{"id":3665,"date":"2016-10-09T22:33:03","date_gmt":"2016-10-10T02:33:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprofootball.com\/?p=3665"},"modified":"2016-10-09T22:33:03","modified_gmt":"2016-10-10T02:33:03","slug":"monday-night-football","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2016\/10\/09\/monday-night-football\/","title":{"rendered":"Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hobbling for Monday Night Football"},"content":{"rendered":"

You know it is week five in the NFL<\/strong> when it seems like every starter is listed as questionable on the injury report. That’s the case in this week’s Monday Night Football<\/strong> showdown between the\u00a0Tampa Bay Buccaneers<\/a>\u00a0(1-3) and the\u00a0Carolina Panthers<\/a>\u00a0(1-3). Both team’s injury reports are headlined by top of the line contributors.<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hobbling for Monday Night Football<\/h2>\n

Quarterback\u00a0Cam Newton<\/a>, the MVP\u00a0<\/strong>of 2015,\u00a0will miss the game because of a concussion. Newton has appeared in every game despite dealing with concussions all season. It’s been an issue since his first game against the Denver Broncos<\/strong>. Newton suffered another concussion last week against the Atlanta Falcons<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Buccaneers’ most significant injury is their defensive tackle Gerald McCoy<\/a>, who suffered a calf injury in last week’s 27-7 loss to the Broncos. Quarterback Jameis Winston<\/a>\u00a0has continued\u00a0to throw interceptions this year, so McCoy<\/a> remains the Buccaneers’ most talented player.<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay’s defensive line is already thin. Their other defensive tackle Clinton McDonald<\/a> has a hamstring injury and may not play. Defensive end Noah Spence<\/a> has played the first four games, but he has a shoulder injury and it’s unclear if he will play. Defensive end Robert Ayers<\/a> has missed the past two games with a foot injury. He could return, but he could be limited.<\/p>\n

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  1. Defensive back Brent Grimes<\/a> is questionable with a hamstring injury and linebacker Lavonte David<\/a> is also questionable.<\/li>\n
  2. Running back Doug Martin<\/a> will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Backup running back and passing back Charles Sims<\/a> will also miss the game.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Panthers’ major injuries are on the offensive side of the football. In addition to Newton, veteran running back\u00a0Jonathan Stewart<\/a> will miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury, which he actually suffered in the Panthers’ second game of the season against the San Francisco 49ers<\/strong>. Stewart had just five rushing attempts in the game.<\/p>\n

    Wide receiver Ted Ginn<\/a> has played every game, but he is questionable with a foot injury and wide receiver Devin Funchess<\/a> has a toe injury, but he will likely play. Fullback Mike Tolbert<\/a> is questionable with a hamstring and tackle Michael Oher<\/a> missed last week’s game with a concussion and will also miss the game Monday.<\/p>\n

    Defensively for the Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson<\/a> is questionable with a quadriceps injury and linebacker Thomas Davis<\/a> will probably play with a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n

    Who’s Backups Do You Want?<\/h3>\n

    Major offensive weapons are missing for the Panthers. The Buccaneers’ defensive line is injured across the board. Monday’s primetime contest becomes a game of depth instead of talent and star power.<\/p>\n

    Derek Anderson<\/a> replaces Newton at quarterback and the Buccaneers would appear to have the advantage in the game.<\/p>\n

    However, instead of McCoy<\/a>, Spence, Ayers and McDonald<\/a>, the Buccaneers’ defensive line will consist of Akeem Spence<\/a>, William Gholston<\/a>, DaVonte Lambert<\/a>, Jacquies Smith<\/a> and Channing Ward<\/a>. George Johnson<\/a> and John Hughes<\/a> could see their first games of the season.<\/p>\n

    A major weakness for the Panthers this year has been protecting the quarterback, but the Buccaneers may not be capable of generating a pass rush that would make Anderson<\/a>\u00a0uncomfortable.<\/p>\n

    With all of these injuries, Carolina should win easily. The Panthers will win this game 23-14, and finally get back on track.<\/p>\n

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    Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n