Geoff JohnsonA NFC South division rivalry game takes the stage when the Carolina Panthers visit Raymond James Stadium to challenge the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this Thursday night at 8:25 PM ET.
“You’ve got to go with the next task at hand,” Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said.
“I want to be clear on this because I don’t take lightly 0-6. I’ve never been 0-6. But we do our best. We’re trying our hardest. Our guys are working … and I have found when you have good people, and they work hard and they work smart it’ll turn. That’s what I believe.”
Tampa QB Mike Glennon will have the responsibility of beating the number one total defense in the NFL. Carolina is 5th defending the pass, 4th stopping the run and second in points against with 13.8.
“(The Panthers are) definitely really talented. They’re one of top defensive teams in the league statistically with how they’re playing,” said Glennon, the North Carolina State product who threw two TDs and no interceptions against the Falcons, but has attempted at least 43 passes in each of this three starts.
The Buccaneers will have to go without RB Doug Martin who had a shoulder injury. He reached the 100 rushing yards just one this season, but he’s an asset you want to have around.
Carolina is on a two game winning streak with QC Cam Newton completing over 75% of his throws in those contests.
Carolina is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Tampa Bay, but the Bucs are Tampa Bay is 3-7 SU in their last 10 games when playing at home against the Panthers.
The betting odds have the visiting team as a 5.5 point favorite.
