Sometimes you want to read exactly what happened in the game. Sometimes you want to read some analysis about playing time. And sometimes you just want to see some pictures and relive a win over a divisional opponent that keeps you within sniffing distance of the NFC South leading New Orleans Saints. So let’s do that.
With the pregame festivities out of the way, it was officially game time. Good to see these two defensive captains in the game; they helped the Panthers hold the Bucs to only three points and forced three turnovers.
The second Panthers drive was a 17-play, 82-yard epic that ate up over eight minutes of game time (the Panthers lead the league in drives that last longer than six minutes), included the team going 5-for-5 on third down conversions and ended with a Jonathan Stewart dive over the top for a 7-0 lead the team would never relinquish.
Nothing left to do but celebrate after a touchdown.
Devin Funchess had to play a little defense on the first drive, too!
Leave the defense to the professionals, Devin. Now that the offense has provided 7 points, that’s all the cushion they’d need.
Then it was time for the defense to take over. Give them seven points and they’ll give you a victory. James Bradberry spent all day shadowing Mike Evans and is quietly becoming a shutdown corner.
The defense had only forced two turnovers in the first seven games, but forced three, the first of which a strip-sack by ageless Julius Peppers that was recovered by Kurt Coleman.
And then, because turnovers come in bunches, a Mike Adams interception gave the Panthers a short field.
Cam Newton would have a twenty-yard scramble to get into the red zone.
It wasn’t just Kelvin that was fired up after the touchdown.
Remember how turnovers come in bunches? Luke Kuechly returns with his second interception of the season and the offense congratulates him as the Panthers make the sudden switch!
Charles Johnson puts an exclamation point on the win by forcing Jameis to turn the ball over on downs…the defensive line harassed Winston all day long.
With the Panthers up by two scores, the stadium cleared out except for one particular section.
Panthers win 17-3 to move to 5-3 on the season and we’ll see you next week for Homecoming in Charlotte!
