The struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers - who are winless at 0-6 - host Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football hoping to end their current losing streak.
The Panthers, trying to climb to the above-.500 mark for the first time since finishing 12-4 in the 2008 season, have won two straight games behind their stellar defense that is led by LB Like Kuechly, S Mike Mitchell, and DE Charles Johnson.
The Panthers are currently ranked third in the NFL in red zone efficiency, allowing just five touchdowns in 14 red zone possessions, with offenses being able to score only 35.7 percent of the time. Carolina is also fifth in the National Football League against the pass, allowing only 217.7 yards per game.
"It would be a great boost of confidence to have a winning record," said defensive back Captain Munnerlyn, whose 45-yard interception return for a touchdown highlighted Sunday's 30-15 win over the Rams.
Tampa Bay, whose coach Greg Schiano is under fire from both the media and fans after the disastrous start to the season, has dropped 11 of their past 12 games overall dating back to last season. The Buccaneers will have to find their first win of 2013 without star RB Doug Martin, who has a labrum tear in his left shoulder, an injury that could knock the second-year running back for the rest of the season.
QB Mike Glennon went 26-of-44 passing for 256 yards last week, including two touchdowns in his third career start. Martin had 47 yards on the ground before leaving with the injury, with Vincent Jackson catching 10 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns.
"I want to be clear on this because I don't take lightly 0-6. I've never been 0-6. But we do our best. We're trying our hardest," said Schiano. "Our guys are working and I have found when you have good people and they work hard and they work smart it'll turn."
Live Television Coverage
The Carolina Panthers - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 8 Thursday Night Football game can be seen on NFL Network, 8:25 p.m. EST.
Live Stream (Online)
Live stream coverage can be seen on NFL RedZone.
Live Stream (Radio)
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