Last season, the Panthers swept the season match up with the Bucs, winning the two games by a combined score of 58 - 19. But this isn't your Greg Schiano-led Tampa team. Led by new head coach Lovie Smith, the Buccaneers enter the 2014 season with a new look, both schematically and superficially (I don't care what you say, I think their new uniforms are pretty sweet). Apparently lacking confidence in second year QB Mike Glennon, the Bucs went out and signed Josh McCown of the Bears, who served as Jay Cutler's backup in Chicago, including one year under his current head coach in Tampa. McCown isn't the only significant addition to the Buccaneers' offense. New General Manager Jason Licht also spent a top ten pick on hulking WR Mike Evans and brought in Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins via trade with the Patriots. The Buccaneers and their fans will be hoping that these additions will be enough to get their team on a level playing field with a team that dominated them one year ago.
That team is, of course, the Carolina Panthers. As alluded to above, the Bucs were only able to muster one touchdown against an extremely stingy Panthers defense, and that score came in the waning minutes of a game that was 31 - 6 at the time. As you probably know, the Panthers bring back the entire front seven that anchored that imposing unit, so they'll be expecting similar results this go 'round.
Is that fair to expect given the changes both teams have gone under? Let's take a closer look.
Panthers Rushing Defense vs. Buccaneers Rushing Offense
The Buccaneers sport an almost entirely new offensive line, with only RT Demar Dotson receiving significant snaps with the team last season. Theoretically, what the unit lacks in continuity it makes up for in ability. All five of Tampa Bay's listed starters (that played) graded out positively in the run blocking department last year. The lone exception is RG Patrick Omameh. The Michigan product was poached off the 49ers practice squad last season, but never saw live action. However, he's looked shaky in the run blocking department this preseason, if Pro Football Focus is to be believed. And he's not alone. Contrary to the strong play put up by these individuals last year, the Tampa line has struggled mightily as a whole this preseason (Though this was before the addition of Mankins). The Panthers will be hoping to see a group that more resembles the latter of the two descriptions.
Running behind this line is none other than the Muscle Hamster, Doug Martin. The third year back is coming off an unceremonious year in which he only played in six games before succumbing to a shoulder injury. Even before the injury, Martin's numbers were a major letdown after his stellar rookie season. Still, he's no back to sleep on. The former Boise State Bronco is a load to bring down, packing 225 pounds into a 5'9" frame, and has a very versatile skillset. He is backed up by Bobby Rainey and Mike James, who filled in acceptably when called upon last season.
So what about the Panthers? Well there is nothing to indicate that this defensive unit will be any weaker against the run. All of the key players (namely the entire front seven) are back, and youngsters Lotulelei and Short should only be expected to improve upon their strong rookie seasons. A DT rotation of Star, Short, and Cole should cause problems up the middle for a Bucs line featuring an adjusting sophomore and a brand new acquisition at the guard spots. Ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson will have their hands full dealing with solid offensive tackles, but it's nothing they can't handle. And obviously, there will always be the sure tackling Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis filling in the gaps and making plays.
On paper, it's a good match up. It all boils down to what the Buccaneers' offensive line looks like. If the line is able to get on the same page, they'll provide a tough test for Monstrz Inc. But if they look anything like they did in the preseason, even the addition of a pro bowl guard won't be enough and the Panthers line should have their way.
Panthers Passing Defense vs. Buccaneers Passing Offense
Tampa Bay might have the most physically imposing WR duo in the NFL. Both starters are listed at about 6'5" 230 pounds. Needless to say, they have a size advantage on the outside, even over the big CBs the Panthers possess. In his two years in Tampa, Vincent Jackson has totaled 150 catches for 2608 yards and 15 touchdowns. The ten year vet does most of his damage in the vertical passing game and possesses a skill set that matches up well with his new QB. McCown is not afraid to throw the ball up and let his receivers make a play, a trait he displayed with another big pair of WRs up in Chicago last season. If the Panthers are going to have success stopping the Buccaneers vertical passing game, new starting safety Thomas DeCoud is going to have to provide reliable help over the top. If he does not, I don't like the Panthers' chances winning jumpballs in one on one situations.
The best way to alleviate these concerns in the secondary is to dominate in the trenches. Much about the Bucs' line was covered earlier applies in the passing game as well. On an individual level, the offensive line looks strong for the most part, but they've struggled mightily in the preseason. The front four should be able to take advantage of an opposing unit that is lacking in continuity and chemistry. However, that doesn't automatically mean they'll have success. Josh McCown was the most accurate QB in the NFL last year while under pressure, putting 77% of his passes on target and throwing 6 touchdowns to 0 interceptions while pressured. The Panthers' front four will have to finish once they get into the backfield. Just getting pressure might not be enough, so they'll have to get the QB on the ground and get the Buccaneers off schedule to better help the secondary.
Overall Outlook
The Buccaneers offense is much improved over last season. Where they are strongest, the Panthers are weakest. The Panthers secondary will need to bring their A game to slow down the dangerous duo the Bucs start at WR, as they might not be able to rely on the front four to force errant throws. If the Bucs' line is able to get it together after their rough preseason, it may be tough sledding for the Panthers defense. But this unit has faced plenty of tough tests and come out on the better side. While it may not be easy, the Panthers defense should be able to hold down their opponents enough to give the offense a chance to win the game.