The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an easier schedule following their bye week that began with the New York Giants. They dominated this game, but now they turn to a division opponent that can serve as a trap for them.
In Week 13, the Bucs travel to Carolina to secure a division win against the Panthers that will help them make it into the playoffs.
The defense thrived against the Giants, ensuring Tommy DeVito didn't have time to operate smoothly. They're expected to do the same against the Panthers, with their rebuilding offensive line and agile quarterback. On offense, Mike Evans' return in Week 2 will obviously help him return to normal performance, but last week was a good start.
Who can we expect to have a productive week other than Mike Evans? Here are five names to keep an eye on in the Bucs' game against the Panthers on Sunday.
Antoine Winfield Jr.
Oct. 21, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) and linebacker Lavonte David (54) sack Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Antoine Winfield Jr. has yet to find that magical spark that he has found routinely over the years. The lack of magic, so to speak, has resulted in others on defense making plays only sporadically. The Bucs need his consistent playmaking ability to be back; maybe it will work against the Panthers.
Cade Otton
Oct. 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) runs with the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Cade Otton proved to be a popular and reliable target for Baker Mayfield in the Bucs' passing offense. The tight end only had one catch against the New York Giants on Sunday, but he should hope for a little more against the Panthers. His involvement in the passing game opens up the running game and draws attention away from Mike Evans, making it a win-win scenario for everyone.
Calijah Kancey
East Rutherford, NJ – November 24, 2024 – Tommy DeVito of the Giants is hit after throwing this pass from Tampa Bay's Calijah Kancey in the fourth quarter. DeVito was injured and sidelined for one play when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to MetLife Stadium and defeated the New York Giants 30-7.
The second-year defensive lineman has hit the ground running for the Bucs since making his season debut in mid-October. He has already surpassed his 2023 season sack total by securing five this year. Expect him to add to the total or, worst case scenario, put pressure on Bryce Young.
Bucky Irving
November 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) fights for yards as New York Giants cornerback Dru Phillips (22) tackles during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Bucky Irving appears to be losing the lead role as running back at this point. He has shown that he can be the most efficient running back in the group and contribute through the run or passing attack. The Panther defense allows running backs to average 4.7 yards per carry and a whopping 160 rushing yards per game; Irving should do well.
Vita Vea
November 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
The way Vita Vea plays isn't talked about enough this year. He plays at a level that not many in the NFL are capable of, especially as a pass rusher. The Panthers' interior offensive line will have a tough time against Vea, against whom he has 2.5 sacks in his career.
