Just a subjective commentary, also subject to change as circumstances see fit. But mostly, I see the game going as follows:The Bucs offense will be completely stymied. They will have trouble running the ball to the point that it will be embarrassing to watch. Just my opinion, but that Carolina front four, along with their fast linebackers and corners who like to hit, will snuff out the Bucs running game. But this is only with them playing the run ON THE WAY TO THE PASSER. They will consistenly collapse the pocket on McCown who will hold the ball too long and take too many ill advised shots, he may fumble, he will not have time to make good reads, and the slower receivers will have a hard time getting to their landmarks, making them less effective, if not voided outright. McCown is not good enough, while he is more nimble than known for, at evading the collapsing pocket and thus, the offense will be completely snuffed out. I am thinking they might not even score an offensive TD. The BUcs O-line facing that Carolina front four is a scary scary proposition. I'm telling you...just expect a whole lot of FAIL Sunday, on offense.With that said, I think Carolina is facing a defense that is coming together, that has shown instant signs of being stout, if not on par with what Carolina brings in terms of run stopping. However, their backs are bigger, and come at you in waves, and can wear the Bucs out more effectively than the Bucs can to the Panthers. Gerald McCoy will harass and bully the interior and make life miserable for Cam, as will the edge witht he new found steam that McCoy brings, freeing up the Bucs scrappy pass rushers into making life hard on their brutish runners, and their giant QB. Thing is, Cam is a superior athlete. Hard to bring down, and he can evade with ease, he can scramble like a giant cat, throw on the move creating drama with his play extending capabilities. This will benefit a rook like Benjamin, who will thrive in a street ball setting while he learns to polish his routes. That will be the difference. Cam will make a few big plays here and there to put a few points up on the Bucs. Not many.With all that said, the Bucs can still win this game. But I see that as being a long shot for week 1.Defense will have to generate good field position, so the Bucs offense won't have to move very far for three points, if not seven. Turnovers are essential. Stopping Cam from scrambling is a vastly important task. I cannot emphasize it enough. He is going to kill the Bucs chances when he extends dead plays with his legs...they have to stop him from scrambling, and really be tight on their zones. McCoy will be getting there REALLY fast, and Cam is going to be forced to make some quick decisions. Gotta have a spy on Cam. A guy like Casillas would be perfect. If they can kick three or four FGs as a result of good field position generated by turnovers and short drives, they could pull out a squeaker as I don't see the Panthers putting up that many points, either.But bottom line, Panthers 9...Bucs 6.
