CHARLOTTE — First off, Merry Christmas. Hopefully, this visit to Panthers.com is better than a pair of socks when what you really wanted was a fire truck.
The Panthers are hoping the holiday spirit helps them break their recent losing streak against the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers on Sunday, but there are plot lines and things to watch that extend beyond the immediate.
So as we clean up the wrapping paper and begin going to town on some fruitcake or that Stuckey's Pecan Log your uncle the trucker got you, we can at least offer the distraction of some football.
Here are five things to keep an eye on during Sunday's game.
GROWING INTO NEW ROLE
The Panthers had to use defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos a little differently last week out of necessity.
Turns out, it worked.
With the 2020 second-rounder forced into more of an inside role in the absence of Derrick Brown, he responded with 2.5 sacks last week against the Bills. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Gross-Matos is built more like the classic defensive end than the two built-for-speed edge rushers they start (Brian Burns and Haason Reddick), and offering different looks is something they value.
"When I got here, we drafted him, and he's just a big young physical guy that runs around," veteran defensive coordinator Phil Snow said. "He plays hard, he likes to play. He's been hurt off and on, but he's healthy now.
"Last game, we utilized him inside and outside more, which we should be, and I think you'll really like what you see over the next three weeks. He's got a lot of talent, and I'm excited to see him over the next three weeks."
Snow said that because Gross-Matos is still just 23, there's a chance he could gain another five to 10 pounds, which could make him better able to operate inside.
"But right now, he could play the end spot over the tight end, and move inside on passing downs," Snow said. "He can dominate the tight end physically. But right now, we're playing Haason and Brian. He'll be on our team next year, but who else will remains to be seen."
Reddick's three games away from free agency, and though he said he'd like to stay, there's no guarantee that will happen. The Panthers are also entering an offseason with needs at other positions (offensive line chief among them), so it's impossible to know what that depth chart will look like in a few months.
Gross-Matos having a larger frame could help with some run defense issues that pop up from time to time (a few teams such as Dallas, Minnesota, and New England have taken advantage of a pair of defensive ends that tip the scales under 500 pounds combined.)
LOOKING FOR A PLAY
Speaking of developing players the Panthers are interested in beyond the immediate, cornerback CJ Henderson will get plenty of opportunities over these last three weeks.
With veteran cornerback A.J. Bouye going on injured reserve this week (joining Donte Jackson and Jaycee Horn), the way is clear for a full-time role for Henderson.
The Panthers traded a third-round pick to the Jaguars along with tight end Dan Arnold for Henderson and a fifth-round pick, and they said at the time it was about developing for the future. The former top-10 pick (they considered him in 2020 before taking Derrick Brown seventh overall) has shown some flashes, but is still waiting for his first interception here.
"I guess I've been doing fine, but I haven't made any plays yet," Henderson said this week. "So that's what I'm focusing on, growing as a player and a person still. So just getting that trust from my teammates and respect from my teammates and just growing from there."
While giving away Arnold wasn't easy, they still have a relatively small investment in a player with Henderson's size and range, so if he becomes a reliable third cornerback, the cost will be worth it. And as with Gross-Matos, other events this offseason could impact his role.
They know Horn and Bouye will be back, but Jackson and Stephon Gilmore are unrestricted free agents after the season, and it's unclear if either will be back.
BATTLE OF FORMER MVPs
Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who will start Sunday (perhaps for the last time at Bank of America Stadium), has fared well in his previous games against Bucs quarterback Tom Brady.
Newton has won both meetings between the former league MVPs (in 2013 on Monday Night Football and in 2017).
He's one of just four quarterbacks who have played Brady at least twice (including the playoffs), never to lose, alongside Jake Plummer (3-0), Brian Griese (2-0), and Nick Foles (2-0).
In those two games against Brady and the Patriots, Newton completed 71.9 percent of his passes, for 315.5 combined passing and rushing yards per game, with six touchdowns and one interception, and a 128.2 passer rating.
Of course, that was a younger and healthier Newton, and time has diminished his effectiveness as a passer.
But as he showed in Arizona and with a clean game against Washington, he's still capable of summoning some old magic at times.
BE LIKE TOM
Yeah, about that old guy wearing red coming to town this weekend, even if he doesn't have the beard. And you wouldn't describe him as fat and jolly either, as 44-year-old Brady is in better shape now than he was when he entered the league.
Gilmore, who played with Brady for three years in New England, said that the thing that amazed him the most about Brady was seeing what he put into the process to achieve these remarkable results (seven Super Bowl rings, three league MVPs).
