Panthers’ Newton ruled out with concussion

Head coach Ron Rivera seemingly has no reservations about letting Anderson air the ball out, and that means Benjamin and Olsen should have plenty of opportunities. Anderson’s last start was in 2014 against the Bucs, in which he pulled out a victory against them. “That’s the thing I want everybody to understand. It’s a challenge for everybody on this football team and it’s a challenge for me as a coach and a challenge for our assistant coaches”. Backup Derek Anderson will replace Newton.

The Panthers, a top-10 ranked defense in each of the past four seasons, allowed Matt Ryan to throw for a franchise-record 503 yards and Julio Jones to rack up 300 yards receiving in last week’s 48-33 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. In addition, cornerback James Bradberry (foot) and defensive tackle Vernon Butler (ankle) did not practice Friday. They’re a unique offense in that their quarterback is the feature of their running game and their passing game.

Tampa Bay has dropped it last three games and was held to just seven points in two of those treble outings. Closing Week five of football, Carolina is going just 1-3.

Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis said he doesn’t view tonight as a crossroads.

The turnover battle could very well be the difference in the game on Monday night. One win from the opening quarter of the season is well below what expectations were coming into the season, and they will now have to lift themselves dramatically if they are to get back into Playoff contention.

“We’re not going to fold up the tents at all”. The Buccaneers have been dealing with injuries on the defensive line.

The Silver and Black will rely on rookie running backs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard to carry the load against the San Diego Chargers with running back Latavius Murray officially ruled out. After a stint with the Cardinals in 2010, Anderson was brought to Carolina because he was familiar with the scheme of then Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. He was 2-0 in his other two starts, both against the Buccaneers in 2014 when Newton was injured.

This has led the Bucs to really air it out, with Winston attempting 93 passes over those two games. “It’s looks, it’s play calls”, he said.

The rushing attack has stalled without Jonathan Stewart, who will miss his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury. That task will be harder without Newton as a running threat on zone-read plays or scrambles.

“We know what we have to do”, Coleman said.

“They’re not going to run their quarterback runs, they’re not going to run the option”. “And let’s face it, Cam’s the MVP of the league”.

“He’s not regressing, but we’ve got to take care of the football”. Newton will be missing at least one game, but even that may be too many. “Hopefully, the next step will progress and we’ll go on”.

The Panthers made it all the way to the Super Bowl previous year based largely on Newton’s MVP play and a very stingy defense.