Carolina has a quick turnaround before playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home on Thursday Night Football at 8:20. Here are some matchup notes, statistics to know, the Next Gen Stat of the Week and team connections for Thursday's game.
Matchup Notes
- Carolina is 23-14 all-time against the Buccaneers, winning three of the last four and five of the last six at home in the series.
- The Panthers are 3-7 all-time on Thursday night games, but have found success against Tampa Bay in primetime, going 3-1 on Monday and Thursday nights.
- Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston went 20-of-36 for 194 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in Tampa Bay's season-opening loss to San Francisco. Chris Godwin led the team in receiving with 53 yards and one touchdown.
- Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has posted a career passer rating of 92.8 and 225.3 passing yards per game against the Buccaneers, sporting a record of 9-4. He has scored 29 total touchdowns (20 passing, 9 rushing) against the Bucs, his most against any opponent.
- Thursday will be the first game for new Panther Gerald McCoy against his former team. McCoy totaled 54.5 sacks in nine seasons with Tampa Bay, third-most in Bucs history.
- Last season, Curtis Samuel had a rushing and receiving touchdown at home against the Buccaneers, becoming just the third wide receiver in Panthers history (Steve Smith, Keyshawn Johnson) to achieve the feat in the same game.
| Category | Panthers | Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 343.0 (18th) | 295.0 (21st) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 127.0 (7th) | 121.0 (11th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 239.0 (18th) | 194.0 (22nd) |
| Sacks Allowed | 3 (t-15th) | 3 (t-15th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 45.5 (t-12th) | 45.5 (t-12th) |
| Points/Game | 27.0 (t-11th) | 17.0 (t-19th) |
| Defense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 349.0 (14th) | 256.0 (6th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 166.0 (25th) | 98.0 (12th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 183.0 (9th) | 158.0 (3rd) |
| Sacks | 1 (t-16th) | 1 (t-16th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 52.9 (23rd) | 38.5 (t-11th) |
| Points/Game | 30.0 (t-20th) | 31.0 (22nd) |
Next Gen Stats
According to Next Gen Stats, Christian McCaffrey was second among all running backs in lowest time behind the line of scrimmage.
McCaffrey averaged just 2.35 seconds behind the line of scrimmage. Last season, he averaged 2.75 seconds behind the line and it was 2.86 seconds in 2017.
Through one game, McCaffrey also ranked third in the NFL in efficiency, a metric that measures total distance traveled divided by rushing yards gained and essentially designates a good north-south runner. McCaffrey traveled 310 total yards over the field for 128 official rushing yards, posting an efficiency rating of 2.42.
Stat Nuggets To Know
- Last week, McCaffrey rushed for 128 yards and made 10 receptions for 81 yards. It marked the second time in his career that he posted a game with over 120 rushing yards and 10 or more receptions. He is the only NFL player in the Super Bowl era to post two such games in a career.
- The performance marked McCaffrey's fifth career game with 10 or more receptions. LaDainian Tomlinson (6) is the only running back with more such games since 2000.
- McCaffrey has 22 total touchdowns (11 rushing, 11 receiving) since 2017. That mark ties for eighth in the NFL overall and fifth among running backs since 2017.
- Carolina's 343 net yards on offense were the second-most by the Panthers in Week 1 since 2011.
- James Bradberry became just the eighth defensive back in franchise history to record an interception and a sack in the same game after doing so in Week 1.
Chasing Milestones
- McCaffrey (1,599) needs 23 receiving yards to pass DeAngelo Williams (1,621) for the most career receiving yards ever by a Panthers running back.
- McCaffrey (3,260) also needs 83 yards from scrimmage to pass Williams (3,342) for the most scrimmage yards by any Panther in his first three seasons.
- According to press box stats, Kuechly (956) needs 44 tackles to reach 1,000 for his career. He also needs 11 tackles to pass Brian Urlacher (966) for the most through a player's first eight seasons in NFL history.
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.
Notable Panthers-Buccaneers Connections
- Carolina DT Gerald McCoy spent nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2010-18.
- Carolina CB Javien Elliott played with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2016-18 and collegiately at Florida State (2014-15) with Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston in 2014 and WR Bobo Wilson in 2014-15.
- Carolina LB/DE Mario Addison was a member of the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 under Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians.
- Buccaneers inside linebackers Coach Mike Caldwell played linebacker in 2003 for the Panthers.
- Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen coached at Clemson from 1994-95, South Carolina in 1991 and at East Carolina from 1986-1988. He also spent two seasons as a quarterback at North Carolina in 1977-78.
- Panthers CB Ross Cockrell and Buccaneers T Gerald Hawkins were teammates on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2016.
- Panthers S Tre Boston and Buccaneers LB/S Deone Bucannon were members of the 2018 Arizona Cardinals.
- Panthers C Matt Paradis and Buccaneers OLB Shaquil Barrett were teammates on the Denver Broncos from 2015-18.
- Panthers DT Dontari Poe and Buccaneers DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2015-16.
- Carolina S Eric Reid and Buccaneers QB Blaine Gabbert were members of the 2014-16 San Francisco 49ers along with P Bradley Pinion from 2015-17.
- Buccaneers G Zack Bailey played collegiately at South Carolina (2015-18) with Carolina T Dennis Daley (2017-18). He attended Summerville High School in Summerville, S.C.
- Buccaneers P Bradley Pinion played collegiately at Clemson (2012-14), is from Concord, N.C. where he attended Northwest Cabarrus High School and earned USA Today High School All-American honors.
- Buccaneers S Darian Stewart played collegiately at South Carolina from 2006-09.
- Carolina rookie LB/DE Brian Burns played collegiately at Florida State (2016-18) with Buccaneers WR Bobo Wilson in 2016 and attended American Heritage High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Carolina TE Greg Olsen played collegiately at Miami (Fla.) from 2004-06.
- Carolina RB Jordan Scarlett played collegiately at Florida (2016-18) and attended St. Thomas Aquinas HS in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
- Carolina QB Cam Newton played collegiately at Florida (2007-08).
- Carolina CB Tre Boston attended North Fort Myers HS in North Fort Myers, Fla.
- Carolina WR Ray-Ray McCloud attended Sickles HS in Tampa, Fla.
- Carolina LB Andre Smith attended Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Fla.
- Carolina LB/DE Marquis Haynes attended University Christian High School in Jacksonville, Fla.
- Carolina DB Natrell Jamerson attended Vanguard HS in Ocala, Fla.
- Carolina P Michael Palardy attended St. Thomas Aquinas HS in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
