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

The future looks bright for the Carolina Panthers as they close out the 2011 regular season. 

Quarterback Cam Newton has been making great strides in improving his game and the rushing game has stepped us as of late behind DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.

Against the Bucs, these two aspects have been a big reason why the Panthers are going into halftime with a lead.

If the Panthers expect to maintain their lead and win this game, these are the five adjustments the Panthers will have to make.

1. Pound the Football

The Bucs run stopping abilities have been sub-par at best in this game. The Panthers should focus on rushing the football and pounding the line of scrimmage. 

Wear down the Bucs defense with a healthy dose of Williams and Stewart and the Panthers will be able to take full control of this game.

2. Keep Your Eyes on Arrellious Benn

Benn hasn't been targeted much throughout the game, but he is the one weapon on offense that could cause the Panthers' defense some problems.

He's tall, athletic and the Bucs' best deep threat. Limit his production to a minimal amount and make Freeman force the ball downfield, which will create more opportunities for turnovers.

3. Don't Be Afraid To Throw the Deep Ball

Already the Panthers have taken some chances downfield. Brandon LaFell's 91-yard touchdown catch and run was a great response to a Bucs score on the prior drive.

It's evident that the deep ball opportunity will be there, especially against a weak Tampa defense. It has been tough for the Bucs' defensive line to get any pressure on Newton, so he has had enough time to look downfield.

Continue to be aggressive in the passing game and keep the defense on their toes.

4. Throw the Ball to Steve Smith

So far, Smith only has a disappointing one reception for nine yards. Get him the football because he is your best wide receiver. His speed can break things open for the offense and make a huge impact in the game.

The Bucs' defense will have no answer for a playmaker like Smith.

5. Continue the Pressure on Josh Freeman

The Panthers have gotten two sacks and five tackles for loss in the first half and have forced two fumbles.

With such a young backfield, it will be important for the Panthers' defense to blitz a lot in the second half. Keep Freeman on his toes and under a lot of pressure. Pressuring a young quarterback like that will force Freeman to make some turnovers, which can kill the confidence of a team that is already struggling to build continuity on offense.