Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers
Monday, December 8, 2008
8:30 P.M.
Tampa Coach Jon Gruden brings his Buccaneers (9-3) to Charlotte for a Monday
night meeting with Coach John Fox’s Panthers (9-3). The teams are tied atop the NFC South. The winner will have a tremendous edge for postseason play although both could conceivably be playing more than 16 games. As their records indicate, the teams are alike in many ways.
Tampa Bay: UP: QB Jeff Garcia is 6-1 since returning from an early season
benching by Gruden. RB Cadillac Williams is showing more patience in waiting for his blockers. Rush defense was impressive last week, allowing only 44 yards in 18 runs. In the last two games CB Ronde Barber has looked All-Pro again,
accounting for 2 interceptions (1 for a TD), 3 knocked down passes, and seven
tackles. DOWN: Garcia had his lowest pass completion total for the season in last
week’s game, completing only 9 for 119 yards & 1 TD. On third down the Bucs were only 2 of 15. Defensively, in road games, the Bucs are allowing their opponents 323 yards. Of those yards, 121 are rushing.
Carolina: UP: In the last two weeks QB Jack Delhomme has scored two TDs,
nearly equaling his total of three in the previous 5 years. As a team the
Panthers rushed for 130 yards and 5 TDs. RB DeAngelo Williams had the other four. Special teams were impressive against Green Bay last Sunday. Three times they pinned the Pack behind their 5 yard line. On kickoffs Mark Jones had returns of 45 & 51 yards. He also averaged 11.5 on punt returns. DOWN: Defense, defense, defense. Rushing: Last week the Panthers gave up 145 yards at a 5.0 clip. Ditto pass defense, as they gave up 298 yards & 3 TDs. Defense is giving up 332 yards per game average, including 218 passing. On the other side of the ball, Carolina’s passing offense was shut out from scoring against GB.
Keys to the Game: For the Bucs, QB Garcia must show a good mix of run vs. pass. He must attack Carolina’s secondary, which has seemed befuddled lately, and turn RBs Warrick Dunn and C. Williams loose. Defense must keep pressure on Delhomme, not allowing second and third looks downfield. The Panthers must give Delhomme more time to complete passes. D. Williams should get 20-25 touches and a chance to get 100+ yards again. Carolina’s secondary must not lose their men in gap coverage.
By the Numbers: Tampa is 7-5 ATS while Carolina is 6-5-1. Both teams are 5-7
O/U. At home the Panthers are 3-2 ATS while the Bucs are 3-3 ATS on the road.
Against NFC opponents Tampa is 8-2 SU & 6-4 ATS while Carolina is 6-3 SU & 3-5 ATS. On Monday Night Football since 1993 the Bucs are 7-6 SU (6-6 ATS) and the Panthers are 4-3 SU (3-4 ATS). Carolina is 3-0 SU & ATS in avenging losses this season. With the NFC South Divisional Title possibly on the line, these two teams should leave it all on the field Monday night.