irvin and Sean Tucker. They’ve combined for nearly 1,600 yards and 12 scores. “They got so many explosive guys that they give your defense a long day,” said Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown. “The goal is to go out there and not let that happen.”

The Panthers offense will face a Bucs defense that has struggled in the second half of the season, ranking near the bottom of the NFL in total yards, passing yards, and points per game. But they are very good against the run, allowing just 104 yards per game, that’s 7th in the league. It starts up front with a stout defensive line anchored by All-Pro defensive tackle Vita Vea. Third year pass rusher Yaya Diaby leads the team with seven sacks, and Pro Bowl linebacker Lavonte David leads the team in tackles. Starting cornerback Zyon McCollum is on IR so rookie Jacob Parrish slides into a starting role alongside veteran Jamel Dean, who leads the team with three interceptions. All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr. starts at safety with Christian Izien rotates in.

These teams just faced off two weeks ago. Does that make things easier or harder? A little of both, according to players. That makes execution key, especially with everything that’s at stake. “It’s hard to beat the same team twice at any level,” said Panthers rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan. “Obviously they’re going to bring their best knowing what’s at stake in this game. It’s going to be a battle.”