Pictures of the Top 10 Panthers in Week 4, according to their Pro Football Focus player grade.
58 LB Thomas Davis (75.1)
67 C Ryan Kalil (77.5)
13 WR Kelvin Benjamin (77.5)
99 DT Kawann Short (78.4)
70 RG Trai Turner (78.4)
95 DE Charles Johnson (78.9)
1 QB Cam Newton (79.2)
68 LG Andrew Norwell (79.9)
88 TE Greg Olsen (81.7)
59 LB Luke Kuechly (92.2)
1. RB Jacquizz Rodgers
While Doug Martin has been recovering from a hamstring injury, the Buccaneers have turned to Charles Sims to handle the majority of their carries. But Sims struggled in Week 4, averaging just 1.87 yards per attempt. Head Coach Dirk Koetter acknowledged that there needed to be a change in the Bucs' rushing attack, and with Martin and Sims both listed as doubtful for Monday's game, Rodgers could be the team's go-to back. He's had just 13 carries in the past three weeks, but averages 5.3 yards per rush.
READ: PANTHERS SCOUTING REPORT
2. DE Howard Jones
After recording five sacks a year ago, Jones has been relatively quiet. The Buccaneers have lost several defensive ends due to injury, including losing Jacquies Smith and George Johnson with season-ending injuries, so Jones has had an opportunity to see increased playing time. Despite the higher number of reps, he has just two tackles and has yet to record a sack. Jones' strong suit is rushing the passer, and the Panthers' offensive line has struggled at times throughout their first four games. Week 5 could be the game Jones breaks out.
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Pictures of the Panthers' starting offense and defense, according to the team's depth chart.
88 TE Greg Olsen
13 WR Kelvin Benjamin
17 WR Devin Funchess
74 LT Mike Remmers
68 LG Andrew Norwell
69 C Tyler Larsen
70 RG Trai Turner
60 RT Daryl Williams
19 WR Ted Ginn Jr.
1 QB Cam Newton
35 FB Mike Tolbert
28 RB Jonathan Stewart
95 DE Charles Johnson
98 DT Star Lotulelei
99 DT Kawann Short
96 DE Wes Horton
54 LB Shaq Thompson
59 LB Luke Kuechly
58 LB Thomas Davis
24 CB James Bradberry
26 CB Daryl Worley
20 SS Kurt Coleman
33 FS Tre Boston
- CB Brent Grimes**
Grimes regularly finds himself matched up against opposing teams' top receivers and had at least two opportunities for interceptions a week ago in the Bucs' loss to the Broncos. If the Panthers continue to throw at Grimes, he's proven capable of being in the position to make big plays.
4. TE Cameron Brate
The Buccaneers could be without three of the four tight ends that they began the season with when they take the field against the Panthers in Week 5. Luke Stocker and Brandon Myers are recovering from injuries, and Austin Seferian-Jenkins has been released, so Brate has taken the majority of reps at tight end. He has been an important part of the Bucs' offense, being targeted 25 times. Comparatively, he was thrown at 30 times all of last season. He is second on the team in first down receptions and touchdown catches, trailing Mike Evans.
MAILBAG: A GAME OF QUARTERS5. QB Jameis Winston
For the Buccaneers to be successful on Monday, Winston will need to protect the football. The Bucs have turned the ball over 11 times while taking it away just twice, which gives them the second-worst turnover ratio in the league. Tampa Bay's defense performed well in Week 4 against the Broncos, but Denver scored 17 of their 27 points off of turnovers. If the Bucs win the turnover battle, they should be able to compete with the defending conference champions.
A look back at all of the match-ups between the Buccaneers and the Panthers.
Jan. 3 2016, L 10-38
Oct. 4 2015, L 23-37
Dec. 14 2014, L 17-19
Sep. 7 2014, L 14-20
Dec. 1 2013, L 6-27
Oct. 24 2013, L 13-31
Nov. 18 2012, W 27-21
Sep. 9 2012, W 16-10
Dec. 24 2011, L 16-48
Dec. 4 2011, L 19-38
Nov. 14 2010, W 31-16
Sep. 19 2010, W 20-7
Dec. 6 2009, L 6-16
Oct. 18 2009, L 21-28
Dec. 8 2008, L 23-38
Oct. 12 2008, W 27-3
Dec. 30 2007, L 23-31
Sep. 20 2007, W 20-7
Nov. 13 2006, L 10-24
Sep. 24 2006, L 24-26
Dec. 11 2005, W 20-10
Nov. 6 2005, L 14-34
Dec. 26 2004, L 20-37
Nov. 28 2004, L 14-21
Nov. 9 2003, L 24-27
Sep. 14 2003, L 9-12
Nov. 17 2002, W 23-10
Oct. 27 2002, W 12-9
Oct. 18 1998, W 16-13
Oct. 1 1995, W 20-13Not Pictured:Dec. 1 1996, L 24-0
