Tampa Bay Bucs vs. Carolina Panthers: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Bucs Must Make

It's been a tumultuous season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In the midst of the worst losing streak in since the 26 game losing streak at the team's inception, the Bucs have been floundering in the last eight games and that trend has continued into this game against the Carolina Panthers. At times, the Bucs have shown some signs of progress with a couple of long drives, but they are still marred by penalties and poor offensive line play.

If the Bucs want to come out of this game with a win, these are the five adjustments they will have to make.

1. Build Josh Freeman's Confidence

The most important thing with a young quarterback like Freeman is to build his confidence. So far in the first half, the Panthers have not made it easy for him to drop back in the pocket comfortably. He has been under constant pressure and been forced to make some tough throws.

Give Freeman the opportunity to throw some short passes to his receivers and backs, which will help build his confidence and sustain some drives. Exploiting the short passes will force the defense to abandon their coverage deep, which will open up the deep pass for Freeman.

If the Bucs can get consistency in the passing game, more options will be available for the Bucs moving forward in the second half.

2. Keep LeGarrette Blount on the Bench

After a fumble on his first carry of the game, LeGarrette Blount has been out of the football game. When you look at Blount's expressions on the bench, it seems like he is just frustrated at himself and perhaps at Raheem Morris.

Going forward, I think it's smart for the Bucs to continue with Kregg Lumpkin. He's more of a threat in the passing game and will help keep the defense guessing. It allows the Bucs to be more diverse in their offensive playcalling.

3. Where's the Defense?

The Buccaneers used to be all about smash mouth defense. In this game, the defense has been abysmal. Cam Newton and the rest of the offense have been moving the football down the field with ease.

They need to focus on containing Newton and making sure he can't beat them with his feet. It will be tough, but the defensive line must be disciplined enough to not let Newton break contain.

4. Give the Ball to Arrelious Benn

Benn has finally returned from injury and is making his presence felt. Benn made a beautiful catch in the corner of the endzone as he maintained possession of the football while tip-toeing near the sideline.

He will be the best deep threat for Freeman, who will eventually have to take some chances downfield. Get Benn more involved in the game. It will pay off for Freeman and the rest of the offense.

5. Limit Turnovers

The Bucs have not done themselves any favors by turning the ball over twice in their first few possessions of the first half. If they expect to win this game, the Bucs have got to stop turning the ball over. The defense cannot expect to improve at all if the offense is giving up the ball deep in their own territory.