The Carolina Panthers put up quite a few refreshing numbers in their 21-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. And here, courtesy of Pro Football Focus, are a few more . . .
Best of the offense
1. QB PJ Walker: 94.9
2. C Bradley Bozeman: 93.2
3. RB Chuba Hubbard: 79.2
4. WR DJ Moore: 77.3
5. WR Laviska Shenault Jr.: 73.3
This week’s all about the next men up in Walker and Bozeman, who earned the highest overall grades at their respective positions across the league.
Walker kept the offense moving and kept the ball away from Tampa Bay, connecting on 16 of his 22 throws for 177 yards, two scores and no turnovers. Bozeman, in place of Pat Elflein, allowed just one pressure while earning a 93.2 grade for his run-blocking work.
Worst of the offense
13. TE Stephen Sullivan: 60.0
14. RG Austin Corbett: 55.1
15. RB Raheem Blackshear: 54.7
16. WR Shi Smith: 52.2
17. LG Brady Christensen: 43.3
Christensen and Corbett weren’t as highly regarded as their mate Bozeman. They weren’t too hot on the ground, grading out at 37.1 and 52.3, respectively.
Best of the defense
1. S Xavier Woods: 74.9
2. LB Shaq Thompson: 71.0
3. CB Keith Taylor Jr.: 69.6
4. LB Cory Littleton: 67.2
5. S Juston Burris: 66.6
Four of Thompson’s seven tackles registered as stops. He was also solid in coverage, as the four receptions he allowed went for a combined 19 yards.
Worst of the defense
16. CB CJ Henderson: 57.2
17. DE Yetur Gross-Matos: 56.0
18. DT Daviyon Nixon: 54.6
19. LB Damien Wilson: 54.2
20. CB Donte Jackson: 48.9
Despite recording a game-high 10 tackles (with four of those accounting as stops), Jackson allowed 10 receptions for 88 yards over 11 targets.