My Overall Record: 67-40
Carolina @ Tampa Bay
A couple of disappointing NFC South teams.
Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers are looking like underwhelming underachievers for the second straight season, while Greg Schiano and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to look like one of the league’s most poorly run teams.
Newton has been up-and-down for Carolina, and the team suffers as a result. He just hasn’t been nearly as electric as he was in his rookie season, and struggles to win close games. However, if he’s given a favorable matchup against a poor defense, he’s still capable of putting up some big numbers.
New Tampa Bay quarterback Mike Glennon has put some decent numbers in his last two games, and has established a good relationship with top wideout Vincent Jackson, connecting with the veteran for over 250 yards and four touchdowns combined against the Eagles and Falcons.
However, things are going to get even more difficult for Glennon now that the Bucs have lost top running back Doug Martin with a torn labrum.
The Carolina defense will find it easier to take Jackson away now that they don’t have to focus on Martin, and the Panthers should be able to do enough offensively to earn the road win.
Pick: Carolina 23, Tampa Bay 13
Denny if Cam Newton wasn’t “Cam Newton” he’d be talked up as the most sort after potential free agent qb. Now that the media isn’t hanging onto every damn thing the man does or says, he’s showing why he was the franchise pick. Though I believe Carolina will lock him up as the face of the franchise, I’d love to have him here in Philly. HE’S A BEAST!! Chip would probably faint at the prospect of having him here. LURIE ARE YOU LISTENING/READING?That defense stays opportunistic and the offensive coordinator continues to have a clue; Carolina will be a problem later in the season.