Carolina Panthers

Panthers Game Day: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Week 5

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Carolina Panthers ROAR (*crosses fingers*) in prime time on Monday night…

Fresh off of their Super Bowl appearance, the Carolina Panthers have struggled to open the 2016 season. Currently 1-3 and having recently dropped their first divisional game to Atlanta, the Panthers prepare for a Monday night game, without their starting quarterback Cam Newton. Opposite them on Monday will be the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that continues to improve but has also failed to produce results in the win column to begin the season.

Tampa Bay started the season on a high note, defeating the division leading Atlanta Falcons in the Georgia Dome. However, following that victory the team has lost three straight football games to Arizona, Los Angeles, and Denver. Quarterback Jameis Winston in his second season has shown improvement with new Bucs coach Dirk Koetter. In four games the Tampa Bay offense is averaging almost 20 points per game.

Opposite, the Panthers have allowed almost 30 points per game. Following last week’s record breaking performance against the secondary, both Winston and wide receiver Mike Evans have to be excited about the matchup. Carolina has attempted to retool their secondary since Sunday resulting in the release of cornerback Bene Benwikere and the promotion of fifth-round pick Zack Sanchez from the practice squad.

2016 SEASON: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-3) at CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-3)

KICKOFF: 8:30 PM EDT

TV: ESPN

LOCATION: BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM

WEATHER: 58 degrees, 64% humidity, NE 8 mph wind, 10% precipitation

LAST MEETING: 38-10, CAR – Jan. 3, 2016

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love (93) in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

KEY MATCH-UP: Tampa Bay Receivers vs. Carolina Secondary

The Carolina Panthers hope their recent roster and position changes can help to alleviate some of the holes that were exploited by the Falcons last Sunday. On Monday night, Winston, Evans, and others are likely to put them to the test early and often. Through the first three games of the season, Carolina faced three quarterbacks who were relatively inexperienced. While Sam Bradford was a former number one pick, he had only been practicing in Minnesota for approximately two weeks. In game four however, veteran Matt Ryan torched the young secondary in Atlanta.

Rookie corner James Bradberry, who started all four games to this point will also be unavailable on Monday night. In his absence either rookies Daryl Worley, Zack Sanchez, or the veteran Robert McClain will be on the field. Receivers Evans and Adam Humphries lead the Buccaneers through the air and will be anticipating being able to stretch the field against whoever is lined up opposite them come game time.

In Newton’s absence, Carolina will turn to Derek Anderson who has started and won two games (both against Tampa Bay) while serving as the backup quarterback. A year ago, the Panthers were able to sweep the Buccaneers winning both at home and on the road. In a season where Carolina has already dropped one divisional game and recorded three total losses, the game on Sunday feels like a must win. Despite playing a backup quarterback, the Panthers control the game and find a way to win in prime time Monday night.

PREDICTION: Panthers – 31, Buccaneers – 27