CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A few thoughts on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 19-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday:
What it means: This one was typical of the season. The Bucs played decent defense, but the offense couldn't get anything going with any consistency. A third-quarter fumble by quarterback Josh McCown was disastrous, as it set up a quick Carolina touchdown. The Bucs are now 2-12 and remain winless in the NFC South. On the bright side, they remain in the hunt for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Stock watch: Left tackle Anthony Collins' stock has hit rock bottom. He was a big signing in free agency and was supposed to solidify the offensive line, but he has been nothing but a disappointment. Although he practiced all week, Collins was inactive for Sunday's game. The Bucs shifted right tackle Demar Dotson to the left side. It makes sense to take a look at Dotson on the left side to see if he could be the answer there next season. If not, the Bucs will have to either draft a left tackle or sign another free agent because it doesn't look like Collins is in the future plans.
Playing it safe: A week after drawing lots of praise for returning after injuring his knee, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy got banged up again. McCoy injured his right knee in the first quarter and did not return. Keeping him on the sideline was a smart move by the Bucs. McCoy has nothing to prove, and there was no sense in exposing him to further injury.
Game ball: This goes to running back Doug Martin, who had his best game of the season. Martin gained 96 yards on 14 carries.
What’s next: The Bucs host the Green Bay Packers (10-4) next Sunday.
