Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Six Points: Buccaneers vs. Panthers

Published Dec. 31, 2015 8:00 a.m. ET

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While the Carolina Panthers (14-1) are fresh off their first loss of the 2015 season, they'll look to bounce back with a win that could lock up home field advantage in the playoffs. It won't be easy though, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-9) have shown glimpses of a very bright future this season.

While there is plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, many fans will be watching the quarterback battle, as MVP candidate Cam Newton is up against Rookie of the Year candidate Jameis Winston. Both players have put together strong seasons, and the battle between the two should be a fun one to watch for many years to come.

Here are three keys to the game for both the Buccaneers and the Panthers.

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1. Control the clock with the ground game

In the 20-13 upset of the Panthers in Week 16, the Atlanta Falcons won the time of possession battle 35:38 to 24:22, which is impressive against this Panthers team. Fortunately for Tampa Bay, they have a running back in Doug Martin, who should be able to help them burn some clock. Let's also not forget that Martin is just 64 yards behind Adrian Peterson for the 2015 rushing title, so he could be in for a big day here.

2. Don't let Newton get comfortable

If there's one thing that was noticeable in Week 16, it's that Newton just didn't seem to be able to comfortable and confident when passing from the pocket. He completed 17 of 30 passes for just 142 yards and no touchdowns in the game. Expect Gerald McCoy and Jacquies Smith, for starters, to get pressure in the face of Newton.

3. Set up screens for Martin and Charles Sims

The Panthers aren't "bad" in really any area defensively, but they have given up quite a few receptions to opposing backs. With one week remaining, Carolina has allowed running backs to catch 90 passes (tied for seventh-most), for 645 yards and three scores. With players like Martin and Sims in the backfield, there's no reason to think that Winston won't look to utilize the two playmakers early and often.

1. Try to set something up for a Newton-Ginn connection early

Ted Ginn had a silent Week 16 game against the Falcons, catching just one ball for nine yards. He's in the midst of a career year, and he and Newton have put together an incredible connection this season. If these two can connect on a long ball early on in this game, it should give both Newton and Ginn confidence moving forward. The Buccaneers have allowed 2,436 yards and 20 touchdowns to opposing receivers this year, so expecting Ginn to be involved early isn't crazy.

2. Let Cam be Cam

While the Panthers are still playing for home field advantage, it can obviously be pretty easy to focus on the playoffs just one week ahead. That home field could wind up being pretty crucial for Carolina, so they'll need all hands on deck this Sunday. While Newton's running ability is obviously incredible to watch, it's also something that involves plenty of hits along the way. Regardless, Newton needs to be himself and play his game, if there's any focus from anyone about helping Newton avoid injury, it'll be a rough week for this offense.

3. Get pressure on Winston

Ready for a shocking statistic? The rookie quarterback for the Buccaneers has been sacked just 25 times all season, tied for the 18th-fewest in the league. This offensive line has done a stellar job of keeping Winston upright, which means that Carolina is going to need to surprise them a few different looks. Obviously blitzing off the edge with cornerbacks or sending a safety could be one route, but getting pressure is going to be important one way or another.