Pictures from the Buccaneers' Week 5 match-up with the Panthers.
1. RB Jacquizz Rodgers
With Doug Martin inactive with a hamstring injury and Charles Sims being placed on injured reserve with a knee injury, the Buccaneers turned to Rodgers, usually their No. 3 running back, to handle the majority of the their carries. Tampa Bay began the game handing Rodgers the ball six consecutive times and would call his number 30 times before the final whistle blew. He rushed for 101 yards, becoming the first Buccaneer running back to hit the century mark this season. Rodgers also finished the game with five receptions for 28 yards.
2. WR Mike Evans
Evans has established himself as the Buccaneers' most productive wide receiver this season, and Monday night was no different. He led the team in both receptions (6) and receiving yards (89) while also catching the Bucs' lone touchdown pass. He was targeted 12 times, which were twice as many as any other Buccaneer.
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- CB Brent Grimes**
Grimes came up with a crucial interception in the fourth quarter of the Buccaneers' victory, intercepting Derek Anderson as the Panthers faced a first and goal situation from the one and a half-yard line. He almost had a second interception earlier in the game, jumping a route and nearly hauling it in and taking it the other way. Grimes added another pass defensed and four tackles to his impressive performance.
4. TE Alan Cross
The Buccaneers were short-handed at tight end, with Luke Stocker still recovering from an injury. Cross earned his first NFL reception, catching a five-yard pass from Jameis Winston, in the first half. But his most impressive play was a huge block, completely upending a Panthers defender, as Winston rolled out to his left on a pass. After the game, Winston said he thanked Cross for the block in real-time as the play went down.Â
5. S Bradley McDougald
McDougald led the Buccaneers in tackles (8) and solo tackles (6) while and batted away a pass in the Buccaneers' victory. He was also in a tackle on Anderson, which resulted in a fumble that the Buccaneers recovered. Kwon Alexander, Lavonte David and Will Gholston all finished with five tackles each.