CHARLOTTE (BLACK & BLUE KICKOFF LIVE) — Does Bryce Young’s improved play continue against divisional rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers? It certainly could as this is a favorable matchup for the Panthers offense.
The Bucs have allowed the third most passing yards this season and are bottom-ten in opponent completion percentage and passing touchdowns. That bodes well for Carolina’s surging offense which is 2-2 in its last 4 games.
Former Panthers’ QB Baker Mayfield will be back in the Queen City as the starter for Tampa Bay, and he’s playing at a high level as his team is only one game back of the Atlanta Falcons for the lead in the NFC South.
Mayfield ranks top-five in completion percentage (71.4%) and is top-10 in passing yards (2,799). If he keeps this up, he’ll smash his previous best in completion percentage (64.3%) and has a good chance to do so in passing yards as well (4,044). Both of those marks were set last season in which the Bucs made it to the divisional round of the playoffs.
This is the first time the NFC South rivals will be facing each other this season, but the 48th time in league history. The Panthers only have two wins against the Buccanneers in its last 10 meetings. The Bucs won the last game in Tampa Bay 9-0 in Week 18.
Sunday’s Week 13 contest starts at 4:05 p.m. from Bank of America Stadium on FOX Charlotte.
