Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Full Report Card Grades for Carolina
The Carolina Panthers pulled out a win over division rival Tampa Bay in its Week 1 opener. The Panthers controlled the tempo of the game for much of the afternoon, and it wasn't until the fourth quarter that fans started getting nervous. However, the defense forced a turnover late in the fourth quarter that would prove to be the difference in a 20-14 game.
Derek Anderson played well in place of Cam Newton and was able to hook up with Greg Olsen and Kelvin Benjamin for touchdowns. Overall, the offense looked solid and cohesive despite missing one key component.
How did the rest of the team fare?
The following slides will break down the positions and how they graded out after one week of action. For the most part, the grades are good. But there is always room for improvement.
Quarterback
1 of 10
No Cam Newton? No problem!
Derek Anderson started for the first time as a member of the Carolina Panthers. This was his first start since 2010, and he made the most of it. He was 24-of-34, threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns. His quarterback rating was an impressive 108.7.
Initially, it seemed he would serve as a game manager and let the running game take hold. However, his throws were on point, and had a late pass to Greg Olsen not been high, the game may not have rattled the nerves of the Carolina fans late in the fourth quarter.
His performance also provides a reassurance that the team can lean on him until they are comfortable with putting Newton back on the field.
There is no quarterback controversy brewing, and there shouldn't be. The Panthers have a luxury many teams don't: a solid backup who can help the team win.
Grade: B+
Running Backs
2 of 10
The running game left a little to be desired, but DeAngelo Williams did pick up some hard-earned yards late in the game and finished with 72 yards on the ground. Jonathan Stewart picked up 20 yards in limited action and Mike Tolbert was a bit quieter than usual. Of course, that has a lot to do with the Panthers not getting goal-line opportunities. He did see some action as a short-yardage rusher and during third-down situations.
Given the current circumstances in Carolina, the running game needs to bounce back in a big way. Derek Anderson can't do it all, and when Cam Newton returns, he cannot be subjected to being hit by opposing defenses because he took off running.
If the Panthers running backs can play at a level that will at least balance out the offense, the team will be in good shape.
Grade: C+
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
3 of 10
The receivers did a great job catching balls thrown to them Sunday, and while Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen stood out, the touches were spread around the offense. The rookie Benjamin recorded his first career touchdown after hauling in six passes for 92 yards. Greg Olsen contributed as well with eight catches for 83 yards and a score.
Jerricho Cotchery had four receptions for 32 yards after being quiet for much of the preseason. Jason Avant also caught a pass, but it was for no gain.
Considering the Panthers had a different quarterback under center, the production in the passing game was encouraging. Benjamin proved to be the go-to guy, as he was targeted eight times. Only Olsen had more targets (11), but the combination of youth and veteran presence in the offense appears to be working out just fine.
The only question remaining is: Can the same level of production continue when Cam Newton returns to the offense?
Grade: A+
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Offensive Line
4 of 10
The Carolina Panthers offensive line did exceptionally well in pass protection Sunday at Tampa Bay. Throughout much of the game, the line gave Derek Anderson a good pocket and provided him with excellent protection. Their line's performance was so good, they allowed only one sack.
There was only one issue that stood out from the offensive line that could become problematic, but may be nothing at all. Ryan Kalil had a few snaps that were either a bit low or high (really just one that was high), and it appeared that having Anderson under center for the duration of the game took some getting used to on the part of the veteran.
Mishandled snaps can kill any drive or momentum a team has offensively, especially if it leads to turnovers. That wasn't the case Sunday, but it could warrant some extra attention in future game-planning.
The only drawback about the offensive line's performance was the inability to open up some more lanes in the running game. The Carolina running backs mustered 113 yards on 33 carries for an average of 3.4 yards per attempt. That needs to be improved since DeAngelo Williams averages 4.8 yards per carry.
Grade: B+
Defensive Line
5 of 10
The starting front four of the Carolina defensive line saw Dwan Edwards record a sack, Greg Hardy make four tackles and a sack and Charles Johnson and Star Lotulelei register a tackle each. All four were able to get a hit on Josh McCown, the Tampa Bay quarterback.
