The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be looking to rebound from an ugly opening game loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Here are five players I expect to have a major impact against the Carolina Panthers Thursday Night.
Ronald Jones II
It took a year longer than anticipated, but Ronald Jones II finally gave us a glimpse of what he is capable of. The second-year running back averaged a robust 5.8 yards per carry against the 49ers with 32 of his 75 rushing yards coming after contact.
If the Buccaneers are going to avoid an 0-2 start in Carolina they will need to find some success on the ground. It will be key limiting quarterback Jameis Winston‘s exposure in obvious passing situations as well as slowing down a Panther’s pass rush that pressured Jared Goff 18 times on Sunday. The good news is Carolina appeared susceptible to the run surrendering 166 yards on the ground to the Los Angeles Rams.
Head coach Bruce Arians loves Jones’ big-play ability and is likely to keep him as the heavier half of a platoon with Peyton Barber. I expect Tampa Bay to establish him immediately in an effort to get the offense in a rhythm. Staying out of an early hole with be critical.
Chris Godwin
Pro Bowler Mike Evans had what was probably the worst game of his career last season in Carolina. The star receiver managed only one reception for 16 yards on eight targets primarily being matched up with Carolina’s James Bradberry. While I expect Evans will be extra motivated Thursday night, Chris Godwin has the far better matchup whether working in the slot or opposite Evans.
Last season, Adam Humphries combined for 15 catches, 143 yards, and three touchdowns in two games against the Panthers working exclusively from the inside. Look for Tampa Bay to target former Buccaneer Javien Elliot, the Panther’s current nickel corner, all night long.
O.J. Howard
Looking to rebound from a his worst game as a pro on Sunday, O.J. Howard too should be a key aspect of the Buccaneers’ game plan. Against the Panthers’ cover-2 based defense, a tight end that can threaten up the seem is a potent weapon and one I expect Arians and company to look to exploit.
Last season, Howard had one of his best games of the year in Carolina hauling in four of his five targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns. The Panthers allowed the 5th-most touchdowns—eight—by tight ends in the league in 2018 and were 12 in yards allowed—868.
Mike Edwards
Mike Edwards only saw four snaps on defense against the 49ers Sunday with veteran Darian Stewart getting the remaining 61 at free safety. I expect a much more even distribution Thursday night.
The rookie safety has been brought along slowly since suffering a hamstring injury just a week into the preseason causing him to miss the final three games. However, before his injury, Edwards elicited the praise of the coaching staff routinely for his knack for getting his hands on balls.
Stewart struggled to make tackles in run support Sunday. Something the team can ill-afford against the potent rushing attack of the Panthers. Look for Edwards’ role to expand quickly beginning Thursday night.
Devin White
The Buccaneers drafted Devin White with matchups like this in mind. The NFC South features arguably the two premier pass-catchers out of the backfield in all of football.
Christian McCaffery accounted for 209 of the Panthers’ 343 total yards Sunday with 81 yards coming on 10 receptions—11 targets. There is absolutely no question what Carolina plans to do on offense. This is why White is here. I will have my eyes on this matchup all night.
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