For the first time in a long time, it feels as though the Carolina Panthers can actually compete on a weekly basis.
And if they actually want to upset the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13 , here are four key matchups that may have to be won:
So you wanna be an NFL center?
After drawing New York's Dexter Lawrence II and Kansas City's Chris Jones over his last two starts, Mays will—once again—have his hands full with another elite defensive lineman in Vita Vea. We'll see if Mays, who held up considerably well in those matchups, can keep the 346-pounder at bay.
With starting nickel corner Tykee Smith already ruled out, the Bucs will likely pass the buck to Izien—who racked up a team-high 44 snaps from the slot last week. Thielen and Izien matched up on four targets in 2023, with the former pulling in three receptions for a combined 21 yards.
Thielen may also get a look from Troy Hill, who was released by the Panthers back in October. Hill is listed as questionable with an ankle/foot injury.
Wonnum has been worth the wait for the Panthers. The 27-year-old outside linebacker, who missed the first nine games of the season, has already recorded 2.0 sacks and eight pressures in his first two games back.
If he doesn't get one of the game's best in Wirfs, who is a game-time decision, he'll be seeing Skule—a very solid backup plan for Tampa Bay.
Evans probably loves to play the Panthers—who he's burned for 29 receptions, 487 receiving yards and four touchdowns over their last four meetings.
In his two matchups against Horn in 2023, the future Hall of Famer hauled in three catches for 59 yards on four targets.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Key matchups for Panthers vs. Buccaneers in Week 13
