Panthers Vs. Bucs Preview: The Greg Schiano Era Begins In Tampa

In one of the more surprising moves this offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano after striking out on Chip Kelly of Oregon. On Sunday, Schiano will get his first chance to validate the hire as Tampa Bay hosts the Carolina Panthers.

There have been several changes along the Buccaneers roster but none has been bigger than inserting first-round pick Doug Martin at starting running back. If the Panthers have a defense anything like they did last season, he might experience some early success. Carolina allowed 130.8 yards per game on the ground in 2011.

For Tampa Bay, though, the main concern is slowing down Carolina's offense. In two games against the Panthers last season, the Buccaneers defense allowed 86 points. Cam Newton had four passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns in those games.

Game time: 4:25 p.m. ET

Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida

TV: FOX

For more on the Buccaneers preseason, head over to Bucs Nation. For more on the Carolina Panthers, make sure to check out their SB Nation blog, Cat Scratch Reader.