3 to watch: Panthers depending on next man up in multiple spots

Joseph Person’s three things to watch in Sunday’s Carolina Panthers game against Tampa Bay:

Rookies have to come through on offense

Injuries to RB Jonathan Stewart and WR Ted Ginn Jr. thrust rookies Cameron Artis-Payne and Devin Funchess into big roles in a game with home field on the line. Cam Newton will look to get TE Greg Olsen involved early, but Funchess will be counted on to stretch the field. Artis-Payne ran well at Atlanta last week, breaking off a 31-yard gain that was the third-longest by a Panthers running back this season. But he only had one second-half rush. According to Pro Football Focus, Artis-Payne averages 2.7 yards after contact per carry, slightly better than Stewart (2.5) and a figure that would rank 13th in the NFL if he had more attempts. The Bucs have allowed an average of 3.44 yards per rush, second-best in the league.

Take it away from ‘Famous Jameis’

Tampa Bay rookie QB Jameis Winston had five turnovers in the Week 4 matchup with Carolina, which intercepted the No. 1 overall pick four times. Winston fumbled a snap on the opening drive, leading to a Carolina field goal, then threw a pick-six to Josh Norman on the next series. On three of his interceptions, Winston locked in on a receiver early and telegraphed the throw. Panthers defenders say Winston is doing a much better job reading coverages and going through his route progressions. But he’s still prone to turnovers, having thrown one interception in four of the past five games. The Panthers haven’t had a sack by a defensive end in four games, but Winston has been hit 99 times this season.

Return games could be interesting

With Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) out and Ginn (knee) doubtful, the Panthers will have two new returners vs. the Bucs. Rookie RB Brandon Wegher, who will be active for the first time in his career, will return kicks, something he hasn’t done since his freshman year at Iowa in 2009. Rule changes moving up the kickoff spot have made returns a rarity, although the Bucs could kick short to force the Panthers’ hand. Recently acquired Robert McClain will handle punt returns in Ginn’s absence, with Brenton Bersin also available. McClain averaged 10.2 yards per return with the Falcons in 2013, with a long of 25. The Bucs’ Bobby Rainey, who averages 10.3 yards per return, fumbled two punts last week vs. Chicago but recovered both.

This story was originally published January 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM with the headline "3 to watch: Panthers depending on next man up in multiple spots."