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3 Things to Watch
Offensive line's depth
Tackles Jordan Gross and Jeff Otah could return from injury today, but center Ryan Kalil (sprained ankle) didn't make the trip. He'll likely be replaced in the starting lineup by Geoff Hangartner. Receiver D.J. Hackett (knee)also didn't make the trip. That probably opens the door for Dwayne Jarrett to play.
Defensive backs' hands
The Panthers have three interceptions this season, although it seems like at least that many potential interceptions are dropped each game. If those defensive backs can hang on to the ball more often (Chris Gamble, are you listening?), an already impressive defense could go to another level.
Lloyd's kickoffs
After consistently kicking the ball into the end zone through four games, kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd forced just two touchbacks in seven tries last week against Kansas City. One-game slump or a trend?
The List
Although the Panthers have dominated the series with the Bucs (going 9-6 and winning five straight at Raymond James Stadium), some things have gone right for Tampa Bay. Here are a few:
1. ‘AUTOMATICA:' Although he struggled against Carolina at times, former kicker Martin Gramatica kicked three field goals in the fourth quarter in a 12-9 win in 2002 – most ever by a Panthers opponent in one quarter.
2. AIRING IT OUT: Quarterback Brad Johnson's 34-for-61 performance in 2002 is another record for a Panthers opponent (pass completions and attempts).
3. SAME PLAYER, DIFFERENT TEAM: Running back Warrick Dunn often has strong games against the Panthers – especially when he plays for Atlanta. One of them was in 2006, when he gained 132 yards, another in 2004 (134 yards). He was in Atlanta both those seasons.
4. DITTO: Mark Jones returned five punts for 71 yards against the Panthers last season. This season, Jones is Carolina's punt returner.
Game
Inside
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Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams
Williams ran for 123 yards last week against Kansas City and scored two touchdowns. He had another career-day last season against Tampa Bay, when he gained 121 yards and scored twice.
He's at his best when he's in the open field, which is where he'll find Brooks waiting for him. The Panthers hope Williams' elusiveness will provide a nice complement to Jonathan Stewart, who is a more physical back.
Buccaneers LB Derrick Brooks
He's been around: A 14-year veteran out of Florida State, Brooks has started 197 straight games. That's most among all active defensive players in the NFL.
Brooks is a mobile, physical player who has the speed to track down backs like Williams. But he's also got 25 career interceptions, including one this season against Green Bay.
Scott Says
After outscoring their past two opponents 58-9, the Panthers face a stronger opponent today. “We can really create a little distance for ourselves if we win this one,” Muhsin Muhammad said.
The Panthers could hold a two-game edge over Tampa Bay with a win. I believe the Bucs will be the most likely rival for the NFC South crown.
Jake Delhomme has haunted Jon Gruden for years. Delhomme is 7-1 as a starter for Carolina against the Bucs. Delhomme knows the Bucs defense so well he could list their two-deep depth chart.
Carolina's defense also is playing very well – it is ranked No.4 in the NFL. This is the most positive sign for the Panthers.
With that said, I think Tampa Bay will squeak this one out. I like Earnest Graham. I like the defense. I think Jeff Garcia is a “harder out.” It's just a hunch, but I'll predict:
Tampa Bay 17, Carolina 16.
Panthers Insider
There'll be another kind of rivalry today between the Panthers and Buccaneers: A sibling rivalry.
Although it's unlikely backup quarterbacks Josh McCown (Panthers, left) and younger brother Luke (Bucs) will play – barring injury to the starters or unless it's a complete blowout – their presence on the sidelines will at least provide a thrill for their family. Josh said their parents and grandparents were planning on traveling from their home in Jacksonville, Texas, to watch.
Josh wasn't above a little brotherly trash talk about the subject this week.
“I'd like to think that most of (the family) are on my side,” he said. “Why? Because I'm the one telling you. And I'm a lot more cool than my younger brother.”
This is actually the second time in 2008 the McCown brothers have opposed each other. Before being traded to the Panthers, Josh was with Miami in the preseason (pictured at left) when they played the Buccaneers in an exhibition.
Josh warned against overhyping a potential McCown vs. McCown showdown today. There's no comparison, he said, with a matchup between the Mannings when the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants play.
“Luke and I are sitting there, asking ‘What have they done?' Not everybody can be Super Bowl MVPs in back-to-back years.
“It's not exactly ( Peyton) Manning vs. ( Eli) Manning. But to our mom it is, for sure.”
