Earlier this week in the season opener safety Jordan Whitehead was a shining light for the Buccaneers defense.
Expect Whitehead to play a key role tonight against the Panthers. If the Buccaneers are going to stand a chance, Whitehead is going to have to have a repeat performance. No he isn’t alone on the field, but he is going to be crucial in keeping running back Christian McCaffrey in check as well as keeping focused on the Panthers short passing game.
McCaffrey had 150 yards from scrimmage in both games against the Buccaneers last year. That can’t happen again. The Buccaneers will need another performance from Whitehead similar if not better than he had against San Francisco.
Of course Whitehead and the defense could have a great game, but if the offense doesn’t step up and put some points on the board the Buccaneers could be looking at a very long night in front of a national audience.
Written by Johnny Dean
Photo credit: G. NEWMAN LOWRANCE | AP
