Week 1: Carolina Panthers (0-0) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0)

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

Unless I'm mistaken, nobody has started one up for this game yet. I'm trying to temper my expectations of this Bucs team considering how many new pieces we need to gel together, but I really think this defense is poised for a top 5-10 season and I'm just praying with the addition of Mankins, the offense will click together.

McCown has looked really solid when he's given time to throw, and I like his ability to scramble for first downs when he has a lane, and between Jackson, Evans, Dougie, Myers, Sefarian-Jenkins, and whoever ends up running the slots, he has a pretty good amount of guys to work with.

I really think the defense will put some points this week against Carolina, and I'm predicting a 24-10 win for the Bucs. Hope I'm not way off on this one.

[The 24th Letter]

Nervous about this Panthers offense man...Benjamin, who is a rook, and Olsen are the only play makers we have...

[The_Wise_One]

Quote: Originally Posted by The 24th Letter

Nervous about this Panthers offense man...Benjamin, who is a rook, and Olsen are the only play makers we have...

How have Williams and Stewart looked? Those two always seem to be injured.

I really think the Bucs can make the playoffs this year. Lovie has that big of an influence.

[Jr.]

Stewart looked great in the preseason and in practices. Everyone says he's got his explosion back.

I guess we'll have to wait and see for sure on Sunday, but I'm optimistic.

If Cam doesn't play, it's a Tampa Bay blowout. If Cam does, I think it's a toss up.

Not gonna make a prediction, though.

[wwharton]

Quote: Originally Posted by Yeah...THAT Guy

Unless I'm mistaken, nobody has started one up for this game yet. I'm trying to temper my expectations of this Bucs team considering how many new pieces we need to gel together, but I really think this defense is poised for a top 5-10 season and I'm just praying with the addition of Mankins, the offense will click together. McCown has looked really solid when he's given time to throw, and I like his ability to scramble for first downs when he has a lane, and between Jackson, Evans, Dougie, Myers, Sefarian-Jenkins, and whoever ends up running the slots, he has a pretty good amount of guys to work with. I really think the defense will put some points this week against Carolina, and I'm predicting a 24-10 win for the Bucs. Hope I'm not way off on this one.

The question with the Bucs is the oline. The trade will definitely help but how much and how soon? Other than that, you're absolutely right... but an oline can really make a big difference so we'll see.

As for this game, it seems Cam may not be able to play (and I wonder how healthy he'll be if he does get out there). I'm glad this is one of the only two 4pm EST games bc I think this game can go 15 different ways depending on who plays, who's in midseason form, which team's new pieces have already begun to gel, etc. I'll be keeping an eye on this one.

[LingeringRegime]

I hope Cam sits it out. No need to risk him over one game. Give Stewart the ball, he always seems to have good games against the Bucs when he is healthy.

Blitz like hair is on fire.

Should win, who knows.

[The 24th Letter]

Quote: Originally Posted by The_Wise_One

How have Williams and Stewart looked? Those two always seem to be injured. I really think the Bucs can make the playoffs this year. Lovie has that big of an influence.

Meh.

Hopefully Stewart can stay healthy this year....him and Williams complement each other so well...but we haven't seen "smash and dash" in lord knows how long now..

[Feared]

Cam Newton, game time decision.

With a broken rib suffered last pre-season game one would think the Panthers would be cautious and just have him sit this one out; but then again this is a Division game so maybe they will just needle him up with the Painkillers and put a flak jacket on him.

I'm leaning towards the Bucs here, at Home I think they make a statement game for Lovie and play a little above their heads. I think the Carolina Offense will stall on a lot of drives and put a lot of pressure on that Defense. Bucs 20-10.