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.
Adam Thielen has notched quite a few more adjusted receiving yards per game (70.0) this year than he did last year (47.0).
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.