Buccaneers vs. Panthers: Breaking Down Tampa Bay's Game Plan

As the Lovie Smith era begins against the Carolina Panthers, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a chance to prove that last season won't haunt them.

The Panthers owned the Bucs in both of their matchups last year, scoring a total 58 points. The Bucs managed only 19 points between both games.

This year, the Bucs face the Panthers with a revamped offensive roster and a Smith defense. To avoid replicating last year's failures, the Bucs should have two primary goals: force Cam Newton to run and outsize the Panthers defense.

Tormenting Cam Newton

Most of the damage was inflicted by Panthers quarterback Newton, who scored six total touchdowns against the Bucs in 2013. As possibly the most athletic quarterback in the NFL, Newton can be a one-man wrecking machine against an ill-prepared defense.

Newton starts the season at less than 100 percent. According to the Charlotte Observer's Joe Person, Newton is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with cracked ribs.

Cracked ribs may not be enough to keep the Carolina quarterback off the field. Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said Newton would be a "game-time decision" but that he made progress on Friday, per the Panthers' official Twitter account:

"

Rivera says QB Cam Newton is still a game time decision and is not leaning either way, but Newton "did take the next step" this morning.

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) September 5, 2014"

Even a hobbled Newton is dangerous, but he could be entering a lion's den Sunday. Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is the best 3-technique defensive lineman in the league, according to NFL analyst Greg Cosell. He is a master at blowing up offensive lines and getting into the backfield.

If McCoy has his way, he will be forcing Newton either out of the pocket or onto the ground. Cam is lethal on his feet, but with busted ribs he will want to avoid contact.

If Newton plays it safe, he loses a critical part of his game. If he tries to play like he usually does, he could end up on the sidelines before game's end. The Panthers also lack the receiving weapons to rely on Newton simply passing his way through the game.

Playing Cam aggressively would ordinarily be a dangerous proposition, but Smith could keep the heat on Newton with blitzes to force him to test his injury.

Go big or go home

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

The Panthers' front seven on defense was a major reason why the Panthers took the NFC South title last season. Defensive ends Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson are a dominant pass-rushing duo, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly is a terror in run support.

The Bucs don't have the offensive line to beat the Panthers' defensive front. Only right tackle Demar Dotson returns from last season, and despite adding Logan Mankins, the Bucs offensive line hasn't been together long enough to play with consistency.

To best the Panthers defense, the Bucs will have to exploit the big weapons they gathered this offseason. Bucs QB Josh McCown will have to get the ball out quickly because he won't have much time behind his untried line.

McCown will have to find his biggest targets and give them opportunities to use their size to make plays. Veteran wide receiver Vincent Jackson isn't the only mismatch problem the Bucs can throw at defenses anymore.

Rookie WR Mike Evans and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins are both 6'5", 231 pounds and 260 pounds, respectively. Even tight end Brandon Myers is a big-bodied 6'3", 256 pounds.

The Carolina secondary is considerably weaker than the rest of the defense, even with the additions of cornerback Antoine Cason, strong safety Roman Harper and free safety Thomas Decoud.

Harper especially is a liability in coverage as his minus-16.2 pass coverage score by Pro Football Focus in 2012 indicates (subscription required). Even as the Panthers' biggest defensive back at 6'1" and 205 pounds, the safety should be a key target for the Bucs' big receivers and tight ends.

Relying on their recent acquisitions and rookies is yet another gamble the Bucs may have to take. Though their size gives them a distinct advantage, the Bucs' big offensive players may be bested by the more experienced Carolina secondary.