Monday Night Matchup
Week 14...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 14...
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
@
Carolina Panthers
The Rise of the South!
When the schedule came out this matchup must have just looked like a typical divisional rivalry that ESPN could only hope would have some play off implications, but never did they foresee what it is we have. When the Bucs and the Panthers meet tonight, not only will control of the South be at stake, but most likely the number two seed in the NFC playoffs. With just four weeks left, this game is critical for both teams bid for and success in the post season. Both teams have experienced their ups and downs throughout the season and now tied at 9-3, both share the lead in the NFC South.
What the Buccaneers need to do...
The Bucs have lost of little of that smash mouth style and mystique that has epitomized this team over the past several seasons. No more Mike Allstott and with running back Earnest Graham done for the year, the Buccaneers have had to improvise with the arm and legs of quarterback Jeff Garcia. A proponent of the West Coast offense, head coach Jon Gruden will rely on a heavy mix of the run game and short passing game to dink and dunk the Panthers cover 2 style defense. The Buccaneers will need to have early success in the run game to allow Garcia time to move around the pocket and take occasional shots downfield to his number one target Antonio Bryant and tight end Jerramy Stevens.
The Bucs have lost of little of that smash mouth style and mystique that has epitomized this team over the past several seasons. No more Mike Allstott and with running back Earnest Graham done for the year, the Buccaneers have had to improvise with the arm and legs of quarterback Jeff Garcia. A proponent of the West Coast offense, head coach Jon Gruden will rely on a heavy mix of the run game and short passing game to dink and dunk the Panthers cover 2 style defense. The Buccaneers will need to have early success in the run game to allow Garcia time to move around the pocket and take occasional shots downfield to his number one target Antonio Bryant and tight end Jerramy Stevens.
What the Panthers have been doing....
The Panthers have been running the ball through defense all season long. Their 133-yards on the ground per game ranks 7th in the NFL and with running back DeAngelo Williams success of late the Panthers will look to continue their trend. One of the big reasons for the Panthers recent success on the ground has been their ability to stretch the field with their speedy wideout Steve Smith. Delhomme and company will make every effort to get both Williams and Smith involved early to continue their success on offense.
The Panthers have been running the ball through defense all season long. Their 133-yards on the ground per game ranks 7th in the NFL and with running back DeAngelo Williams success of late the Panthers will look to continue their trend. One of the big reasons for the Panthers recent success on the ground has been their ability to stretch the field with their speedy wideout Steve Smith. Delhomme and company will make every effort to get both Williams and Smith involved early to continue their success on offense.
Players to watch:
....for Tampa Bay, the key will be running back Warrick Dunn. Dunn has historically run well against the Panthers with two straight games with over130-yards of offense.
....for Tampa Bay, the key will be running back Warrick Dunn. Dunn has historically run well against the Panthers with two straight games with over130-yards of offense.
...for the Panthers, DeAngelo Williams with five straight games finding the end-zone will be key with against the Bucs run defense.
Keys to the game...
There's no question that the Bucs will like to get their running game going with both Warrick Dunn and Carnell Williams. If they can have success, Garcia can use the play action to get the ball downfield to some of his playmakers in the passing game. The defense will need to slow down the Panthers run game and try to put some pressure on a not so mobile Jake Delhomme......the Panther would like to keep pressure off Delhomme by running the ball. One of their biggest keys will be getting DeAngelo 20 touches. If they can sustain the run, look for the fearless Jake Delhomme with his strong arm to take a few shots with Steve Smtih downfield. On defense, defensive end Julius Peppers will be key. His disruption of offenses and big play ability will be key for the Panthers success on defense.
There's no question that the Bucs will like to get their running game going with both Warrick Dunn and Carnell Williams. If they can have success, Garcia can use the play action to get the ball downfield to some of his playmakers in the passing game. The defense will need to slow down the Panthers run game and try to put some pressure on a not so mobile Jake Delhomme......the Panther would like to keep pressure off Delhomme by running the ball. One of their biggest keys will be getting DeAngelo 20 touches. If they can sustain the run, look for the fearless Jake Delhomme with his strong arm to take a few shots with Steve Smtih downfield. On defense, defensive end Julius Peppers will be key. His disruption of offenses and big play ability will be key for the Panthers success on defense.
Monday's Game Notes:
- Tampa Bay (9-3): The Bucs offense averages 23.3 points per game (ranks 17th) and averages 118-yards on the ground (ranked 11th). On defense the Bucs allow just 16.7 points per game (ranks 4th) and only 184-yards passing per game (ranked 4th). This season the defense has 25 sacks and 17 interceptions. Key Injuries/inactives: QB Brian Griese (3rd), WR Dexter Jackson, QB Josh Johnson, RB Noah Herron, S Donte Nicholson, LB Matt Mc Coy, DT Jovan Haye, G James Lee.
- Panthers (9-3): The Panthers are averaging 23.8 points per game (ranks 13th) and averages 325-yards of offense (ranked 17th). On defense the team is allowing 313-yards per game (12th) and have recorded already 24 sacks this season. Last year the defense had just 23. Key Injuries/inactives: QB Matt Moore (3rd), WR D.J. Hackett, DB C.J. Wilson, LB Adam Seward, G Mackenzy Bemadeau, C Ryan Kalil, T Jeremy Bridges, WR Kenny Moore.
Check back in the morning for more NFL news, notes, updates, and analysis with the "Tuesday (Football) Talk"
1 comment:
well we all saw how the game turned out, NICEEEEEE been to long for the Panthers!!
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