Our trusted projections expect the Panthers offensive strategy to skew 7.2% more towards the passing game than it did last year (adjusted for context) with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown now calling the plays.
The Panthers are a 3.5-point underdog in this week’s contest, likely leading to a passing game script.
The Panthers have run the 3rd-most plays in the league this year, averaging a massive 62.4 plays per game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has been a notorious pass funnel this year, compelling opposing QBs to attempt the 6th-most passes in the NFL (38.4 per game) this year.
Stephen Sullivan grades out as one of the most sure-handed receivers in the league among TEs, catching a fantastic 88.5% of balls thrown his way (adjusted for context) this year, ranking in the 86th percentile.
Cons
Based on their underlying tendencies and game dynamics, the Panthers are forecasted by the projections to call only 64.5 offensive plays in this game: the 9th-lowest number among all teams this week.
As it relates to protecting the quarterback (and the ramifications it has on all passing game metrics), the O-line of the Panthers ranks as the 2nd-worst in the NFL this year.
This year, the fierce Buccaneers defense has yielded a puny 70.0% Adjusted Completion Rate vs. opposing tight ends: the 9th-smallest rate in the league.