National Football League

Buccaneers observations: Top pick still in play after losing to Panthers

Published Dec. 14, 2014 4:48 p.m. ET

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No Cam Newton, no problem.

Leave it to Derek Anderson to win again. Leave it to the Carolina Panthers to hand the Tampa Bay Buccaneers another loss without their top quarterback. Leave it to the 31-year-old veteran, who has thrown just 23 passes against opponents not wearing pewter and red this season, to deliver his team a key victory and prolong hopes of capturing the NFC South crown.

The Panthers beat the Bucs 19-17 at Bank of America Stadium, sending the Bucs tumbling to 2-12 and into further oblivion. But if you're the forward-thinking type, this was no loss at all.

Another defeat means more advancement toward securing the draft's top pick. Another defeat means a large prize remains in reach. Another defeat means possibility, since promise in 2014 waved "so long" many days ago.

Here are a few thoughts from the Bucs' Week 15 loss ...

1. The Bucs made the right call to keep Gerald McCoy out of the game.

McCoy suffered a scary-looking right knee injury in the first quarter, and unlike last Sunday when he returned against the Detroit Lions, the Bucs' star defensive tackle was kept on the sideline.

Throughout the week, coach Lovie Smith insisted that McCoy sustained a bruised knee in the loss to the Lions, instead of the dislocated knee cap reported by Pro Football Talk. But it's fair to wonder if this latest knee injury has something to do with what happened in the Motor City.

If there's any chance that McCoy's knee injury can lead to long-term damage, why not shut him down for the year? At this point, it seems silly to risk future damage during the final hours of a lost season. Bucs, do the smart thing and preserve your most important asset.

2. Watching Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin was an experience.

It's no wonder that both talents are considered among the NFL's most promising young wide receivers. Both made big plays Sunday. Both should have exciting futures. Both are jewels for their teams.

From the Bucs' perspective, it has become clear that Evans can't be targeted enough. He finished with two catches for 13 yards, and his touchdown reception in the first quarter showcased a fine piece of footwork in the end zone. He's a true star.

Send Evans to the Pro Bowl. He should be a no-brainer pick.

3. There was plenty of "bend but don't break" from the Bucs' defense.

It wasn't the prettiest day for Tampa Bay's defense, but credit the unit for keeping the Bucs within striking distance most of the afternoon.

The Panthers were held to three field goals in the first half when three touchdowns were possible. Also, Alterraun Verner forced a fumble by Jonathan Stewart inside the Bucs' 5-yard line in the third quarter when it appeared Carolina was about to build a 23-10 cushion.

Of course, the Bucs were familiar with Anderson after playing him in Week 1. Anderson did damage -- he finished 25-of-40 passing for 277 yards with one touchdown -- but the Bucs buckled down when they had to most of the day. They were also strong against the run, allowing just 121 yards on the ground.

4. This was a no-loss day for the Bucs.

Which would you consider more valuable? A meaningless victory late in a Dumpster fire of a season or continued progress toward securing the top pick in the NFL draft?

If you have a sense of humor, the Bucs were guaranteed to finish winners Sunday, no matter the outcome in Charlotte. Certainly, players and coaches will never strive to lose. But it's easy to make the argument that the best result for the Bucs' future was to suffer another defeat.

So, mission accomplished. Keep scoreboard watching. Tampa Bay closes against the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints, both at home. The Green Bay game figures to be another loss, but the New Orleans contest could be a wild card, depending on if the Saints' season is a failed cause at that point.

Sure, this season is all but over. But that doesn't mean there's not something to play (lose) for.

5. The Bucs found something on the ground.

Sure, McCown faced his usual pressure behind a poor line -- he was sacked three times for 18 yards -- but Doug Martin and Charles Sims showed flashes.

Martin finished with 96 yards on 14 carries, his best work coming in the first half. Meanwhile, Sims finished with 34 yards on seven carries, his best half coming in the second.

Tampa Bay didn't boast a game-changing rushing threat by any means. But the bursts by Martin and Sims stood out when compared to the usual slog produced by the Bucs' anemic rushing threat. Sims' progress was particularly promising. Too often this season, he hasn't lived up to the anticipation that came with his arrival. This effort was a step forward.

Next Up: The Bucs host the Packers at 1 p.m. next Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.

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