Kirwan: Buccaneers 20, Panthers 17
September 5th, 2014
Last year against Carolina, Greg Schiano preached “contain, contain, contain,” but the Bucs failed miserably. Newton got the edges and more and ran free.
Former Jets personnel man and linebackers coach under Monte Kiffin, the esteemed Pat Kirwan, says he’s gone to the film room on Lavonte David and believes David can not only contain Newton on Sunday but confuse the Panthers with his versatility in all phases of linebacker play.
Kirwan likes how David seemingly has no weaknesses and can disguise his intentions. You can watch Kirwan break down Sunday’s matchup below with prickly Pete Priso of CBSSports.com.
Kirwan calls a Bucs victory, one of a many he expects this season. The shaky Carolina safeties, he says, will have a massive challenge with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.
“Those safeties are going to have bail off the hash marks to help those corners or [Josh McCown] is going to have field day on the outside like he did with Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall,” Kirwan said. “I like where they’re coming with this offense. They have nine new [offensive] starters from the last game last year. I just think Tampa Bay is ready to be one of those teams that makes a run to the playoffs. You can give me the Bucs 20-17.
“
September 5th, 2014 at 9:33 am
Most of the guys on TV are predicting a Bucs win. Which, of course, makes me a bit nervous.
Nice change though.
September 5th, 2014 at 9:44 am
Football season, baby.
September 5th, 2014 at 9:48 am
Score is too high.
Bucs 10
Panthers 6
The only TD is scored by Foster.
September 5th, 2014 at 9:55 am
Is hardy suspended for this game?
September 5th, 2014 at 10:03 am
After watching 16 quarters of ineptitude Bucs preseason…I realize it was preseason, followed by 4 quartes of quaility football last night…I am as uneasy as I have ever been ….
September 5th, 2014 at 10:04 am
Disregard I just read he wont be suspended (most likely) until next season, due to his appeal on his initial guilty verdict.
September 5th, 2014 at 10:13 am
Win or lose – if you like offense cover your eyes – it’s going to be an ugly game for both teams.
I have no idea who’s going to win, I really don’t. Whichever defense forces the most turnovers is what I keep coming back to. I figure the Panthers are going to try to run, and then run some more – and then run even more after that. If the scoring stays low I’m guessing Newton will get no more than 20 pass attempts and they’ll do it just enough to keep the Bucs off balance. But if they want to protect Newton, keeping it out of his hands until they really need him in the 4th quarter makes the most sense.
As far as the Bucs offense – who knows? Arroyo calling plays isn’t Tedford calling plays. I’ve never seen him call a play in a game that mattered and wonder if he ever has? Guess we’ll find out, but suppose he’ll stick to a fairly conservative game plan and take a few shots when possible.
The tough part will be keeping penalties and mistakes to a bare minimum. If they can do that they’ll probably win.
September 5th, 2014 at 10:22 am
Those predicting a low scoring game are incorrect. Bucs put up at least 24 points in this one.
September 5th, 2014 at 10:24 am
Up 24 points against THAT defense?! Some crack got in your cheerios this morning.
September 5th, 2014 at 10:26 am
the Refs scare me more than the Panthers…..
September 5th, 2014 at 10:46 am
I want it to be on record that I agree that ths will not be a low scoring game (for us anyway lol)… I agree with FlboyinDallas. Our offense is going to be much better than most people think. I’m predicting 24-10 Bucs
September 5th, 2014 at 10:57 am
As long as we win I don’t care if its 2-0…….
September 5th, 2014 at 10:58 am
Those of you predicting offensive success against the Panthers in the first game together for our LG, LT, C, RG, TE’s 1 and 2, WR2, WR3 and QB on offense must be wishing without knowing anything.
You guys think, in their very first real game together – that this offense is going to stick 24 on the Panthers?
I’m just not seeing it.
September 5th, 2014 at 10:58 am
I’m thinking Bucs win to get the season off to a good start. I’m also thinking no injuries to the Bucs premium players. Score prediction: One team less than the other.
September 5th, 2014 at 11:04 am
It’s not wishful thinking that the Bucs score 24 points. The first couple games of the season are always unpredictable as teams find their game. You can pretty much discount the “conventional wisdom” in most cases. Which means the opposite will happen in a lot of these games.
September 5th, 2014 at 11:07 am
I follow what you’re saying @FlBoy – some of my reservations stem from having a very green play caller in the booth after the first 15 scripted plays are run. I think he’s a total unknown. The rest of my reservations are on the Panthers front 7. They are going to attack those A gaps until we stop them – and through RG/C it’s not going to be pretty.
September 5th, 2014 at 11:08 am
David will take care of Cam much like Brooks took care of Vick.
September 5th, 2014 at 11:12 am
If the Bucs get off to a fast start they can be a factor in the division and in the NFC.
September 5th, 2014 at 11:43 am
Highly disappointed if this Defense gives up 17 points. Come on, the only offense CAR have is a broken Cam Newton. TB D should have a field day Sunday. TB offense has skilled players at every skill position. They should easily put up 21 points. Carolina should be taken apart by the Bucs. If not? uh oh…………….
September 5th, 2014 at 11:50 am
Low scoring schmo scoring. 34-16 Tampa bay. I think we will be beneficiaries of great field position and see our red zone offense too much for the Panthers to handle. Just too many weapons in that area to keep us out.
Go Bucs!!!!
September 5th, 2014 at 12:14 pm
We have too many weapons for any team to contain for 4 quarters. I think most of our games this year will resemble the 1st half of our 3rd preseason game against Buffalo. And Tedford will be playing a role for us on Sunday. Guaranteed. Go Bucs
September 5th, 2014 at 4:12 pm
I too believe the Bucs will score at least 24 points on Offense with a short field and total score could break 30 with our D taking advantage of a hurting panthers Offense. I think the Panthers D will not be as dominating this year and they will be lucky to go 8-8 this season. Bucs new O will take advantage of Panthers secondary. V jax, Evans, ASJ & Martin (alone) with McCown will surprise the Panthers in Tedford’s Offense behind an improved Oline now that mankin’s is here. going to be exciting! GO BUCS!!!
September 5th, 2014 at 4:58 pm
My Son and I are going to the Game Sunday, and we expect to see a lot of Doug Martin.
Carolina likes to headhunt on defense, and if we can catch them in a blitz, Doug Martin can make them pay dearly for it.
September 5th, 2014 at 5:14 pm
The outcome of this game will probably be determined by kickers. I’m not a believer in McCown just yet.
September 5th, 2014 at 8:03 pm
WESTCOAST!!! WELCOME BACK
It’s been too long lol