Along the Sidelines - Bucs Edition

[Jeremy Igo]

Sunday's win over the Buccaneers started with confidence, followed by anxiety, and ended with exhilaration. I am not sure you could ask for more from a football game.

 

I was very impressed with Derek Anderson. Aside from his performance, which was solid, I noticed his authority on the field. He still has the presence of a starting quarterback. The offense had no problem listening to and rallying around him.

 

 

Of course, Luke Kuechly played lights out. I spoke to Luke after the game about a few things that I will be filling you in on later in the week.

 

 

The defense seems to reflect Luke's energy. When he is angry or motivated to inflict damage, the entire defense takes on that trait. This is the mark of a great player.

 

 

Some of the tackles Luke accumulated should be split with Kawann Short. Short was very impressive today, which makes me wonder if he will soon be taking over the starting role permanently.

 

 

McCown was under pressure for most of the day. He was rattled by halftime. But to his credit he did rally and put together a couple of scoring drives. The Tampa Bay fans were yelling GLENNON repeatedly. Obviously they are not happy with Lovie's QB decision.

 

 

What a game by Greg Olsen, the forgotten man of the Panthers offense. Olsen led the team with 8 catches and a TD.

 

 

Kelvin Benjamin added 5 catches and 92 yards.

 

 

Bucs CB Mike Jenkins had the task of covering Benjamin for most of the game, and it didn't go well for him. Benjamin abused him in front of his hometown crowd. Jenkins was drafted out of USF.

 

 

 

Kelvin's touchdown was a thing of beauty, although after the game Kelvin graded it a C. He wasn't impressed with himself. Watching him tower over defenders this season likely will not get old.

 

 

Deangelo Williams was the most impressive Panthers RB. Williams averaged over 5 yards per carry. I will take that week after week and not look back. Deangelo is making me look foolish for questioning his running ability this offseason.

 

 

I'm not sure if it was reported, but Anderson was having his left calf worked on during the 3rd quarter. It looked as if it may have cramped up and they were working on getting it loose again.

 

 

 

 

 

The Pressure in the 4th quarter was relentless, and it came from every direction. Having such a talented group must be a dream come true for Sean McDermott. He is never handcuffed by sub par players in any scheme he can dream up.

 

 

 

 

 

Jonathan Stewart had a rather lackluster day. Although his task was mainly running between the tackles, playing into the strength of the Bucs and their all pro defensive tackle.

 

 

Ron Rivera was indeed concerned in the 4th quarter. He was constantly looking up and reviewing jumbotron, making sure the coordinators were calling the right plays.

 

 

In the end it was Big Play Bene that sealed the deal thanks to a forced fumble by Luke Kuechly. Bene is one of those players that just has good thing happen around them. He reminds me of Ricky Manning Jr before the rule changes that completely ruined Ricky's game.

 

 

I will be bringing you more stories as the week goes on from my time in the locker room speaking to players, including Luke Kuechly and Kelvin Benjamin.

 

Also, more photos and observations from the Bucs game you enjoy the coverage. I've also added a few behind the scenes shots from the locker room.

[Lemory]

Awesome job!

[CarolinaSamurai]

The great and powerful zod does it again

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[Daeavorn]

This is great stuff. 

[tailg8or]

Thanks Jeremy.  Great coverage.

 

The announcers commented about the fans boo'ing the Bucs offense after one of Luke's big tackles.  It sounded a lot like the 'Luuuuuuke' chant at BOA.  Were the Panther fans making some noise today?

[B.BERSIN]

Enjoying every minute of this!

•••Sent from my couch while fuging the Saints•••

[1989]

Great stuff!  Thanks

[UNCrules2187]

Great post, amazing pics. Just a minor quibble, but KB had 6 catches, not 5. Yardage is correct though!

[Kevin Greene]

Fantastic coverage, thanks.

[bubba2shanks]

Dang the football looks so small in KB's hands.

Sent from my iPhone using CarolinaHuddle

[Jeremy Igo]

Thanks Jeremy. Great coverage.

The announcers commented about the fans boo'ing the Bucs offense after one of Luke's big tackles. It sounded a lot like the 'Luuuuuuke' chant at BOA. Were the Panther fans making some noise today?

The Carolina fans were great.

The "let's go Panthers" chant was very loud throughout the day.

[bigdog10]

These threads along with the movie trailer preview threads deliver week in and week out.

[King Schhit]

Good pics. Luke is a blood hound. Helluva young core we have.

[t96]

DeAngelo was a beast, and he was for the most part last year. Can't believe anyone here wanted Fozzy above him on the depth chart... A little disappointed that Stew wasn't good, I was hoping he'd be better than DWill, but I'll take it. Tolbert didn't do a damn thing though.