The Panthers enter NFC South play in Week 2 as they head to Florida to take on the new-look Buccaneers. Led by newly signed, six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, the Bucs will be sporting some new faces in some new uniforms.
History: Panthers at Buccaneers
- Carolina and Tampa Bay have played a number of memorable games in Week 2, including ones decided on the final minute in 2003 and 2019.
- Carolina is 24-15 all-time against the Bucs, winning four of the last six matchups.
- Current Streak: Panthers W1
- Last matchup: Panthers won, 37-26, in London
The Bucs went 7-9 in 2019, but this is hardly the same squad back for 2020. On offense, Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski bring their pedigree from New England, while running back Leonard Fournette comes over after a 1,000-yard rushing season in Jacksonville. Tampa Bay drafted right tackle Tristan Wirfs in the first round to start along the offensive line.
But Bucs also have several weapons returning from last year. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were both 1,000-yard receivers on the outside, while linebacker Shaquil Barrett led the NFL and set a new franchise record for sacks (19.5). Lavonte David returns as a 100-plus tackle mainstay at middle linebacker and Ndamukong Suh returns at defensive tackle.
Despite all the preseason hype, the Bucs faced a stiff test in Week 1 and fell, 34-23, at New Orleans.
Over the course of his career, Brady is 3-3 with an 85.7 passer rating in six games against Carolina in the regular and postseason.
| Category | Panthers | Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 388.0 (8th) | 310.0 (23rd) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 128.0 (15th) | 86.0 (25th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 270.0 (10th) | 239.0 (18th) |
| Sacks Allowed | 1 (t-4th) | 3 (t-21st) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 53.8 (t-4th) | 38.5 (18th) |
| Points/Game | 30.0 (8th) | 23.0 (t-16th) |
| Defense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 372.0 (19th) | 271.0 (6th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 133.0 (20th) | 82.0 (6th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 239.0 (17th) | 189.0 (7th) |
| Sacks | 0 (t-30th) | 1 (t-21st) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 54.5 (t-30th) | 33.3 (t-6th) |
| Points/Game | 34.0 (t-26th) | 34.0 (t-26th) |
Stat Nuggets To Know
- Running back Christian McCaffrey has scored five total touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving) against the Bucs, his most against any NFL team. Since the start of the 2018 season, he has averaged 107 scrimmage yards per game against Tampa Bay.
- McCaffrey now has 41 career touchdowns, tying for 20th in NFL history through a player's first 50 games. Including Sunday, McCaffrey has had 13 multi-touchdown games, trailing only New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara (14) since 2017.
- Wide receiver Robby Anderson's 75-yard touchdown in Week 1 was the second-longest receiving TD in Week 1 and was the 10th-longest in franchise history. Anderson now has three receptions of 70-plus yards since entering the league in 2016, tied for second-most in the NFL in that stretch.
- Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater posted a passer rating of 98.9 in his debut for the Panthers, the fifth-highest by any quarterback in Week 1 in Panthers' history. Bridgewater also rushed for 26 yards, nearly equaling his entire 2019 rushing output (31).
- Bridgewater passed for 314 yards with four touchdowns and one interception for a 131.3 rating in his last start against Tampa Bay in 2019.
- Safety Jeremy Chinn posted eight tackles in his Panthers debut, tied for second-most among all NFL rookies.
Chasing Milestones in 2020
- The Panthers need five wins to reach 200 regular season wins. Dating back to 1995, the Panthers are 195-205-1 in the regular season.
- McCaffrey (306) needs 19 receptions to pass Wesley Walls for fourth-most in franchise history.
- McCaffrey (3,016) needs 321 rushing yards to pass DeShaun Foster for fourth-most in franchise history.
- McCaffrey (5,577) needs 887 scrimmage yards to pass Greg Olsen for fifth-most in franchise history.
- McCaffrey (41) needs four total touchdowns to pass Wesley Walls for sixth-most in franchise history.
- Wide receiver DJ Moore (2,017) needs 31 receiving yards to pass Ted Ginn to move into 10th place in franchise history.
- Linebacker Shaq Thompson (357) needs seven tackles to pass Charles Godfrey for 10th place in franchise history.
- Long snapper JJ Jansen (177) needs six games played to pass Steve Smith for second in franchise history behind John Kasay (221).
Notable Connections
PANTHERS
- Tight ends coach Brian Angelichio held the same position with the Buccaneers from 2012-13.
- Defensive line coach Mike Phair was the assistant defensive line coach for Tampa Bay in 2014.
- Anderson, Bridgewater, Brian Burns, Tre Boston, Marquis Haynes Sr., John Miller, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III, Sam Franklin Jr. and Adarius Taylor are all originally from Florida.
BUCCANEERS
- Inside linebackers coach Mike Caldwell played linebacker for the Panthers in 2003.
- Punter Bradley Pinion played collegiately at Clemson and is a native of Concord, N.C.
- Cornerback Ryan Smith played collegiately at North Carolina Central.
- Kicker Ryan Succop played collegiately at South Carolina and is a native of Hickory, S.C.
- Wide receiver Jaydon Mickens spent time with the Panthers in 2019.
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.
