Panthers defeat Buccaneers as Newton continues hot streak

TAMPA, Fla. — In a Thursday Night Football battle of two NFC South teams looking to turn face on their franchise, one continued to improve while the other continued their downward spiral. Behind the efficient play of quarterback Cam Newton, the Carolina Panthers knocked off the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-13.

It was Newton’s night as he went 23-32 for 221 yards and 2 touchdowns, with no interceptions, and added 50 rushing yards on 11 carries and one touchdown. The Panthers are on a three game winning streak, and the win on Thursday put them over a .500 record for the first time since 2008. Much of the credit, deservingly so, has gone to Newton who is 58-75 for 664 yards, with six touchdowns and no interceptions in the last three games. The mistake free quarterback has also added 106 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns during the team’s three game win streak.

While the credit is given, not all of it is self-received by Newton who has given much credit to the guys around him:

“When you’ve got an offensive line that’s protecting the way they protect, when you’ve got a running back that’s running, you’ve got receivers making plays after the catch, it’s really not hard,” Newton added. “It’s just up to me to make the right decision and get the ball into people’s hands that it needs to be.”(ESPN.com)

It seemed as if the only thing to startle Newton throughout the night was the cannon shots from the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s stadium ship.

Speaking of ships, shipwreck would be the best way to describe the 2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. From MRSA, to Josh Freeman, to Doug Martin’s injury, and Greg Schiano losing all control and trust through his locker room, this is a season to forget for Tampa. Rookie quarterback Mike Glennon was 30-51 for 275 yards with one touchdown, no interceptions, but was also sacked three times in the loss.

With Martin out, Mike James started at running back for the Buccaneers and had 10 carries for 39 yards with no touchdowns. An offense that lost its star back was certainly a disadvantage as they went up against Carolina’s uprising defense, who also forced and recovered a fumble on a muffed punt.

The Buccaneers are now 0-7, and many fans have been calling for head coach Greg Schiano to be fired from his position, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has additional details:

Fact: There were more “Fire Schiano” signs than touchdowns for the Buccaneers tonight. (Photo credit: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

From our kickoff show: #Bucs sources say it’s no guarantee Greg Schiano makes it through the season. What would it take?

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2013

What would bring #Bucs coach Greg Schiano’s mid-season ouster? A string of embarrassing, 1-sided losses or obvious loss of the locker room

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2013

Ron Rivera, head coach of the Carolina Panthers has seemingly been able to finally turn his team, and the Panthers franchise around. Meanwhile their divisional opponent, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, seem to have lost all hope on any success in the 2013-14 NFL season.

The Panthers (4-3) will have extra rest before they continue to take on NFC South opponents as they take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 on November 3rd.

Meanwhile the Buccaneers (0-7) will play the tough Seattle Seahawks on November 3rd, and as of now, Greg Schiano is still their head coach.

Follow Mike Pendleton on Twitter @MP2310

Facebook.com/FullScaleSports Twitter:@FullScaleSport

Photo credit: (Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) 

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