"Just think seeing him every day, seeing how hard he worked," Gilmore said. "It raised my level of preparation and work ethic on the field. When you see somebody like him, it rubs off on other players, and it motivates you. That's one thing I took from him, is his work ethic.
It's nothing magical you can do, you just have to go out and put the work in and make it happen."
DEPLETED BUCS OFFENSE
The Panthers aren't apologizing to anyone for a depleted lineup, but the Bucs have some serious injury issues of their own.
They lost star wideout Chris Godwin to a torn ACL last week, and fellow star receiver Mike Evans is out with a hamstring injury, along with running back Leonard Fournette. Veteran receiver Breshad Perriman is on the COVID-19 list.
The Bucs are getting receiver Antonio Brown back from a suspension this week, and they still have tight end Rob Gronkowski, but they're limping toward the postseason, and will be relying on some younger targets in the passing game.
BONUS GAMEDAY RECIPE
Remember that Harris Teeter has all of your Tailgate or Homegating needs! Enjoy this recipe from Harris Teeter & Tillamook – Spicy Loaded Nachos
Carolina is 25-19 all-time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, posting a 13-10 record at home and 12-9 on the road.
Carolina Panthers' Jonathan Stewart (28) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Quincy Black (58) and Ronde Barber (20) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec.6, 2009 in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) scores on a 1-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh McCown (12) looks for an open receiver as Carolina Panthers' Charles Johnson (95) runs after him during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. The Panthers won 19-17. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jamey Price)
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, October 10, 2016 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, NC. (Photo by Jamey Price)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, December 1, 2013.
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams follows blockers to score during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers' Kawann Short (99) celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 14, 2014. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown by running back Jonathan Stewart (28) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers DeAngelo Williams runs with the football during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014. (Mike McGinnis/AP Images for Panini)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in Tampa, FL.
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) catches a touchdown pass as Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Jermaine Phillips (23) defends during the third quarter of the Panthers' 38-23 win in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Na'il Diggs wraps up Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mike Alstott during the first half of an NFL game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006 in Tampa, Fla. The Panthers won 26-24. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (82) catches a pass in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Mason Foster (59) during the second half of an NFL football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers play against the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 14, 2014 in Charlotte, NC.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms (2) gets sacked by Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers during the second quarter Sunday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2005, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers kicker John Kasay (4) kicks the game-winning field goal with six second remaining in the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a National Football League game Sunday afternoon Sept. 24, 2006 in Tampa, Fla. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 26-24. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith, left, grabs a first-quarter touchdown pass from quarterback Rodney Peete in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety John Lynch, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Martin)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Derek Anderson (3) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) gtes ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Elbert Mack (33) on a run during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Margaret Bowles)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia (7) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Tyler Brayton (96) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers running back DeShaun Foster runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
In this Dec. 8, 2008 photo, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) and Panthers' DeAngelo Williams celebrate after Stewart's touchdown in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C. Smash and Dash. The nickname coined for the panthers running backs Jonathan Stewart (Smash) and DeAngelo Williams (Dash) is catching on as defenders bounce off. The Panthers now hope this young tandem lead them into the playoffs. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Derrick Brooks (55) for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman (32) attempts to dive over the Carolina Panthers defense, including Will Witherspoon (54) and Brian Allen (52) during the second quarter Sunday, Nov. 17, 2002, in Tampa, Fla. Pittman was stopped short of the end zone. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme fires a first-quarter pass while Panthers tackle Travelle Wharton (70) keeps Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Simeon Rice (97) out of the play Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005 in Tampa, Fla. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 34-14. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ricky Proehl runs away from Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Will Allen (26) after pulling in a 64-yard reception from quarterback Jake Delhomme during the second quarter Sunday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2005, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Gamble (20) gets pulled down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Joey Galloway after intercepting a first quarter pass from Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms during a National Football League game Sunday afternoon Sept. 24, 2006 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) runs an interception 46 yards for a touchdown as Panthers coach John Fox, back left, celebrates in the third quarter of the Panthers' 21-14 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2004, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
Carolina Panthers' Karl Hankton (88) reaches for the ball after a punt attempt by Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh Bidwell (9) was blocked during the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 26, 2004, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Carolina Panthers' Mike Rucker (93) celebrates after sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms (2) during the second half Sunday, Nov. 6, 2005, in Tampa, Fla. Helping Simms up is Buccaneers center John Wade (76). (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after his game-winning five-yard touchdown catch as Tampa Bay Buccaneers players Corey Ivy (35) and Shelton Quarles (53) stand by during the final minutes of the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 27-24 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003. (AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina is 12-9 at home against Tampa Bay all-time. The Buccaneers have won the last two games in Charlotte, including a 43-26 decision last year.
