The Carolina Panthers opened their season with a 20-14 road win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Derek Anderson started in place of Cam Newton at quarterback.
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The Carolina Panthers were forced to play their season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without quarterback Cam Newton, but they received a solid effort from Derek Anderson and won, 20-14.
They took a 17-0 lead before holding off a Buccaneers fourth-quarter rally. Anderson threw for 230 yards on 24-of-34 passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin established himself as the Panthers’ top weapon with six catches, 92 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Greg Olsen caught eight passes for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Running back DeAngelo Williams led the team in rushing with 72 yards on 14 carries.
For the Buccaneers, quarterback Josh McCown struggled in his Tampa Bay debut. He threw for 183 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions on 22-of-35 passing.
Running back Doug Martin was held to nine yards on nine carries before exiting the game with a knee injury. Jovorskie Lane led the Buccaneers in rushing with a 54-yard carry.
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