Tampa Bay is coming off a morale boosting win last week against Cleveland, and even though they were outplayed in many aspects of the game by the Browns, their confidence is much higher than it’s been in a long time. Whether or not that translates into a solid performance in this contest still remains to be seen, but it definitely can’t hurt.

Carolina, on the other hand, is likely to come into the game harboring plenty of anger after they failed to capitalize on multiple turnovers against the Giants last Sunday. That, combined with this game being their home opener, should prove to be sufficient in motivating the Panthers to play much better this week.

Neither team presents an especially imposing figure offensively, although Carolina’s rushing attack definitely has the capability of turning the game into a barn burner in a hurry. Look for the Panthers to pound the ball consistently throughout the game to both DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to establish dominance at the line of scrimmage and control the tempo.

If you’re looking for one solid player capable of being a difference maker for the Bucs, you’ll have to hunt a bit harder than most, as they really don’t have a guy that can be a standout and take over the game. I do like the match up problems that Mike Williams presents, and I suspect he’ll be a factor at some point or another, but aside from him, I wouldn’t expect all that much.

This game is likely to come down to special teams and turnovers, and the advantage in both has to go to Carolina, given the crowd noise and the veteran presence of John Kasay in the kicking game.

Final Prediction: Carolina 24 – Tampa Bay 13

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