While some plays yielded considerable yards for the Bucs (fullback Javorskie Lane's 54-yard rush comes to mind), the defensive line did a good job in containing both the Tampa Bay running game and containing McCown. Feature running back Doug Martin was a non-factor in the Bucs' first game, as he had nine yards rushing on as many attempts.
Constant pressure on McCown that led to him fumbling twice and throwing one ridiculous-looking interception.
Another notable performance belonged to Kawann Short. The second-year defensive tackle registered four tackles (one for loss) and a quarterback hit. Needless to say, Carolina's first line of defense looks primed for another solid year.
Grade: B
Linebackers
6 of 10
Luke Kuechly deserves to be the defensive MVP for the Panthers in Week 1. He had nine tackles, a sack and forced a fumble that led a field goal in the final minute to help preserve the win. Thomas Davis had a strong outing himself, as he racked up four tackles and defended a pass.
Both A.J. Klein and Chase Blackburn had two tackles against Tampa Bay.
The play of the Carolina linebacker unit showed the Panthers haven't lost a step defensively. These guys serve as the heart and backbone of one of most stout defenses in the league. Kuechly is a force, and based on what he did Sunday, there is no doubt he will be among the finalists for the league's Defensive Player of the Year award.
The scary thing is Carolina fans know that the Panthers linebackers can do a lot better than what they did against the Bucs. That is something to think about.
Grade: A-
Secondary
7 of 10
The good: Roman Harper gets an interception. The bad: Thomas DeCoud gets flagged for roughing the passer. The two newest members of the Carolina defense reintroduced themselves in different ways in Week 1, but the combined efforts of the entire secondary saw the Buccaneers passing game struggle for most of the game.
A third new member, Antoine Cason, had a pick of his own, nine tackles and perhaps squashed any concerns about the secondary being the defense's weakest link.
Melvin White registered three tackles, and rookie Bene Benwikere produced four.
Much like last year, the Carolina secondary is comprised of seasoned veterans and talented youngsters. Each played well and offered a few reasons as to why this Carolina team will be tough to beat this year. Granted, the season is still young, but you have to like what you saw in the first game.
Grade: B+
Special Teams
8 of 10
There wasn't much going on with regard to special teams. Graham Gano was 2-of-3 in field-goal attempts. He missed from 48 yards, and while the miss didn't come back to haunt the Panthers, hitting the long field goals is something that will go a long way in securing future victories.
Brad Nortman did his part to help his team win. He punted six times against Tampa Bay, averaging 47 yards per punt. It definitely helped the Carolina defense to start a series in friendly territory and not worry about their backs being up against their own end zone.
Philly Brown was quiet in the return game for the most part, but he had a nice 23-yard return in the second half. The kid has some explosiveness to him that can burn defenses if given the running room.
Grade: B
Coaching
9 of 10
Carolina fans saw the re-emergence of Riverboat Ron, a lost challenge and a sound game plan on both sides of the football against the rival Buccaneers. While Ron Rivera opted to punt instead of going for it on 4th-and-short early in the game, he rolled the dice and picked up the first down later on, which resulted in points for the Panthers.
Give credit to Mike Shula, whose play-calling worked well with Derek Anderson playing the entire game. Carolina could have afforded to play at a faster tempo offensively, but the veteran did a great job in getting the Panthers ahead and keeping them there.
Sean McDermott's defense avoided collapse late in the game and came up with the big play when it was needed most. His guys showed everything you would expect from a Carolina team coming off a playoff year. They pressured the quarterback, picked off passes and forced fumbles. Aside from the fourth-quarter rally the Bucs attempted to put together, it was an impressive showing.
Grade: A
Final Grade
10 of 10
Quarterback - A
Running Backs - C+
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends - A
Offensive Line - B+
Defensive Line - B
Linebackers - A-
Secondary - B+
Special Teams - B
Coaching - A
Final Grade: B+
Carolina ended a streak of opening-week losses and took the first step in the right direction toward repeating as division champions. There are 15 games left to play, and the road ahead won't be an easy one. For the moment, it seems as though everything is firing on all cylinders and Carolina has about as good a chance at a successful season as any team in the league.
Information and stats courtesy of ESPN.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com.
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