The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started the season much better than they finished the last one. Unfortunately, the final result turned out to be a familiar one: a 20-14 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers vs. Buccaneers final score: 3 things we learned from Carolina’s 20-14 win over Tampa Bay
No Cam Newton? No problem for the Carolina Panthers, who took advantage of Tampa Bay’s miscues and injuries to win in Raymond James Stadium.
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Cam Newton sat this one out, still recovering from his rib injury. Derek Anderson started in his place. He finished the game 24-for-34 passing with 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The Panthers jumped out to a 17-0 lead with a 26-yard touchdown pass to rookie Kelvin Benjamin.
The Bucs battled back. Josh McCown found a groove, throwing two touchdown passes in the final frame to close the gap to 17-14. But a fumble on the next possession, forced by Luke Kuechly, gave Carolina the ball back on the Bucs' 23-yard line. The Panthers booted a field goal after a trio of clock-killing runs to seal the deal.
1.) Derek Anderson held down the fort
Derek Anderson hasn't started a game since 2010. Was it a case of Anderson being the efficient veteran or some shaky play by the Buccaneers? Probably a little of both. Cam Newton could return next week. Even if he doesn't, the Panthers can point to Anderson's outing and feel confident in their backup.
2.) The Panthers have a few weapons on offense
Panthers rookie receiver (and former Florida State standout) Kelvin Benjamin was a force, with 92 yards and this catch for a touchdown: 
Benjamin has looked like the No. 1 receiver the Panthers wanted when they drafted him in the first round this year.
3.) The Buccaneers are (somewhat) better than last year
Sure, they spotted the Panthers a 17-point lead at home, but give Tampa Bay credit for staying in the game. Derek Anderson was under significant pressure in the fourth quarter, forcing the Panthers to punt and giving Tampa Bay great field position. In the end, the Bucs' comeback was doomed by a Bobby Rainey fumble. In addition, guard Logan Mankins and running back Doug Martin both headed to the locker room during the game (though Martin did return).
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