This feels like a make or break game for the Buccaneers. The Panthers have a chance to solidify themselves in the NFC South and take control of their destiny. The Bucs have that same chance. The Bucs have also been in this position recently while the Panthers are an upstart.
To win the South, the Bucs just need to win two of the next three games. Meaning they have to beat Carolina at least once. I would prefer for my own mental health to just get that out of the way rather than wait til the last second.
The Panthers offense is not anything special, but they can make some noise in the ground game. It feels like the Bucs run defense has become a sieve, but it is still ranked 6th in rush yards allowed a game, although #16th in ypc. However, Rico Dowdle is really good, so the run defense needs to show up. So, Antoine and Reddick, if you want to play harder, that would be great.
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Meanwhile through the air, the Bucs have to hone in on Tetairoa McMillan. Only the most intelligent analysis here. Zyon McCollum will miss the rest of the regular season, which is a huge boon. For the Bucs. Despite his blunder in the Falcons game on 4th and 14, Kindle Vildor has arguably outplayed him. Says more about McCollum’s level of play than Kindle. That being said, Jamel Dean should absolutely be on McMillan as much as possible. Canales I would assume will try to move him around and create some mismatches. The Bucs have to keep sight of him at all times.
On offense, who fucking cares? I could write all I want about favourable matchups and how the Panthers run defense is what needs to be taken advantage of. But none of that matters. Because if the same Baker that has shown up for the past three weeks shows up today, it won’t matter. The Bucs aren’t good enough to win without Baker playing at his best. He needs to elevate the team, not the other way around. The good news is that reports are coming out Baker is at his healthiest he has been since the beginning. But it also means there is no excuse if Baker misses throws again.
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Having a fully healthy receiving corp should make his life easier, but I would dust off the game plan that Grizzard used against the Bills. Their run defense is ranked near the bottom in most metrics, so it’s something that needs to be taken advantage of. Bucky has had a tough season so far, but Rachaad and Tucker can take the load if he struggles. Although that requires Rachaad to actually see the football.
The Buccaneers keep saying they need to treat these games like playoff games. Their actions do not match their words. Unless they want to imitate the Bills in the playoffs, in which case it’s perfectly matched. Baker needs to prove he can play at a high level again while the defense needs to just do something. Show some life outside a few turnovers. Play like you want to do something this season.
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