5 things to watch: vs. Panthers Buccaneers



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James Bradberry vs. Mike Evans

James Bradberry was really good in the first game. It is now time to see how he manages the dominant No. 1 receiver of NFC South rival Mike Evans.

For most of the game, Bradberry should face the double Pro Bowler, one of the best receivers in the league. Evans was third in the league in receiving yards last year (1,524), third in yards per game (95.3) and yards per serve (17.7). The Buccaneers are a passionate team that led the league in assists per game last season, so expect another busy night for Bradberry as the Bucs attempt to reveal it against the Panthers.

After posting a bag and interception against the Rams, Bradberry will try to continue its momentum of the first week. But of course, it all depends on the version of Bradberry presented Thursday night.

FWIW, here's an overview of Evans's numbers against Bradberry and the Panthers over the years:

Week 13 2018: 1 catch (10 targets) for 16 yards
2018 Week 9: 4 catches (6 targets) for 48 yards
Week 16 2017: 5 catches (10 targets) for 60 yards
Week 8 2017: 6 catches (8 targets) for 107 yards
Week 17 of 2016: 6 catches (12 targets) for 89 yards and 1 TD
Week 5 of 2016: 5 shots (11 targets) for 65 yards and 1 TD

Can the offensive line handle Ndamukong Suh?

For the second consecutive game, the Panthers offensive line will be dealing with an absolute unit up front. Aaron Donald last week, it's Ndamukong Suh's turn.

Although the 10-year-old defensive wing may not be the monster of the bag it's been, it's still a force with which you have to rely on line D. After harvesting 4.5 bags and 59 tackles last season with the Rams, Suh signed with the Bucs in the offseason to replace McCoy.

The Panthers' offensive line was strong last week against the Rams, as McCaffrey rushed for 128 yards, but Newton was sacked three times for a 28-yard loss. If the offensive line manages to keep Suh under control and combine a good shot on the ground with enough time to give to Newton, the offense should have no trouble moving the ball to the bottom of the field.

Who wins the battle of the turnover?

It may seem obvious, but it is particularly relevant against Bucs and quarterback Jameis Winston.

We know that Winston is a little careless with the ball. Since his nomination in 2015, he is leading the standings with 61 interceptions in total – including nine against the Panthers. After throwing three choices last week against the 49ers, the Panthers defense should try its luck. If the defense can capitalize on some of Winston's wandering throws and give the offensive extra control or two, things will be fine for the Panthers.

In contrast, the Panthers struggled to keep the ball last week against the Rams, with two expensive fumbles and an interception late in the game. Despite the turnarounds, the Panthers were able to stay in the game until the last minute.

In the last 10 meetings with the Bucs, whatever the winning team, the match will be played too, so do not be surprised if it all comes down to a few points to remember.

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