Bucs RB Bucky Irving looks for repeat performance against Panthers struggling run defense
Associated PressCarolina at Tampa Bay Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, FOX. Panthers player to watch RB Chuba Hubbard is coming off a big game, running for 152 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Arizona Cardinals, including a winning 21-yard touchdown in overtime. Buccaneers players to watch Former Panthers QB Baker Mayfield is 3-0 against his old team since joining the Bucs, however it hasn’t been easy. In the past seven games, the Panthers have allowed nearly 200 yards rushing per game and rank last in the league in run defense. Stats and stuff The Panthers are 1-5 on the road under first-year head coach Dave Canales.. QB Bryce Young ran for a career-high 68 yards rushing against the Cardinals, including a career-long run of 34 yards.. Hubbard ranks sixth in the NFL in yards rushing coming into Week 17 and is also tied for sixth in rushing first downs and tied for ninth in rushes of 10-plus yards.. With his 11-yard reception in the second quarter against Dallas in Week 15, WR Adam Thielen surpassed 8,000 receiving yards.