Game Reset
- Carolina Panthers (3-6) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
- Bank of America Stadium | Charlotte, N.C.
- FOX | 1 pm ET | How To Watch
- Injury Report | Depth Chart
History: Panthers vs. Buccaneers
- Carolina is 24-16 all-time against Tampa Bay, including a 12-8 mark at home.
- Tampa Bay won the first meeting between these teams in Week 2, 31-17.
- Current Streak: Bucs, W1
Tough Stretch
The Panthers are playing their sixth straight game against either a league MVP or Super Bowl MVP quarterback, the longest such streak in league history, according to NFL Media Research. That list includes Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes and now Tom Brady.
Even before facing the 6-3 Buccaneers, Carolina's strength of schedule (.558) through nine games was the toughest in the NFC. Only the Jets (47) have faced teams with more combined wins than the Panthers (43).
Carolina once again faces Tampa Bay a week after the Bucs lost to New Orleans. This past Sunday, the Saints rolled to a 38-3 win, handing Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady his largest margin of defeat and holding him to a passer rating of just 40.4, the third-lowest of his career.
What makes this meeting different from the Week 2 matchup between the Panthers and Bucs is the addition of Antonio Brown, who will bolster a receiving corps that's had issues keeping Chris Godwin healthy. With Brown, Tampa Bay now has three of the top eight players in receiving touchdowns since 2012 (Brown 73, Rob Gronkowski 55, Mike Evans 55).
Defensively, the Bucs' strong front seven continues to wreak havoc on opponents. They rank first in the league against the run (77.9), help lead the league in takeaways (16) and are second in sacks (29) and QB pressures (101).
| Category | Panthers | Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 369.2 (15th) | 349.0 (22nd) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 109.9 (18th) | 92.1 (30th) |
| Net Passing Yards/Game | 259.3 (11th) | 256.9 (16th) |
| Sacks Allowed | 18 (16th) | 13 (10th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 43.9 (11th) | 40.0 (24th) |
| Points/Game | 23.3 (23rd) | 27.8 (9th) |
| Defense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 361.8 (17th) | 312.9 (4th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 114.3 (13th) | 77.9 (1st) |
| Net Passing Yards/Game | 247.4 (20th) | 235.0 (14th) |
| Sacks | 9 (t-30th) | 29 (2nd) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 54.2 (31st) | 41.7 (17th) |
| Turnover Margin | +3 (t-9th) | +5 (t-4th) |
| Points Allowed/Game | 25.1 (15th) | 22.6 (9th) |
Stat Nuggets To Know
Team
- Carolina ranks seventh in the NFL in big plays (runs of 10+ yards, receptions of 20+ yards) with 61.
- The Panthers are the only team in the NFL with three wide receivers with 30-plus touches and 400-plus scrimmage yards.
- Carolina allowed just 36 rush yards last week at Kansas City, the fourth-fewest allowed in franchise history. Tampa Bay is coming off a game where they set an NFL record for fewest rush attempts (five, including a kneel-down).
- In the Panthers' three-game win streak from Weeks 3-5, they were plus-5 in turnover margin. In the last four games, that margin is even.
- Carolina leads the NFL with just seven three-and-out drives this season. League-wide, the NFL has only 512 three-and-outs, the fewest through Week 9 since that stat became available in 2000.
- Carolina also leads the league with the fewest punts (18). The Panthers are on pace to set a franchise record for both fewest punts and fewest punts forced in a season.
- Over the last three games, the Panthers have been perfect in the red zone, scoring seven touchdowns on seven trips.
Individual
- Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is tied for fifth in the league with 16 completions traveling at least 20 yards in the air. His air yard success rate of 55.8 ranks seventh.
- Wide receiver Robby Anderson is fourth with 751 receiving yards and tied for third with 60 receptions.
- Wide receiver Curtis Samuel caught all nine targets last week for his first 100-yard receiving game. Samuel has caught 38 of his 43 targets this season, tallying an 88.4 receiving percentage, the highest by any WR with at least 20 receptions.
- Wide receiver DJ Moore is tied for second with 18.3 yards per catch.
- Running back Mike Davis is tied for second with 24 broken tackles.
- Linebacker Shaq Thompson leads the Panthers with 73 tackles, ranking 10th in the league.
Chasing Milestones in 2020
- The Panthers need two wins to reach 200 regular season wins. Dating back to 1995, Carolina is 198-209-1 in the regular season.
- Samuel needs six rushing yards to pass Steve Smith (387) for the most by a wide receiver in Panthers' history.
- Moore needs two receptions to pass DeAngelo Williams (178) to move into sixth place in franchise history.
- Linebacker Shaq Thompson needs 15 tackles to pass James Anderson (432) for seventh place in franchise history.
- Defensive tackle Derrick Brown needs three tackles for loss to tie Star Lotulelei (9) for the most by a Panthers' rookie defensive lineman. Former linebacker Luke Kuechly (12) has the record for all rookies.
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.
