On the first drive of the second quarter (carrying over from the first), the Bucs started deep in their own territory. A big run by Rachaad White, an A’Shawn Robinson penalty that allowed the Bucs to turn down a field goal and try again for a touchdown, and a Chris Godwin reception moved Tampa Bay down to the 2-yard line. On third-and-goal, the Bucs brought in nose tackle Vita Vea (listed at 6-4, 347 pounds) at fullback and put a sixth offensive lineman at scrimmage.
It was clear to everyone the Bucs were going to run the ball, and they did, handing the ball off to Sean Tucker.
Tucker leads Tampa with seven touchdowns. He is reliable to punch it in, and considering the blockers in front of him, it seemed inevitable. A score would put the Bucs up 14-3, a two-possession game that could change the complexity of anything that follows.
Instead, the Panthers front bowed up, forcing Tucker to back off the left lane he was looking for and bounce out to the right.
“When they ran into the other side, I really couldn’t make a play, so I just stayed back in case the quarterback keep it or anything,” explained Horn of what he saw unfolding. “And I just seen Tucker try to make a play and bounce back to my side, and I just tried to hold contain.”