Both the Panthers and Buccaneers are looking for positives on short turnarounds from season-opening losses as the NFC South rivals kick off Week 2 on Thursday night in Charlotte.
The Panthers came up short in a 30-27 home defeat to the reigning NFC champion Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Christian McCaffrey ran for 128 yards and two touchdowns while totaling 209 yards from scrimmage, but three turnovers—including a critical fourth-quarter interception thrown by Cam Newton—thwarted any chances of Carolina making a successful comeback.
Newton completed 25 of 38 passes for 239 yards, but failed to throw a touchdown pass for a career-worst third consecutive game.