Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5 Buccaneers to Watch Against the Panthers

Five players to keep an eye on when the Buccaneers take on the Panthers in Week 17.

Dec 31, 2015 at 11:48 PM

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1. RB Doug Martin
There in no bigger storyline for the Buccaneers in Week 17 than Doug Martin's quest to become the NFL's leading rusher. He enters Sunday's game trailing Adrian Peterson by 64 yards. It will be a tall task for Martin to take home the title and he'll need Peterson to have somewhat of a quiet game to finish on top, but it's certainly a possibility. When the Bucs and Panthers met earlier this season, Martin carried the ball 20 times for 106 yards.

READ: WINSTON'S "TOUGH AS NAILS" SAYS KOETTER

2. QB Jameis Winston
While Martin chases the league's rushing title, Winston has a few records of his own that he could break on Sunday. Winston needs 349 passing yards to set the record for the most in a single season by a Buccaneers quarterback. He also needs 22 yards to pass Peyton Manning for the third-most passing yards by a rookie quarterback in a single season in NFL history.

DT Gerald McCoy**
Head Coach Lovie Smith, along with McCoy, have spoken often about how double-digit sacks are a significant milestone for any pass-rusher. McCoy enters Sunday's game needing 1.5 to become the first Buccaneer to reach 10+ sacks since Simeon Rice in 2005.

4. LB Bruce Carter
Carter returned to the field last weekend after missing time with an injury, but he'll be needed to be at the top of his game as the Bucs prepare to take on the Panthers. Carter will be responsible for the middle of the field and, with that, could handle some of the responsibility of containing Cam Newton when he takes off running.

READ: PANTHERS SCOUTING REPORT

5. S Keith Tandy
Tandy stepped in for an injured Chris Conte in Week 16 and had a standout performance, finishing second on the team in tackles. Conte was able to practice on Wednesday, albeit in a limited capacity. It will be interesting to see Tandy's role, even if Conte is healthy.

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