The Bucs play their third straight road game Sunday. The last two started with turnover-plagued early deficits and furious comebacks that fell short. Start slowly against the Panthers in Carolina and Tampa Bay risks getting buried like it did in Chicago.
Here's the Times' Bucs coverage team's predictions for the 1 p.m. game:
Giving them Fitz
Rick Stroud, Bucs beat writer @NFLStroud: You have to believe Ryan Fitzpatrick will settle down the turnovers. But the Panthers front seven on defense is among the best in the NFL. Offensively, Cam Newton has had a rebirth under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who has designed a lot of short throws for guys who can get yards after the catch.