Post by #17 Admin on Oct 24, 2013 16:56:14 GMT
Sky Sports Friday 25 October 2013 1:20 am BST
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay
As we reach the halfway point of the regular season, the NFC South kick off week 8. Ron Riviera is looking to unleash his Panthers (3-3) on a struggling Buccaneers (0-6).
Carolina come into this on the back of two straight wins. This is an important divisional games for two different reasons. The visitors will want to hang on to second spot in the NFC South as the New Orleans Saints look favourites to win that Division. Tampa Bay are looking for their first win of what has been a very difficult season on and off the football field.
The Panthers can boast the 7th best rush offense, 5th best pass defense and the 4th best rush defense in the league. Cam Newton has established himself as starting franchise quarterback. Newton has shown that he can run the football (2 touchdowns) as well as find his wide men with the pass. Despite being sacked 18 times this season he has helped put points on the board for his franchise. FB Mike Smith along with WR's Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell each have 3 touchdowns each.
The strongest part of the Panthers game is on the other side of the football, they don't give up an awful lot conceding the fewest touchdowns in the league. A total of 19 sacks and 9 picks have contributed to just 11 points a game conceded. DE's Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson have 4 sacks each. The defense will have sterner tests in later weeks but for now they are looking more than capable of making plays.
Tampa Bay are in all kinds of trouble. Many point the finger at the head coach Greg Schiano but the players have to take some responsibility too. A proud franchise like Tampa Bay is hurting at their 0-6 record. Mike Glennon has stepped into the void left by traded QB Josh Freeman. 3 games has brought 3 touchdowns and 3 picks for the Rookie has he looks to find his feet and help his team move forward. Leading rusher Doug Martin is out (shoulder) and the main threat from the Buccaneers will fall to veteran WR Vincent Jackson, 36 receptions for 544 yards and 4 touchdowns. Glennon will need a strong pocket against a good Carolina front seven.
31 points were given up in the last two games and the defense will have their hands full tonight trying to inhibit the threat of Cam Newton. With just 88.8 yards given up the Buccaneers boast the 5th best rush defense in the NFL. Sophomore OLB Lavonte David is fit to play and he will need to add to his 4 sacks tonight.
Carolina look like an inform team and should be considered favourites for this one. Don't write off the Buccaneers as they fight for pride in the Divisional showdown on Thursday night football. The big question is do the hosts have what it takes to defeat a franchise with a dynamic offense and a solid defense?
Key Men
Carolina - Cam Newton, if the passing lane is closed expect him to eat up the yards on the ground.
Tampa Bay - Derrelle Revis, it is time for the CB to step up to the plate and show some leadership and bring some belief into the loocker room.
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay
As we reach the halfway point of the regular season, the NFC South kick off week 8. Ron Riviera is looking to unleash his Panthers (3-3) on a struggling Buccaneers (0-6).
Carolina come into this on the back of two straight wins. This is an important divisional games for two different reasons. The visitors will want to hang on to second spot in the NFC South as the New Orleans Saints look favourites to win that Division. Tampa Bay are looking for their first win of what has been a very difficult season on and off the football field.
The Panthers can boast the 7th best rush offense, 5th best pass defense and the 4th best rush defense in the league. Cam Newton has established himself as starting franchise quarterback. Newton has shown that he can run the football (2 touchdowns) as well as find his wide men with the pass. Despite being sacked 18 times this season he has helped put points on the board for his franchise. FB Mike Smith along with WR's Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell each have 3 touchdowns each.
The strongest part of the Panthers game is on the other side of the football, they don't give up an awful lot conceding the fewest touchdowns in the league. A total of 19 sacks and 9 picks have contributed to just 11 points a game conceded. DE's Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson have 4 sacks each. The defense will have sterner tests in later weeks but for now they are looking more than capable of making plays.
Tampa Bay are in all kinds of trouble. Many point the finger at the head coach Greg Schiano but the players have to take some responsibility too. A proud franchise like Tampa Bay is hurting at their 0-6 record. Mike Glennon has stepped into the void left by traded QB Josh Freeman. 3 games has brought 3 touchdowns and 3 picks for the Rookie has he looks to find his feet and help his team move forward. Leading rusher Doug Martin is out (shoulder) and the main threat from the Buccaneers will fall to veteran WR Vincent Jackson, 36 receptions for 544 yards and 4 touchdowns. Glennon will need a strong pocket against a good Carolina front seven.
31 points were given up in the last two games and the defense will have their hands full tonight trying to inhibit the threat of Cam Newton. With just 88.8 yards given up the Buccaneers boast the 5th best rush defense in the NFL. Sophomore OLB Lavonte David is fit to play and he will need to add to his 4 sacks tonight.
Carolina look like an inform team and should be considered favourites for this one. Don't write off the Buccaneers as they fight for pride in the Divisional showdown on Thursday night football. The big question is do the hosts have what it takes to defeat a franchise with a dynamic offense and a solid defense?
Key Men
Carolina - Cam Newton, if the passing lane is closed expect him to eat up the yards on the ground.
Tampa Bay - Derrelle Revis, it is time for the CB to step up to the plate and show some leadership and bring some belief into the loocker room.